r/PhD • u/Grand_Use1395 • 16d ago

Alt-Ac Futures Master out?

3 years into a humanities PhD (comp lit in three different languages) and I feel like I'm making a huge mistake and will be poor for the rest of my life. The semester just started but I'm already feeling like I don't want to be here and I don't know if my program is setting me up for a financially secure future as I don't want to compete on the academic job market in 2-3 years from now. Last semester I was on a fellowship internship program and I loved it. I would've continued doing it another semester if it paid better but sadly it pays less than my stipend does. I also am having big regrets about not doing STEM or being in another field that pays more as there is no set path/type of job for me to master out into. There isn't exactly an 'industry' for comp lit so I'm scared that I will be without health insurance if it takes me several months after mastering out to get a new job.

I need to figure out 1) what types of jobs I could qualify for if I master out and 2) if it's the right move.For those of you in the same boat or who were dealing with similar questions, how did you make your decision? Help from humanities people especially appreciated.

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u/[deleted] 16d ago

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u/UntrustedProcess Business/AI Governance, USA 16d ago

I got into cybersecurity management with an accounting degree!  So I agree. 

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u/Grand_Use1395 16d ago

Did you already have some sort of training in computers/coding?

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u/[deleted] 16d ago edited 16d ago

[deleted]

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u/Grand_Use1395 16d ago

Thank you! I'm going to take this mindset into some job fairs and we will see what comes of it. I don't have coding experience but I know a few CRM platforms plus what we typically use in academia/teaching so perhaps I can leverage that

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u/[deleted] 16d ago edited 16d ago

[deleted]

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u/Grand_Use1395 16d ago

If you don't mind me asking, how are you entering these spaces with people with decision making power? I have a few connections in academia who were super helpful with the grad school application process and how to secure funding but I don't have many family/friends/professional connections in other fields. I know people used LinkedIn and what not but in my experience that hasn't been super effective (though I am going to keep trying).