Want to continue to PhD, but adviser has no job network in private industry

Graduate School
1

<p>I recently graduated from a top Univ. of Calif. program with an MS in civil engineering (2-year program). As a grad student, I published 2 papers in prestigious journals (as lead author) and finished with a GPA close to a 4.0. I also have a BS from a top 10 public university. Given this, I figured that I would have a relatively easy time finding work in the private industry. </p>

<p>It's been nearly impossible to get any interviews over the past 9 months, and my grad adviser has not helped much since I discovered they have no network outside of academia. I am a US citizen (no visa complications, ect.) and my CV and cover letters have been reviewed by "experts" and been deemed exemplary. </p>

<p>Rather than sitting around for an undetermined amount of time with no job, I am debating continuing on towards a PhD with same adviser, but I am worried that I will be in the same position once I graduate. </p>

<p>Should I wait a year and apply do different schools/ programs or take the chance that I'll find work after finishing a PhD with my grad adviser?</p>

<p>I think my field is decreasing in popularity, and I am considering changing my study emphasis if I continue grad school.</p>

2

<p>Don’t go back to grad school because you can’t find a job. Most professors within in academia don’t have extensive networks outside of academia. Have you hit up career services from either of the universities at which you are an alumnus/alumna?</p>

3

<p>Yes. The problem is that I am overqualified for most of the entry-level jobs they can match students too. It also does not help that my skills are very specialized and good job options are few and far between.</p>

<p>I know people say that you should not go to grad school because you can’t find a job. Ironically, it’s why I went to grad school in the first place. Now I still can’t find a job! </p>

<p>I don’t see the problem with changing my career focus and going back to school. Is it not better than sitting around unemployed? There are many exciting burgeoning fields out there besides what I chose to focus in.</p>