Degrees of Success highlights the lived experiences of students and recent graduates and their entries into the workforce. It details the challenges faced by PhDs as they begin their careers, key factors contributing to these challenges, and promising practices to address them.

Some new graduates face extended periods of temporary employment, underemployment, or unemployment, whether they are trying to enter academia, or the public or private sector. As a result, they are missing out on opportunities to reach their potential and make a significant contribution to Canadian society, and the Canadian economy misses out on opportunities to spur growth and innovation by capitalizing on their expertise.