Helping you communicate your strengths and vision
Chris develops clear, concise, and compelling messages so individuals and organizations can present their strengths and vision more effectively. His book, Leaving Academia: A Practical Guide, will be released Fall 2020 by Princeton University Press.
About me
Bio
Chris is a communications strategist, writer, and career counselor whose education and work led him from his birthplace in New England to the river-bend of New Orleans. He currently lives there with his wife Mallory, their son Caleb, and their cat Li’l Easy.
Select experience
- Career coach for professionals leaving academia, both 1:1 and as a participant in PhD Matters networking speed sessions
- Proposal writer for a global consulting firm, specializing in high value and strategic opportunities.
- Board director for the Nyansa Classical Community, an educational non-profit.
- Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics at Tulane University.
- Founding Chair of the Contingent Faculty Committee for the Society for Classical Studies.
- Alumni admissions interviewer for Georgetown University.
Services
Speaking
Bring the possibilities of what your students can do with their PhD to life. I’m available to speak about leaving academia in dedicated talks, for networking round tables, and on conference panels.
Coaching
Accelerate your path to a new carer with personalized advice and check-ins for added accountability. Billing is hourly, with discounts when you commit to five or more sessions.
Workshops
Use practical exercises to cement learning from short courses on finding new career paths, networking, translating CVs to résumés, building more supportive departments, and teaching transferable skills in graduate seminars.
Testimonials
What people are saying
Leaving academia is hard, all the more so with a humanities degree… Chris has forged a a great deal of wisdom negotiating this transition and I was fortunate that he shared it with me… His insights into how to approach informational interviews and how to evaluate an opportunity were also tremendously valuable. I definitely recommend that any academic considering an alternative career get in touch with Chris!
Goda Thangada
Chris mentored and advised me regarding career development as I was transitioning from graduate school to an “alt-ac” career. His advice was always practical, detailed, and thoughtful, and I gained much from our conversations. He was able to provide encouragement, leads on specific companies to look into, as well as ideas on how to develop my “brand” and make my experiences relevant to employers. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for advice and support in pursuing a new career.
Elina Salminen
In the news
Published work
Leaving Academia:
A Practical Guide
A new book coming Fall 2020 from Princeton University Press
Mass Exodus
Inside Higher Education
Point of view on how the COVID-19 crisis stands to drive more PhDs from academia than any event in living memory, and where they can go for help.
Identity Crisis
Beyond the Professoriate Blog
Discussion of how your core desires won’t change just because you’re leaving academia for a new career.
Si credere velis
Arethusa
Article on Lucan’s Cato and the reader of the Bellum Civile. My only regret in this academic article is starting it with the word “Despite.”
Get in touch
Let’s put your PhD to work.
Contact me for more information.
