Career development plan for Ph.D.
A career plan is a simple tool that helps PhD candidates reflect on their goals, needs, and opportunities.
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What is a career plan and why is it useful?
A new regulation now requires that all PhD candidates at the University of Bergen have a career plan.
A career plan is a practical tool that helps Ph.D. candidates gain an overview of their skills, ambitions, and development needs. The aim is not to lock anyone into a specific career path, but to support a more conscious and systematic approach to professional development, both within and beyond academia.
A career plan provides structure during a period that is often characterized by high demands and a fast pace. It helps candidates:
- reflect on what they enjoy and what motivates them
- identify skills they wish to develop
- set short‑ and long‑term career goals
- make more informed choices about courses, projects, and career opportunities
This leads to a stronger sense of mastery, better prioritization, and a clearer direction for the future.
A plan that offers flexibility, not fixed answers
A career plan is not a contract or a final decision about the future. It is a living document that can be adjusted as the candidate’s interests and opportunities evolve. The goal is not to lock the direction, but to open up for reflection, conscious decision‑making, and better dialogue.
Career plan
§§ 3.-19:
A career plan shall be prepared, specifying the competencies that the doctoral candidate is required to acquire. The institution is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the career plan and for securing the candidate’s access to career guidance throughout the doctoral training period (translation UiB Ferd)
