Adapting to career changes is a natural and often necessary part of professional growth. Whether prompted by new opportunities, limited career progression, shifting personal goals, or life experiences that challenge your existing career path, transitions can offer a chance to realign your work with what truly matters to you.

This is particularly true for researchers. With diverse and often complex academic journeys, researchers may reach a point where their roles no longer reflect their evolving interests, values, or aspirations.

This toolkit is designed to support you through this transition. No matter where you are in your professional journey, this toolkit will help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

Before deciding what to do next, it’s important to reflect on why you’re facing a career change and to take time to fully process this transition. In some cases, the decision may have been deliberate and purposeful; in others, it may feel like you’ve been pushed out of the system. Regardless of how it happened, acknowledging the change is essential — and remember, the direction of your next steps is ultimately in your hands.

Techniques such as revisiting past decisions or reflecting on your original goals can help you take stock of your situation and reconnect with your values, interests, and motivations.Helpful resources for this process include:

• reflection exercises, and guided questionnaires.

• workshops or training sessions on career planning and orientation can also be highly beneficial. Check if your institution offer them. Here it is an example from the University of Linköping.

• if you're feeling particularly stuck, check whether your institution offers career counseling or support services — or whether they can help you access them externally.

Academia has its own methods for assessing performance and driving professional development. For many researchers, this has been the only system they’ve known. As a result, they often communicate their value through academic achievements — which are not always recognized or appreciated by employers in other sectors.

Because of this disconnect, it's not uncommon for researchers to struggle to understand or articulate their own value outside academia. This can lead to frustration and a feeling of being unprepared for roles beyond the academic research track.

If you find yourself in this position, it may be helpful to look at your accomplishments not just through academic metrics, but as outcomes of core competencies you've developed. Many of these competencies — such as problem-solving, project management, critical thinking, and communication — are highly transferable and sought after by employers in a wide range of industries.

The key is to identify the right examples that demonstrate these competencies and translate them into language that resonates with non-academic employers.

To help with this, you can use:

To make informed career decisions, it's essential to explore the range of opportunities available beyond academia. The following tools and resources can help you better understand different professional roles and the skills they require:

Changing careers—especially transitioning from academic research to new professional paths—can be challenging. But you don’t have to do it alone. Building and engaging with the right support networks can make a significant difference in how confidently and effectively you navigate your career change.

Support can come in many forms: peer networks, professional communities, mentors, and career development platforms. Below are key ways to find the support you need:

Finding the right support network can give you the insight, confidence, and encouragement needed to take your next steps. Start small: connect with someone, join a group, or attend an event. The more you engage, the more support you’ll find along the way.

When considering a transition from academic research into the non-academic sector, submitting job applications should be your final step—not your first. Many researchers experience frustration or rejection when they jump straight into job hunting without fully understanding how to position themselves for a new professional context.

If you haven’t yet taken time to reflect on your added value, research the roles and sectors you're applying to, or make a clear and informed career decision, even the best-written CV may not lead to the outcome you hope for.

Before you apply, make sure you have:

• Identified your transferable skills and core competencies
• Understood the expectations and language of the sector you're targeting
• Mapped your career goals to realistic job roles
• Explored testimonials, job profiles, and market trends
• Built a support network for feedback and guidance

Remember: job applications are only effective when built on a strong foundation of self-awareness and informed decision-making. Skipping these earlier steps can lead to disappointment and missed opportunities.

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