“Beggars Can’t Be Choosers”: Individual Experiences and Career Planning Attitudes Among Female Doctoral Students in Europe

This study investigates the career aspirations of female PhD students and recent graduates in Europe, and the decisions they made, with a focus on the reasons behind the increasing departure of female academics from academia after the completion of their doctoral studies. Qualitative data from interviews with 15 female PhD students at different stages of their doctoral journeys provided insights into the uncertainties experienced by these women regarding their future in academia. The findings revealed that these uncertainties stemmed from a combination of factors, including challenging experiences encountered during their PhD programmes, perceptions of gender and cultural biases within their institutions and a general discontent with an academic culture that values research output above everything else. Many participants were open to exploring opportunities beyond academia, motivated by their desire for increased stability, improved economic prospects and a more favourable work–life balance. These factors held particular significance for those who were mothers or contemplating starting a family. Interestingly, women who planned to continue their academic careers did not have specific long-term career goals, often attributing their academic progression to factors beyond their control