The SIES (Information Systems and Statistical Studies) department of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) has just released the findings of its survey of 2020 PhD graduates.
Key take-aways
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Three years after defending their thesis, 94 % of 2020 PhD graduates are in employment, five percentage points more than one year after the defence.
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Job stability has risen sharply since 2021 (+27 points): 76 % now hold a permanent position, 94 % occupy managerial/executive roles, and 95 % work full-time.
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85 % of employed PhDs say they are satisfied with their professional situation three years after their defence—two points higher than one year on.
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74 % of employed 2020 PhD graduates work in research, whether in the public or private sector, three years after graduation.
For full details, see the Note Flash SIES MESR