PhD careers in Spanish industry: Job determinants in manufacturing versus non-manufacturing firms

Recent studies undertaking an analysis of PhD careers have noted that academia remains the first choice employment sector; nevertheless, they also reveal an excess of PhD holders for the academic sector and show that industry is increasing as an important employment source for these human resources. In this study, the factors that shape a PhD's decision to pursue a career in the private sector are analyzed. The results reveal influences of not only academic factors but also personal characteristics and job requirements. This study also analyzes whether PhDs within the private sector show different career patterns. The results confirm the existence of a different profile in the case of PhDs working for manufacturing firms. Differences were detected with respect to knowledge areas, the type of research undertaken during PhD training, the sources of received grants and the minimum level of study required to perform the job. As a result, the private sector should not be considered a homogeneous work place for doctorate holders.