Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general guidance on paid career services. It does not explicitly endorse or oppose any specific business or organization.
Many academics seek external resources when exploring career paths beyond academia. These often include 1:1 consulting sessions, paid workshops, or downloadable tools and materials.
At universities, career advising services have at times been more tailored to undergraduates than to graduate students navigating complex, specialized transitions. However, the quality and focus of support can vary widely depending on the institution and individual advisors.
In developing After Your PhD LLC, close attention has been paid to the landscape of career service providers and the ongoing ethical discussions surrounding how these services are marketed—particularly to academics who may have limited financial resources for high-cost services.
Types of Paid Career Services Options
Paid career services for academics can vary widely depending on the size and structure of the provider, ranging from solo consultants to larger, team-based firms. Common service offerings typically include:
- LinkedIn Profile Reviews
- 1:1 Career Coaching / Consulting
- General Coaching (e.g., confidence building, public speaking)
- Resume/CV & Cover Letter Writing or Review
- Interview Preparation
- Job Search Strategy & Networking Support
- Video-based career development services
Pros and Cons of Paid Career Services
While paid career services were not used directly in the development of this career path, many academics have found value in these services – particularly in refining application materials, receiving targeted interview coaching, and learning how to effectively sell their academic background and skills to employers.
There are several pros and cons to consider when evaluating paid career services:
Cons:
- Cost: Services can range from $100 for a single session to $5,000 or more for comprehensive programs.
- Contract Commitments: Some providers may encourage clients to enter long-term contracts.
- Specialization Gaps: Coaches may be more experienced in certain fields (e.g., STEM) and less familiar with others (e.g., humanities).
- Variable Outcomes: Effectiveness can vary depending on the provider, the client’s needs, and the quality of the service.
Important Note: If you feel pressured to use a career service, that could be a sign it’s not worth exploring that option. Keep exploring options until you feel confident in the provider.
Pros:
- Personalized 1:1 consulting options
- More specific guidance from professionals (STEM, humanities, etc)
- Possible inclusion into a deeper network of professionals
- Another set of eyes to review professional documents
Overall, career services can be a valuable investment, particularly when working with a provider who offers tailored guidance and actionable feedback aligned with your specific goals and professional background.
How To Choose Paid Career Services
When considering paid career services, it’s essential to do your research.
Not all providers are genuinely invested in helping clients find meaningful and fulfilling careers—some are primarily driven by profit.
That said, some PhDs offer valuable guidance based on their own experiences navigating the challenging transition from academia to alternative career paths. These individuals often make a modest living by supporting others through a journey they know firsthand.
While reading a career service provider website is a good first step in researching paid career services, go the extra mile and look at resources outside of testimonials present on a webpage.
Here are a few things you can do to help you make the decision:
- Read reviews online (BBB, Google Reviews)
- Read forums (Reddit, etc)
- Ask other PhDs (leave a post on LinkedIn and see what people have to say)
- Does the career service provider leave details about the price of services?
An Alternative to Paid Career Services – Informational Interviews
One primary free option After Your PhD recommends for career pivots is informational interviews. These conversations offer a low-pressure way to explore new industries, understand day-to-day roles, and clarify which paths align with your interests and strengths. Informational interviews also help build genuine professional connections—often opening doors to opportunities not posted publicly.
They’re especially valuable during a career pivot, when you’re translating academic skills into new contexts. Learn how to make the most of them in this informational interview guide.
Helping Connect PhDs with Career Services
After Your PhD LLC does not provide paid career services to PhDs at this time.
After Your PhD LLC serves as a platform to highlight available career service options and to educate PhDs about the career pivot process.
My plan for driving more revenue for the site involves using paid partnerships and sponsorships from trusted career services providers.
You can explore several free and paid PhD career resources right here on After Your Phd! The goal is to curate a definitive list of resources that can help PhDs make the pivot successfully.
If you’d like to connect with other PhDs who are need of service, consider partnering with After Your PhD LLC to help promote services, events, and more.
Ryan Collins PhD is an SEO Strategist at Go Fish Digital. Ryan completed his PhD in Media Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington in 2021. During his time at Indiana University, Ryan eventually pivoted into a career in SEO and Digital Marketing after having informational interviews with working professionals in SEO, working on side projects, and gaining industry experience.