Have the world economic crises negatively impacted the job opportunities for newly minted PhD's? Are certain fields doing better or worse than others? In our smaller private school, it seems that the situation is better than in larger public universities. What is the situation like where you are? How are postdoc job opportunities?

I am in a medium sized private university in northeasten united states. Our hiring has increased. We have also seen a significant increase in the number of applicants to our doctoral programs. I wonder if this can be sustained if undergrad enrollments decline?

Some very general numbers and trends from the USA. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition BLS


Education and health services. This industry supersector is projected to grow by 18.8 percent, and add more jobs, nearly 5.5 million, than any other industry supersector. More than 3 out of every 10 new jobs created in the U.S. economy will be in either the healthcare and social assistance or public and private educational services sectors.

Healthcare and social assistance—including public and private hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and individual and family services—will grow by 25.4 percent and add 4 million new jobs. Employment growth will be driven by increasing demand for healthcare and social assistance because of an aging population and longer life expectancies. Also, as more women enter the labor force, demand for childcare services is expected to grow.

Public and private educational services will grow by 10.7 percent and add 1.4 million new jobs through 2016. Rising student enrollments at all levels of education will create demand for educational services.

Interesting point you make aboutt non-profit employement. I remember reading article about that a couple of weeks ago. The gist of it was as follows.

There are plenty of jobs in the non profit sector. While a PhD doesn't give you very many unique skills for this sector, it's a ticket, and separates you from other applicants. Another fact is that pay can be very good, with loads of opportunities to write grants.

On the flip side, is the issue is the difference between what you think you will do and what you actually do. Expertise may work against you. Remember E.Q here! Take a more of a problem solving approach, it will be appreciated.

You have to motivate the others, and work very hard to fit in