Definite commitments to postgraduation study or work
Employment sector
Among doctorate recipients with definite postgraduation commitments for non-postdoc employment, about half (52%) of the youngest age group took positions in the industry or business sector, double the rate of recipients age 31 to 40 at graduation (24%) and triple the rate of those age 41 or older (14%). About one-half of the two older doctorate groups took academic positions, whereas about one-third of the youngest group did so. Across all age groups, 10% or less of doctorate recipients with definite non-postdoc employment commitments reported government employment.
Employment sector of U.S. doctorate recipients with definite employment commitments, by age at doctorate award: 2016
| Sector | 30 or younger | 31–40 | 41 or older | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Percent | Number | Percent | Number | Percent | |
| Academe | 2,355 | 34.4 | 4,214 | 54.4 | 1,635 | 52.4 |
| Industry or business | 3,584 | 52.4 | 1,830 | 23.6 | 449 | 14.4 |
| Government | 385 | 5.6 | 647 | 8.4 | 323 | 10.3 |
| Other | 522 | 7.6 | 1,057 | 13.6 | 716 | 22.9 |
- NOTES: Definite commitment for employment refers to a doctorate recipient who is either returning to pre-doctoral employment or has signed a contract (or otherwise made a definite commitment) for employment other than a postdoc position in the coming year. Percentages are based on the number of doctorate recipients who reported definite commitments and plans to stay in the United States. Other includes U.S. preschool, elementary, middle, secondary school or school systems; not-for-profit organizations; self-employment; and any other type of employer specified by the respondent.
- SOURCE: Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities 2016. Related detailed data: tables 46, 47, 55-71 (odd numbered).
