Is Your PhD Working?
1-on-1 coaching from the author of How to Make Your PhD Work(Wiley, 2023). Using the proven PhD Diagnostics framework, we'll assess your Environment, Advisor, and Project — then build a clear plan forward.
You're Not Alone
90%
of PhDs won't find jobs in academia
89%
start their PhD wanting to be a professor
7+ yrs
average time investment in a doctoral program
The PhD system doesn't prepare you for what comes next. Your advisor may not have the answers. Your department may not have the resources. But you don't have to figure it out alone.
Coaching Packages
Choose the level of support that fits your situation.
PhD Check-Up
$149
A single diagnostic session to assess where you stand and what to do next.
- ✓60-minute 1-on-1 video session
- ✓PhD Diagnostics assessment (Environment, Advisor, Project)
- ✓Personalized action items & next steps
- ✓Follow-up summary email
PhD Compass
$397
A 3-session package to diagnose, explore, and build your career action plan.
- ✓Three 60-minute 1-on-1 sessions
- ✓Session 1: Full PhD Diagnostics assessment
- ✓Session 2: Career path exploration & matching
- ✓Session 3: Action plan & transition strategy
- ✓Resume review & positioning guidance
- ✓Email support between sessions
PhD Transition
$797
Full-service coaching for PhDs actively transitioning out of academia into a new career.
- ✓Six 60-minute 1-on-1 sessions over 8 weeks
- ✓Everything in PhD Compass, plus:
- ✓Deep-dive career matching (values + personality)
- ✓Full resume rewrite & LinkedIn optimization
- ✓Interview prep & mock interviews
- ✓Networking strategy & introductions
- ✓Unlimited email support for 8 weeks
Your Coach
Thomas R. Coughlin, PhD
Author of How to Make Your PhD Work (Wiley, 2023) and founder of PhD Source. Thomas completed his PhD at the University of Notre Dame, a postdoc at NYU Langone Medical Center, and has navigated the full journey from academia to industry — including the setbacks, toxic labs, and career pivots that most PhDs face but rarely talk about.
Since 2018, he has interviewed hundreds of PhDs and developed the PhD Diagnostics framework to help doctoral students assess their Environment, Advisor, and Project — and make informed decisions about their futures.
Thomas has coached PhDs into careers in medical communications, data science, consulting, pharma R&D, tech transfer, and more.
This Is For You If...
You're stuck in a toxic lab and don't know whether to stay or leave
Your advisor relationship isn't working and you need a plan
You're finishing your PhD and have no idea what career to pursue
You're in a postdoc that feels like a dead end
You want to leave academia but don't know how to position your skills
You're considering a PhD and want to make the right choice
What PhDs Are Saying
“The resources provided by PhD Source for assessing one's PhD and for career planning are the most valuable I have ever come across. It summarizes important strategies and concepts concisely, combining information with checklists and actionable items. The diagnostics test helps PhD students avoid common suffering and empowers readers to take immediate action and ownership of their thesis work and personal happiness.”
“Love the content and the products PhD Source has to offer. There's an endless amount of value in the Diagnostics Test and career guide.”
Request a Coaching Session
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Want to start on your own?
Get the book: How to Make Your PhD Work →