Perspectives on Science Early Careers Workshop #4: Career Diversity
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Sep 22, 2025 Arwen Mohun, a Professor of History at the University of Delaware, shares her extensive insights on navigating diverse career paths for history graduates. She discusses the balancing act between academic and non-academic jobs, emphasizing the value of internships and flexibility. Mohun also addresses critical topics such as gender equity in the workplace and the importance of finding mentors. Her practical advice inspires those transitioning out of academia, highlighting that a PhD equips graduates for numerous fulfilling roles beyond traditional academia.
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Diverse Career Outcomes From One Program
- Arwen Mohun trained over 30 years and mentored 20+ PhD students with about half pursuing non-academic careers.
- Her graduates include grant writers, prep-school teachers, and a Coast Guard area historian, showing wide career outcomes.
Department Culture Shapes Career Choices
- Mohun observes her department values public-facing careers equally to traditional academia and has no stigma for non-professor paths.
- She argues academia self-replicates and advisors may oppose non-academic choices for personal reasons, not the student's benefit.
Test Careers Early With Practical Experience
- Try internships, volunteering, and teaching to test whether academic life suits you before committing long-term.
- Seek mentorship and teach yourself practical skills because most programs cannot train for every non-academic role.