Title: Identifying employability skills for Indian doctoral researchers: a thematic analysis of the supervisors' perception

Authors: Parul Pandey; Urvashi Kaushal

Addresses: Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, 395007, India ' Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, 395007, India

Abstract: The purpose of this one of its kind Indian study is to examine the perception of supervisors towards employability skills for Indian doctoral researchers who wish to successfully complete their PhD and subsequently have a career in academia. A qualitative research design through purposive sampling was used to conduct 41 semi-structured interviews for this Indian study. Findings resulted in a consolidated list of 44 skills which included communication, academic writing and publishing, hard work, adaptability etc. Supervisors' dissatisfaction towards the existing PhD course was highlighted and suggestions to improve the programme were mentioned. Incorporating the perception of the supervisors while planning courses and activities for doctoral researchers can make the transition from university to work easier and help researchers effectively communicate their findings, collaborate with international peers, and access a broader pool of knowledge.

Keywords: doctoral researchers; economy; employability; India; knowledge; learning; PhD; R&D; skills; supervisors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2026.154254

International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2026 Vol.38 No.2, pp.181 - 201

Received: 23 Jan 2024
Accepted: 12 May 2024
Published online: 18 Jun 2026 *

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