Finishing my PhD in Spring 2026 and aiming for starting in September 2026, should I apply now or next summer?

Question

I have read mixed opinions on whether I should apply this summer as an ADP or just apply after I finish my PhD? I'm a ware that recruiting in the US is one year a head of time but not sure if this one hold true for the Middle East too?

Answer 1

Hey there,

If you're aiming for a September 2026 start, I'd apply now if I had the option. Reason being:

If you're successful now: then you've got the job and can ask for a deferred start date! Mission accomplished! :-)
If you're not successful now: then you can try again next year this time and still have a chance to start in September 2026, but you'd have gained real valuable interview experience and data points to know where you'd need to improve and increase your chances of being successful next year

So you'd really lose out on anything by applying now. It basically gives you 2 attempts (at worse) to get your Sept-26 start date

All the best!

Answer 2

Probably a bit early. But considering that openings are not as freely available in the market as in old days - you might want to start the hunt/search now itself. Focus on non-committal networking and hit the trigger when your potential referees feel alright.

In terms of preparation - the best thing you can do right now will be:

Get your CV sorted with a coach
Get your broad-based FIT answers and Stories prepared and reviewed
Practice your FIT and Stories well before beginning networking

These are no-regret preparations and will help you with all job applications and interviews.

For case prep - it is a bit too early I would say. Starting case prep this early can lead to burnout and mental fatigue. Ideally you should start case prep around 8 weeks before you apply. This gives you enough runway and also helps keep the momentum strong when going into your interviews.

Answer 3

Hi there,

Q: I have read mixed opinions on whether I should apply this summer as an ADP or just apply after I finish my PhD?

If you have the option to apply now (meaning, you satisfy the criteria for the position), I would apply now. The main reason is that if you fail, you will have another chance in 12 months, so overall, you will have two attempts instead of one.

Regarding the starting period, usually it is not a problem to defer the starting date, so that should be fine as well.

Good luck!

Francesco