80–90%
of doctoral graduates eventually work outside academia.
Careers beyond academia
Your research career prepared you for more.
Now it's time to discover what's next.
PastForwardHub is a European platform helping researchers navigate careers beyond academia through community, practical resources, mentoring, and real transition stories.
The reality of academic careers today
You're not imagining it.
Academic careers have changed dramatically.
Across Europe, researchers face increasing competition for permanent positions, short-term contracts, funding uncertainty, and limited career guidance beyond academia.
Yet the majority of PhD graduates will eventually build careers outside universities.
The challenge isn't a lack of talent. It's a lack of visibility, support, and guidance.
78%
begin their careers hoping to stay in academia.
Thousands of researchers successfully transition every year.
Source: EURAXESS
There isn't just one path
A career beyond academia is not a second choice.
Researchers have successfully transitioned into careers as:
Entrepreneurs
Consultants
Editors
Project managers
Policymakers
Science communicators
UX researchers
Innovation managers
Museum professionals
Trainers
Nonprofit leaders
Freelancers
…and much more.
Your research experience is an asset, not a limitation.
How we're building support
Useful support, wherever you are in the journey.
Stories
Honest accounts from researchers who have made the transition.
Resources
Practical tools to help you explore, prepare, and communicate your value.
Community
A welcoming European network for questions, connection, and support.
Mentoring
Guidance from people who understand both research and transition.
Community events, conversations, and mentoring formats are part of what we're building together.
You already have the skills employers need
Researchers don't start from zero.
Research
Transferable skills
New careers
You already know how to
- Solve complex problems
- Analyse data
- Manage projects
- Communicate clearly
- Write persuasively
- Teach
- Collaborate internationally
- Adapt quickly
- Learn continuously
The challenge isn't learning entirely new skills. It's recognising and communicating the ones you already have.
Our story
Built by researchers who've been where you are.
We are three archaeologists who spent years working in international environments.
Like many researchers, we navigated temporary contracts, international mobility, funding uncertainty, and difficult career decisions.
Today, two of us run independent businesses, while one has built a successful career in publishing and editing.
Although our paths are different, we share one belief: researchers deserve better support when navigating career transitions.
PastForwardHub is the platform we wish had existed when we were making those decisions ourselves.
Alexandra Dolea
Co-founder · Marketing & Events
After two decades in academia and fieldwork, Alexandra now supports professionals navigating career crossroads.
Jona Schlegel
Co-founder · Design & Web Development
A landscape archaeologist turned independent visual science communicator, designer, and web developer.
Laura Coltofean
Co-founder · Campaigns & Strategy
An archaeologist and publishing professional bringing experience in editing, campaigns, and community building.
There's room for you here
You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
Whether you're finishing your PhD, questioning your academic future, exploring industry, considering freelancing, interested in entrepreneurship, or already transitioning—you're welcome here.