To explore career opportunities outside academia, the doctoral students were presented with information from potential employers, from Lund University School of Economics and Management’s (LUSEM) Professor of Practice, and also alumni who have successfully transitioned to non-academic careers. During the day they could also view an exhibition of present doctoral students research.
Insights, opportunities, and advice for life beyond the PhD
The doctoral students heard from representatives of the Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket), AstraZeneca, City of Malmö (Malmö Stad), SEB, Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), Tetra Pak, and the Swedish Agency for Growth Policy Analysis (Tillväxtanalys).
One of the questions raised by participants was whether knowledge of Swedish is required for employment in these organisations. The responses varied — while Swedish proficiency is not always mandatory, it is essential in certain workplaces, such as the Swedish Tax Agency. For careers outside academia, the topic of one’s doctoral thesis is often less important. Instead, interviews and written assessments tend to play a more significant role in the recruitment process.
Laurence Mott, Professor of Practice at LUSEM, who has more than 30 years of international experience, including a long career at Tetra Pak, shared valuable advice to the doctoral students. He encouraged them to apply for positions that match their skills, even if they do not specifically require a PhD, and reminded them that in industry, the key focus is on creating value and generating profit.
Sharing career transitions
During the panel, Elisa Labbas (PhD in Economic History, now working at City of Malmö at Department of Upper Secondary and Adult Education), Amalia Foukaki (PhD in Business Administration, now with A.P. Møller–Mærsk as Senior Product Manager,) and Jonas Lundstedt (PhD in Economics, now with the Swedish National Audit Office as auditor), reflected on their transitions from PhD studies to professional life. Their insights gave the audience a candid look into life beyond academia — from pace and processes to the value of research skills in new settings.
Elisa Labbas shared her experience of moving from academia to the City of Malmö. She highlighted the faster pace, the emphasis on teamwork, the diversity of colleagues’ backgrounds, and the challenge of managing several projects simultaneously.
Amalia Foukaki described her transition to the corporate world as demanding but rewarding, noting that work processes differ significantly from academia.
Jonas Lundstedt discussed the advantages of working as an auditor, including staying close to research, maintaining a high work tempo, and avoiding the pressure of applying for research grants. However, he also mentioned that the trade-offs include a little less freedom and that he misses teaching.
Key skills that translated well
When asked which skills from their doctoral studies proved most valuable in their current roles, Jonas pointed to managing and analysing large datasets. Amalia emphasised strong communication and organisational skills, while Elisa highlighted data management and cleaning, along with efficient communication.
Takeaways for today’s doctoral students
Overall, the event offered doctoral students a clear and encouraging picture of the many opportunities available beyond academia. By hearing directly from employers and alumni, participants gained practical insights into recruitment processes, workplace expectations, and the wide range of skills their doctoral training has equipped them with. The day underscored that a PhD opens doors in many directions and that the transition to industry or the public sector can be both feasible and fulfilling.
