Educational Alternatives, Volume 22, 2024

Rezumat: A career at a university is a special and unique kind of professional activity, and it also involves adopting a specific lifestyle. It is a profession that offers great freedom and is commonly driven by passion. The literature indicates that a doctoral degree builds prestige and recognition according to society, but from the labour market perspective (employers), an employee holding one can expect a high salary. Unlike other employees in the incentive system, he may be perceived as a threat because of his qualifications and career aspirations, but he may also lack practice. They may also be outstanding specialists in a specific field, advisors, and entrepreneurs. The research competencies acquired and shaped in the course of study at doctoral school are not equivalent to the competencies expected by the labour market and, thus, by employers. A break in work experience due to training at doctoral school and dedicating oneself exclusively to research may generate difficulties in finding employment. Young researchers may not find employment at university due to a lack of posts, but they may also not want to continue their careers in science. In both cases, it is very intriguing to see what paths they can choose with a doctoral degree, whether they know about them, and which they prefer.