A Career Development of International Doctoral Students in Humanities and Social Sciences in Japan: Perspectives of Professional Identity Construction and Cruel Optimism

Abstract

With the growing number of PhD graduates worldwide and the decline in tenure-track positions, more PhD students are considering non-academic careers. However, influenced by cruel optimism, many remain emotionally attached to academia, making it difficult for them to explore alternative career paths. This study employs an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach, conducting interviews with 12 Asian PhD graduates in Japan to examine their job-hunting experiences and the psychological factors behind their career choices. Findings reveal that the construction of PhD students' professional identity is shaped by social and cultural influences, academic training, and structural issues in the labour market, leading to psychological struggles and real-world challenges in their search. Based on these insights, this study develops a theoretical framework to illustrate how cruel optimism affects career development and offers recommendations for PhD students, universities, and employers to improve career support systems and address employment challenges faced by PhD students.