Newly trained scientists working outside academia might ease the glut, plus perhaps pass their enthusiasm and knowledge to the public.
Statistics tell the story.
In 1995, new Ph.D.s swelled to 5,878, yet the number of academic slots fell to 16,306. The pipeline appears to be near bursting. But for a grad student, finding a position outside academia is easier said than done. Part of the problem is image. Calling this an 'alternative career' is a subtle put-down.