<p>What are the career options for a phd? (specifically, for someone who wants to study failed states and intrastate conflict). Would i ever be able to have a successful career outside of academia? by successful i mean able to influence policies. i love research, academic writing, and intellectual inquiry in general, but dont want to be irrelevant to society.</p>
<p>You can consult, work for a think tank, join a political staff. Phds are definitely needed in policy.</p>
<p>If you’ve heard of David Petraeus, he was sent by the Army to get a Phd in IR. He is now the head of the US military in Iraq.</p>