As many PhDs join the non-academic workforce after their graduate careers, some doctoral researchers might choose some side jobs for scientists to work a few hours to increase their income and improve their standard of living. Depending on individual needs and situations, this could be because incoming self-funded PhD researchers also need a part-time job to afford their studies. A side job can help PhD students beef up their resume, create an income, improve their skills, and in certain cases, foster professional development.
Scientists opting for a side gig usually do that because they may not have enough money from their main job. This might be the case for PhD students because, most of them searching for a side gig want to earn some extra money, explore diverse yet interesting work, and venture into new transferable skills for professional advancement.
Here are a few great freelance jobs for PhD students, most of which you can accomplish remotely right now without giving up your postgraduate education. Some options are almost perfect for earning extra money given a student’s slim living. Here are the top 5 side jobs for PhDs and scientists who wish to work from home and improve their fortune.
#1. Consulting
Nonacademic consulting is one of the most popular nonacademic career paths. Consultants are often paid high hourly wages and can make a very good living on part-time work. Nonacademic consulting can include anything from using your research area expertise to become a scientific advisor to a television show or movie script, to giving strategic advice to businesses, to employing methods like those that you use in your research to work with businesses on a wide variety of problems.
Consultants can choose their hours and location, and most set their rates. Best of all, consulting often combines the intellectual inquiry that kept you involved in your research with the practical problem-solving that interests so many PhD students.
Skills and Qualifications for Consulting
Consulting as a side job for PhDs requires a unique set of skills and qualifications that enable individuals to provide expert guidance to organizations across various industries. These skills include:
- Strong analytical abilities
- Problem-solving skills
- Technical knowledge
- Effective communication and
- A deep understanding of the industry in which they are consulting.
These skills enable them to effectively communicate with clients, manage timelines, and deliver results that meet client expectations.
How to Find Consulting Opportunities
Finding consulting opportunities can be a strategic way for PhDs to leverage their expertise while earning additional income. Several effective strategies can help PhDs identify potential consulting projects and clients. One of the most effective methods is to leverage professional networks, such as LinkedIn, to connect with businesses and organizations that may require specialized expertise.
Also, attending industry conferences and workshops can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities that lead to potential consulting roles. Joining professional organizations related to your field can enhance your visibility and connect you with potential clients. Networking with peers during these events may also uncover hidden opportunities for consulting projects.
#2. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is another side job for scientists that offers PhDs a flexible opportunity to leverage their expertise while exploring diverse topics and connecting with various audiences. It involves writing and selling pieces that can be shared, published, or posted online, digitally, or in print. For some PhDs who enjoy the process of writing, a lucrative and viable side job can be freelance writing.
The types of freelance writing that I primarily do are creating web pages and websites, creating articles and blog posts exclusively for one website, creating self-published content to accompany books, drafting chapters for books, and preparing commentaries on behalf of a group or organization to be published on legitimate news sources.
Skills and Qualifications for Freelance Writing
Although freelance writing doesn’t require you to obtain a doctorate before you get started, to excel in freelance writing as a PhD requires some skillsets that can significantly enhance your employability in this competitive market. These include strong:
- Good writing and communication skills
- Ability to conduct thorough research
- Keen understanding of various topics.
- Familiarity with digital platforms and SEO practices
These skills not only enhance the quality of the content produced but also help in reaching a wider audience, ultimately leading to increased job opportunities. As a result, freelance writers can leverage their advanced research skills to create compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
How to Get Started
To get started with freelance writing, PhDs should first identify their niche and establish a portfolio that showcases their writing skills. Networking with other writers and potential clients can also provide valuable insights and opportunities.
Participating in writing workshops or local meetups can further enhance your skills and expand your professional network. This can lead to valuable connections with other writers and potential clients. By engaging in platforms like Fiverr, Medium, or Upwork, you can showcase your writing skills and attract more opportunities. You may consider building a personal website to enhance your portfolio, which can further demonstrate your expertise and versatility in different writing styles.
#3. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is one of the most popular side jobs for PhDs, offering flexibility and the opportunity to leverage their expertise in various subjects. This mode of instruction not only provides financial benefits but also allows them to connect with students from around the world and help them achieve their academic goals. With various platforms available, PhDs can select subjects that align with their research interests and teaching experiences. This flexibility allows them to organize their tutoring sessions to the specific needs of their students, enhancing the learning experience while also providing a source of additional income.
Skills and Qualifications
To be successful as an online tutor, you must possess the following skills
- Strong communication skills
- Adaptability to different learning styles
- Solid understanding of the subject matter
- Proficiency with digital teaching tools and platforms
How to Get Started With Online Tutoring
To be able to start online tutoring as a scientist, PhDs should first identify their areas of expertise and choose platforms that match their skills. You can explore websites such as VIPKid, Tutor.com, Wyzant, Preply, or Chegg Tutors to find suitable opportunities. Building a strong online presence through social media and professional networks can help attract potential students seeking assistance. You need to first create a detailed profile that highlights your qualifications, teaching experience, and the subjects you are passionate about.
This profile should also include any relevant certifications or courses completed. Engaging in professional development opportunities can enhance your teaching skills and improve your marketability in the online tutoring market. This can be achieved through various means, such as attending workshops, collaborating with experienced tutors, or enrolling in courses that focus on educational methodologies.
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#4. Virtual Assistant Work
Another side job for scientists to take on is Virtual assistant work. It offers a flexible and rewarding side job option for PhDs, allowing them to leverage their expertise while managing various tasks remotely. This role typically involves tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, and conducting research, all of which can be tailored to fit the unique skills and knowledge that PhDs possess.
As a virtual assistant, you may be tasked with managing social media accounts, creating content, and providing customer support, making it an ideal option for PhDs looking to leverage their expertise while enjoying flexible work hours. This role allows PhDs to utilize their organizational skills and academic knowledge effectively. Moreover, virtual assistant positions can vary widely, offering opportunities in diverse fields such as research assistance, project management, and administrative support.
Skills and Qualifications
To become successful in a role as a virtual assistant, PhDs must possess certain skills and qualifications that enable them to efficiently support clients in various administrative tasks. These include:
- Strong organizational abilities
- Excellent communication skills
- Proficiency in various software tools
- Keen attention to detail.
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills
How to Start as a Virtual Assistant
Starting a career as a virtual assistant can be a rewarding opportunity for PhDs seeking flexible work arrangements while utilizing their specialized skills. To start a side job in virtual assistance, you need to identify your strengths and the services you can offer, such as administrative support, social media management, or content creation. The next step is to build a professional online presence through platforms like LinkedIn or specialized job boards. This can enhance your visibility and credibility in the field, making it easier to land your first few clients.
#5. Entrepreneurship
PhD candidates/graduates are perfect candidates for launching their businesses as they leverage their specialized knowledge and skills in creating innovative products or services that address unmet needs in the market. Starting up a business can also present unique challenges for PhDs who may be more accustomed to traditional academic paths. However, with persistence and consistency, such a startup is bound to succeed.
Another thing is knowing when to sell a business as an entrepreneur. According to Dr. Charles Awuzie, “Not a lot of our entrepreneurs know when to sell ownership of their business to a new Best Owner…that is a smart business move”. If you are into Mobile App Development, you can build one and sell it.
Skills and Qualifications for Entrepreneurship
Engaging in entrepreneurship requires a shift in mindset, where one must embrace risk and uncertainty. Engaging in entrepreneurship requires a shift in mindset, where one must embrace risk and uncertainty. In all these, certain skills are essential if you must succeed as an entrepreneur, these include:
- Strong analytical skills
- Effective communication abilities
- Deep understanding of market dynamics.
- Financial management
- Networking
These skills are crucial for developing a sustainable business model, attracting investors, and building relationships with customers. These skills enable entrepreneurs to effectively navigate challenges and seize opportunities within their chosen market, ultimately leading to a more robust and resilient business foundation.
How to Get Started as an Entrepreneur
Starting a side business as an entrepreneur requires a strategic approach that leverages your existing skills and knowledge while also addressing market needs. To begin, identify your unique expertise and consider how it can be transformed into a viable business idea. Conduct market research to assess demand and competition, and develop a clear business plan that outlines your goals, target audience, and strategies for growth.
Seeking mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of starting your own business is equally important. This relationship can be invaluable, offering insights into market trends and effective strategies that may accelerate your journey as a new entrepreneur
Taking on side jobs can provide valuable opportunities for scientists to apply their skills, gain additional income, and explore diverse career paths beyond academia. These roles not only enhance their resumes but also help them build networks and refine their professional skills. The key to success in any of these side jobs for PhDs is having effective time management skills, doing something you care about, and loving what you do.
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