Why I Do This Work
When I started my PhD, I knew I didn’t want to pursue a traditional academic career. But like many graduate students, I found very little guidance for exploring alternatives. Most of the career advice I encountered was geared toward STEM fields or assumed I would follow the tenure-track path.
So, I followed the path that seemed expected of me: I pursued academia and eventually secured a tenure-track job. On paper, it was a success, and I truly loved academia. But in reality, I eventually found myself in an environment that wasn’t a good cultural fit. The disconnect between my values and the demands of the role made it clear that academia wasn’t where I could thrive long-term.
That decision to leave wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. It showed me that walking away from academia doesn’t mean failure — it can mean finding the freedom to build a career more aligned with your strengths, passions, and values. And that’s exactly why I do this work: to help other Social Science and Humanities PhDs see that they, too, have more options than they may realize.
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Marya T. Mtshali, Ph.D.
Who I Am
With 15+ years of experience across higher education, nonprofits, and industry, I know firsthand that a PhD doesn't lock you into a single path. My career has spanned teaching, research, finance, consulting, and organizational leadership — all grounded in a commitment to helping people translate knowledge into impact.
Along the way, I’ve:
Was a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard Kennedy School
Taught and mentored students at Harvard, Bucknell, Wellesley, Clark, and Northeastern University.
Designed and led programs that helped PhDs and postdocs connect their academic expertise to diverse career pathways.
Published research and commentary in outlets like Newsweek, The Nation, Vox, and Cosmopolitan, and was interviewed on NPR.
Built cross-sector collaborations that advanced equity, policy change, and organizational growth.
I know what it’s like to navigate uncertainty, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when PhDs recognize their skills as in-demand outside academia.
My Approach
I combine practical career strategy with compassionate coaching. That means:
Breaking down overwhelming transitions into clear, actionable steps.
Translating academic skills into language nonprofits and industry employers value.
Helping you overcome imposter syndrome and build confidence in your strengths.
Meeting you where you are — whether you’re just starting to explore or actively applying for jobs.
This isn’t about abandoning your PhD — it’s about reframing it so you can create a meaningful career on your own terms.
Get in Touch
Reach out for career coaching and transition support.