Definition
"Alternative academic" careers - positions for PhD holders outside traditional faculty roles, which is a euphemism for 'your dreams of being a professor died, but here's a consolation prize.' Think academic administration, publishing, or museums.
Example Usage
After three years on the job market, she pivoted to alt-ac and now does assessment work for the dean's office.
Origin
Emerged in early 2010s as PhD job market collapsed
Fun Fact
The alt-ac movement reframes career 'failure' as choice, though it emerged primarily because there aren't enough faculty positions for PhD graduates
Source: Graduate education and career planning terminology
Related Terms
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