Background: As job markets shift, universities must help doctoral students adapt their new skills to available jobs. This qualitative survey study explores North Dakota PhD students’ career expectations to help university faculty and staff better understand how to support students’ current education and future career-related endeavors. Methods: An online, anonymous survey containing closed- and open-ended questions was E-mailed to university department administrators at PhD-offering public universities in North Dakota; administrators were asked to forward information about the study to their current PhD students. Departments were randomly selected for contact, and three rounds of distribution were conducted to obtain enough surveys to achieve thematic saturation. Survey transcripts were coded and themes were determined via thematic analysis. Content analysis was then conducted to quantify study-relevant content. Results: Thirty-six surveys were at least partially completed, with 75% (27/36) of participants in STEM fields, but only 35 surveys contained more than demographic content. From those 35 surveys, overarching themes included passion for area of study, job expectations/preparation, personal growth, and personal challenges. While passion for their field of study was a driver for many participants, many also explained that job preparation was a motivator for joining their PhD program. Many felt that they received helpful training from their PhD program, but other comments included lack of career availability or preparation and lack of training on research, teaching, funding, business skills, and soft skills. Conclusions: PhD programs in North Dakota should provide practical guidance and training for students to apply their skills in the workforce.