The doctorate, a degree with high added value
A PhD allows students to acquire in-depth knowledge in a particular discipline. It also provides them with the skills developed during the thesis process: independence, rigor, analytical and synthesis skills, the ability to manage complex situations, etc.This dual specificity—expertise complemented by cross-disciplinary skills—makes this program of excellence an increasingly valued asset for recruiters.
A balanced distribution between public and private
Surveys are regularly conducted to track the careers of our doctoral graduates. They show that almost 70% of our graduates are hired by public or private companies, and around 25% go on to pursue careers in higher education and academic research.
In the private sector, managerial positions are in the majority, and average salaries vary significantly—from €37,000 to €53,000 gross per year.
The importance of professional networking
The professional network developed during the thesis remains the main means of securing employment. When it comes to the added value of a doctorate in terms of their integration into the job market, graduates primarily highlight scientific and technical skills (more than 90%), followed by the ability to manage complex issues (more than 50%), cognitive skills (40%), and collaboration skills (20%). Three-quarters of Arts et Métiers PhD graduates consider this broad range of skills Arts et Métiers decisive in their career development.
CIFRE agreements: a passport to employment
One of the main funding mechanisms for theses is the CIFRE contract (industrial agreement for training through research), which allows companies to hire a doctoral student for three years as part of a collaboration with a public laboratory. Nearly one in four theses atArts et Métiers are covered by this scheme. According to a study conducted in 2016 by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research andthe ANRT, two-thirds of PhD graduates who have used this scheme pursue a career in a company, compared with one-third of all PhD graduates. The experience gained through this type of doctoral training, which is geared towards industrial concerns, therefore enhances employability in the private sector. The study also reveals that three-quarters of CIFRE PhD graduates are recruited for R&D assignments, mostly related to their thesis topic.
