This article explains how English PhD students are well suited for careers in career development. Drawing on competencies identified by the Graduate Career Consortium, the authors highlight four key areas: teaching and mentoring, career coaching, interdisciplinary knowledge, and program administration. Through classroom instruction, mock job application assignments, cross-disciplinary teaching, and event planning, doctoral students build transferable skills in communication, advising, and leadership. These experiences prepare them to guide students in exploring career paths and articulating professional goals. The authors encourage PhDs to view career development as a meaningful path that builds on—rather than abandons—their academic training.

In its March 2013 issue, The Atlantic ran a tersely titled article, “Anthropology, Inc.The author, Graeme Wood, spoke about a market research company (ReD) that was hiring anthropology PhDs to use their training in social science field work to dreg up data closer to home—in fact, in the home itself.