Hi, I’m Ryan Collins, PhD — the founder of After Your PhD. I also work in SEO and digital marketing.
After Your PhD is an informational resource created to help fellow PhDs explore career paths beyond academia.
I earned my doctorate from Indiana University Bloomington, where I originally set out to become a film studies professor. Over time, I realized that the academic job market often demands geographic flexibility for positions that may be short-term or uncertain. I chose to leave academia in pursuit of greater stability and a better quality of life for my family.
When I began my transition out of academia, I had a lot of questions—and at the time, there were very few resources available. Despite coming from a field where asking questions is central to research and teaching, I found it difficult to ask those same questions about myself and my future. Through a combination of informational interviews, personal exploration, and plenty of trial and error, I eventually found my way into the world of SEO and digital marketing.
What is After Your PhD?
After Your PhD is an informational resource designed to support PhDs exploring careers beyond academia. It includes this website, newsletter, a podcast, a job board, and other evolving tools—all aimed at helping scholars navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence.
While my own experience informs parts of the project, the goal isn’t to focus solely on my story. After Your PhD is built on the belief that diverse perspectives matter. That’s why I feature insights from PhDs who have taken many different paths—because no two journeys look the same.
At its core, After Your PhD is about asking questions—the ones we’re often afraid to ask, and the ones that can lead to real change. I look forward to continuing to ask those questions and to helping others find their own answers along the way.