Testimonials

Social science and humanities PhDs are often overlooked in the alt-ac conversation, which is why Scholarly Transitions was such a welcome space. All the sessions were comprehensive, and the resources were phenomenal.

These sessions were really useful in threading a more cohesive professional story… It allowed me to explore what strengths I bring to a job—many of which are because of my anthropology PhD, not despite it.

PhD Graduate in Anthropology, working in government

“I know that…this contributed enormously to me securing my current role."

Will B., Medieval and Renaissance Studies PhD, University of Cambridge, working in higher education administration

★★★★★

★★★★★

Scholarly Transitions was an incredible resource during my job search. Navigating the post-PhD market can be daunting, but through the advice of Marya and my [Catalyst Collective] cohort, I was able to identify my skillset and articulate them more clearly and compellingly. I know that incorporating the lessons from our group sessions into my job materials contributed enormously to me securing my current role. Thank you, Marya!

“It helped me reframe my transition narrative in a way that is more empowering and cohesive.”

My Scholarly Transitions’ Catalyst Collective group coaching experience was very positive and effective. The program was well-structured, and I especially valued the supportive group environment and the opportunity to learn from both the coach and peers.

The experience also helped me gain confidence and a clearer sense of how to position myself moving forward.

PhD Graduate in History of International Relations

Participating in Marya’s group coaching for scholars was a very valuable experience for me. She creates an exceptionally safe and trusting group environment….At the same time, her approach is highly systematic and well-structured.

I particularly appreciated how Marya actively encourages everyone to bring in their own experiences. She is very skilled at facilitating a co-learning process within the group, so that each participant can both contribute meaningfully and benefit from the diverse perspectives of others.

Overall, I feel much better prepared now than I did at the beginning of the program, and I would highly recommend this group coaching to scholars who are exploring career opportunities inside and outside of academia.

Hanna R., PhD Student in Political Science, Southampton (UK)

★★★★★

“This helped me significantly to clarify my goals, identify my skills more precisely, and develop a concrete sense of next steps in my career process.”

“I was able to identify my key transferable skills, clarify the roles and career direction I want to pursue, and broaden my understanding of the U.S. non-academic job market.”

★★★★★

“I know that incorporating the lessons from our sessions into my job materials contributed enormously to me securing my current role.”

Will B., Medieval and Renaissance Studies PhD, University of Cambridge, working in higher education administration

★★★★★

Dr. Mtshali brings extraordinary breadth and insight into a confusing, stressful, and complicated job market. She truly understands the complicated emotions related to the PhD and transitioning out of academia.

Her sessions are tailored to my specific priorities, and her workbooks are engaging and practical. She has a keen ability to identify and break down my sticking points. Plus, Marya has a bird's-eye view of the field, and her high-level strategies/tools have boosted my confidence and resiliency.

PhD Graduate in Environmental Studies

I left my sessions with Marya feeling hopeful, capable and seen as a complete human being. The academy can be a wonderful and traumatizing place all at once. Her own experiences on the tenure track inform her empathetic disposition. Through our structured assignments, carefully tailored correspondence and discussions, I was not only poised to consider my future career directions, but also to continue my post-academia healing journey.

Assistant Professor of Political Science

★★★★★

“I left my sessions…feeling hopeful, capable and seen as a complete human being.”

“Marya’s coaching process is the perfect amount of structure and flexibility.”

★★★★★

The sessions with Marya and Scholarly Transitions really helped me reflect on my career path to date and begin to see alternative futures outside academia.

Given the current highly competitive job market in academia, I found these sessions so valuable in understanding not only what I have to offer, but what I want from a future career. Scholarly Transitions has the space and experience in helping navigate and guide these conversations and reflections. Thank you!

Anita L., PhD Student in Anthropology, University of Westminster

The experience of participating in the Scholarly Transitions group coaching was truly a one of a kind opportunity. Marya is an exceptional coach—she listens intuitively and provides sound guidance and encouragement.

I would definitely recommend working with Marya to any social science scholars looking for career guidance outside of academia!

PhD in Feminist Geography, working in non-profit consulting

★★★★★

“[The program provided] clarity, insights and new perspectives.”

“[The sessions] made me feel much more confident and hopeful about life after my PhD.”

★★★★

Her guidance on big-picture questions was invaluable—especially in helping me distinguish between issues in my strategy and the realities of the current job market.

When appropriate, Marya offered direct tips and recommendations, but she didn’t impose a path. Instead, she guided me toward my own conclusions through strategic questions grounded in the exercises, research, and reflection I was doing between sessions.

She also brought substantial knowledge across sectors and industries, and her feedback on my job materials was exceptionally detailed and useful.

Working with Marya has given me much more confidence as I navigate this transition and look ahead to the rest of my professional life.

Stephanie M., Lecturer, University of Minnesota Morris

★★★★★

“[Marya's] guidance was invaluable—especially in helping me distinguish between issues in my strategy and the realities of the current job market.”