This research investigates the value of a PhD for employment outside academia by showing how PhD holders create it through the help of intermediations during their thesis preparation. We analyse scientific practice through the use of Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) to better understand PhDs' employment outside academia. With CHAT, intermediation on labour markets is seen via the lens of activity. Using a qualitative methodology, we interviewed 20 students who completed PhDs at the University of Lyon in France and who now work for private companies. Our findings show how the value of these PhDs is shaped both by what they do during thesis and by what they seek to become in their professional careers. We contribute to the literature by providing a new theoretical stance on intermediation in labour markets, and offer reflections for universities across Europe to tailor their PhD programmes.

中文翻译：

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你的博士学位价值多少？博士在学术界之外寻找工作的价值

这项研究通过展示博士持有者如何在论文准备期间通过中介的帮助来创造博士学位，从而调查了博士学位在学术界以外就业的价值。我们通过使用文化历史活动理论 (CHAT) 来分析科学实践，以更好地了解博士在学术界之外的就业情况。通过 CHAT，可以通过活动的视角来看待劳动力市场的中介。我们使用定性方法采访了 20 名在法国里昂大学完成博士学位并现在为私营公司工作的学生。我们的研究结果表明，这些博士的价值是如何受到他们在论文期间所做的工作以及他们在职业生涯中寻求成为的目标的影响的。我们通过提供关于劳动力市场中介的新理论立场为文献做出贡献，并为欧洲各地的大学提供定制博士课程的思考。