5 Tips to Showcase Your PhD Skills & Brand Yourself as a Scholar
Too many Black women PhDs are doing groundbreaking work but struggling to showcase their expertise on the job market. We’re taught to focus on the research, the writing, the defense—but what happens after that? How do you position yourself in ways that open doors to opportunities in and beyond academia?
Your dissertation is just one chapter of your story. You are more than your research project. Whether you're pursuing faculty roles, industry positions, nonprofit leadership, or research consulting, you need to brand yourself with clarity and confidence so that hiring committees see the full scope of your expertise.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Lead With Your Purpose: Own Your Why
Your work is deeply intentional—so let that be known.
Why did you choose this research?
What personal or professional experiences shaped your topic?
How does your work serve the communities, institutions, or industries you care about?
Your dissertation is not just an academic exercise. It’s part of a larger mission. Own that when talking about your work in job materials, networking spaces, and professional bios.
How to apply this:
In cover letters, frame your research in terms of the real-world problems it addresses.
In faculty job talks or interviews, emphasize why your work matters beyond just filling a gap in the literature.
On LinkedIn and social media, introduce yourself with a strong research identity statement that connects your personal and scholarly commitments.
Branding Tip: When you introduce yourself, don’t just say what you study—say why it matters.
2. Highlight Your Preparation: You Are More Than a Researcher
PhD programs often condition us to only talk about ourselves as researchers, but your skills go beyond just research. Your time in grad school trained you to be a:
Educator (even if you weren’t formally in a classroom)
Public speaker and facilitator (job talks, conferences, workshops)
Writer and content creator (articles, reports, op-eds)
Project manager and collaborator (organizing research, teams, and deadlines)
How to apply this:
On your CV or resume, don’t just list what you did—show how you applied key skills. Instead of saying “Conducted research on Black girlhood and schooling,” say:
“Designed a mixed-methods study on Black girls' educational experiences, securing $50K in grant funding and leading a research team of three.”If you’re applying for industry roles, translate academic work into transferable skills. For example, data analysis, program evaluation, strategic communication, and leadership development are all skills hiring managers look for.
Branding Tip: Your PhD trained you in more than just research—make that clear in every job application.
3. Show Your Potential for Impact: Make It Clear Who Benefits From Your Work
Black women PhDs do work that transforms communities, policies, and institutions—but if you don’t articulate that impact, people won’t see it.
Ask yourself:
Who does my research serve? (Students, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, industry professionals?)
How does my work challenge or change existing narratives?
Where do I see my research being applied outside of academic journals?
How to apply this:
In interviews and application materials, connect your work to larger movements, industries, or policy conversations.
If you’re writing op-eds, grant applications, or project proposals, be explicit about who benefits from your work and why it matters.
Consider building an Impact Portfolio—a collection of your major projects, speaking engagements, and public work that shows your expertise in action.
Branding Tip: If you don’t tell people how your work makes an impact, they won’t know. Make it clear.
4. Build a Strong Online Presence: Make Your Work Visible
If your academic reputation only lives in your dissertation committee’s inbox, you’re limiting yourself. Branding yourself as a scholar means putting your expertise where people can see it.
How to apply this:
Update your LinkedIn profile with a research statement and a headline that reflects your expertise.
Share your insights on Medium, or a personal blog—your research shouldn’t just be locked in academic journals.
If you’re comfortable, create an academic website or use Linktree to showcase your work, speaking engagements, and research projects.
Branding Tip: People Google you before they invite you to speak, collaborate, or hire you. Make sure they find an intentional presence.
5. Build Meaningful Connections: Position Yourself in the Right Spaces
Many of us were taught to let our work “speak for itself,” but that’s not how opportunities happen. Black women PhDs deserve to be in rooms where their expertise is valued.
How to apply this:
Start connecting with scholars, professionals, and thought leaders in your field (LinkedIn, Twitter, or virtual events).
Attend conferences or industry events with a clear goal—not just to present, but to build relationships that could lead to collaborations, jobs, or speaking engagements.
When reaching out to new connections, have a short, impactful introduction ready:
“Hi Dr. X, I admire your work on [topic]. I’m a PhD candidate studying [your research focus], and I’d love to connect to learn more about your path.”
Branding Tip: Don’t just network for the sake of networking—be intentional about connecting with people who align with your goals.
Final Thoughts: You Are the Brand!
Your PhD is not just a degree—it’s a body of work that reflects your expertise, values, and future goals. Whether you’re pursuing faculty positions, industry roles, or a mix of both, branding yourself as a scholar means confidently articulating your impact.
Next Steps: Work With Me to Build Your Scholar Brand for the Job Market!
Too many Black women PhDs are doing groundbreaking work but struggling to showcase their expertise in ways that open doors. You’ve spent years developing your research—now it’s time to make sure hiring committees, collaborators, and decision-makers see your full value.
If you're ready to:
Clarify your research identity and professional brand
Strengthen your job materials—cover letter, research statement, CV, or job talk slides
Position yourself confidently for academic and industry roles
Then let’s work together. The Scholar Branding & Career Breakthrough Session is a high-impact, one-on-one coaching experience designed to help you stand out.
Spots are extremely limited each month, and applications are reviewed for best fit. 🔗 Apply now to secure your spot. Limited slots available each month.
