The Job Hunt Struggles of Women in STEM: A PhD Perspective

Navigating Joblessness with Creativity

Claudia Belliveau reflects on her challenging journey after earning her PhD in neuroscience from McGill University. Despite her qualifications, she finds herself jobless in Montreal, struggling to land a position in the pharmaceutical industry since defending her dissertation last March.

"I have been job hunting, even since before that," she tells CTV News. After numerous interviews, she often hears, ‘Oh, but you still have no experience.’

In a bid to stay afloat, Belliveau turned to social media, launching an Instagram account to share insights on navigating graduate school and transitioning into the industry. Her candidness and humor have attracted a following of over 89,000, leading to brand deals that provide her with an income during this uncertain time.

"I started getting brand deals and sponsorships with different companies, which have allowed me to have an income in this time of not being able to find a job in a pharmaceutical industry," she explains.

The financial support from her social media endeavors has been a lifeline, allowing her to thrive rather than just survive. Inspired by fellow STEMfluencers, she utilizes her skills to assist others while managing her own stress about joblessness.

In addition to content creation, Belliveau engages in freelance scientific consulting and runs an online store for PhD graduation gifts, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship.

"I have to make my own doors," she states, emphasizing the importance of self-determination in her career path.

Shared Experiences in STEM

Belliveau's situation mirrors that of other women in STEM fields. Lilit Antonyan, another PhD graduate, expresses frustration over the job market, having defended her doctorate last November. Despite her passion for biology and genetics, she has struggled to find employment, relying on family support.

"People with a PhD have a lot of qualities that can be used," she remarks, highlighting the disconnect between qualifications and job opportunities.

Pascal Ibrahim, also a PhD holder, shares similar sentiments, stating, "We finish our PhD, so excited to finally start our life and be financially stable... and then it just doesn’t happen." She believes that universities should develop more internship opportunities for higher degree graduates to ease their transition into the workforce.

The Statistics

According to the TRaCE McGill Project, which followed 4,500 PhD graduates, 60% of alumni graduated in medicine, science, or engineering. Among those who found jobs, 54% are in academia, 28% in the for-profit sector, and 8% in government roles. However, the project did not disclose the percentage of graduates who remain unemployed or the duration of their job search.

Similarly, Concordia University's global impact project tracked career outcomes for PhD graduates, revealing that 49% work in post-secondary education, while 23% found jobs in the private sector.

Despite these statistics, many graduates find themselves still searching for employment, raising concerns about the support systems in place for PhD holders entering the job market.