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Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:18 pm to volod
Really, never. You either know you're going after it or not. If you have to consider it, you shouldn't.
You can be a teacher for sure. Other than that, you're going to be in a little better position in the exact same job market as now
You can be a teacher for sure. Other than that, you're going to be in a little better position in the exact same job market as now
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:19 pm to lynxcat
PhD in Nuclear Physics or some engineering specialty
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:23 pm to volod
I know someone who is getting a Physics PhD. From your posting and insecurity, and what I know of him (he also has a math Phd), you would not be able to get one
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:27 pm to volod
Getting a PHD will actually limit your job possibilities. You'll become very specialized and you'll have to seek out the handful of PHD level jobs in your area.
If you have doubt about it don't do it. Getting a PHD is an intense process. It's also very rewarding if you finish, remember it's not a guarantee that you will actually finish. Several of my friends from grad school quit or failed their prelims and got kicked out. So, remember that if you fail out that's a year or two of your life down the drain.
You need to love research, you'll spend every waking hour in the lab. You also need to love to write, lots of papers. You will also be reading a shite ton of scientific articles, which are very dry.
Having said all that if you really want to do it, it's a truly rewarding experience. Pick a major professor that you really like, they will be your boss/mentor for the next 3 to 5 years. If you aren't an alcoholic already, you will be within about a month.
If I had to do it over again I would without hesitation.
If you have doubt about it don't do it. Getting a PHD is an intense process. It's also very rewarding if you finish, remember it's not a guarantee that you will actually finish. Several of my friends from grad school quit or failed their prelims and got kicked out. So, remember that if you fail out that's a year or two of your life down the drain.
You need to love research, you'll spend every waking hour in the lab. You also need to love to write, lots of papers. You will also be reading a shite ton of scientific articles, which are very dry.
Having said all that if you really want to do it, it's a truly rewarding experience. Pick a major professor that you really like, they will be your boss/mentor for the next 3 to 5 years. If you aren't an alcoholic already, you will be within about a month.
If I had to do it over again I would without hesitation.
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:27 pm to volod
If you have...
1) A real passion for doing impactful research that helps humanity;
2) The ability to write persuasively and earn grant money;
3) A reasonable chance of earning a fellowship/assistantship that offers free tuition and covers your costs of living so that you can avoid loan debt;
...then you might consider a PhD.
If you plan on working outside of academia, a PhD offers few benefits (and might even hurt your employment opportunities with certain individuals).
But some of this also depends on your intended discipline. I would suggest consulting with professors and individuals outside of the academic world who can give you relevant advice.
1) A real passion for doing impactful research that helps humanity;
2) The ability to write persuasively and earn grant money;
3) A reasonable chance of earning a fellowship/assistantship that offers free tuition and covers your costs of living so that you can avoid loan debt;
...then you might consider a PhD.
If you plan on working outside of academia, a PhD offers few benefits (and might even hurt your employment opportunities with certain individuals).
But some of this also depends on your intended discipline. I would suggest consulting with professors and individuals outside of the academic world who can give you relevant advice.
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:29 pm to volod
Still not calling you Dr. Volod since you're not an MD.
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:31 pm to volod
Yeah, no. You would have much more of an idea if you were actually in the field.
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:34 pm to volod
Few things sound more painful than pursuing a PhD.
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:40 pm to PsychTiger
quote:
One of the better first posts I've seen.
Now go frick yourself newb.
this...
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:53 pm to MikeyFL
quote:Pretty much sums it up in general.
1) A real passion for doing impactful research that helps humanity;
2) The ability to write persuasively and earn grant money;
3) A reasonable chance of earning a fellowship/assistantship that offers free tuition and covers your costs of living so that you can avoid loan debt;
...then you might consider a PhD
quote:For most fields, this is probably true. Now are some applied fields where the PhD is necessary (e.g., to be a licensed psychologist one must have a PhD) or beneficial.
If you plan on working outside of academia, a PhD offers few benefits
quote:Exactly. This is great advice for anybody thinking about pursuing one. They will give a better idea if opportunities, and ideally, whether it is even the ideal path for an indivdual.
I would suggest consulting with professors and individuals outside of the academic world who can give you relevant advice.
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:55 pm to volod
Are you a masochist?
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:59 pm to Chris Warner
My gf got her PhD and DMD at the same time.
Posted on 3/31/16 at 8:59 pm to volod
quote:
But what about the respect you get from your fellow peers
As someone who has a PhD, this isn't a given. People can always tell the bullshitters from those that are genuinely intelligent. A degree doesn't change their opinion.
Opens some career doors, but closes others.
Posted on 3/31/16 at 9:04 pm to The Easter Bunny
Now we have (in noparticular order)-
This post was edited on 3/31/16 at 9:05 pm
Posted on 3/31/16 at 9:07 pm to volod
quote:
by volod
(No message
You forgot to log into your other alter account.
Lol
Posted on 3/31/16 at 9:08 pm to volod
I feel bad for you. One doesn't simply get a PHD. You have to be born with one like your's truly 
Posted on 3/31/16 at 9:12 pm to The Easter Bunny
I have a PHD and I get more respect for my performance than the letter. Getting the degree was the hardest thing I have ever done, not because the school work was hard but because you are at the complete mercy of the professors desired. It is the most stressful endeavor I have ever completed.i thought it would be cool to be called Doctor, but the personal satisfaction of completing the degree far out weighs that ego gratification. I am to the point where I do not care about being called Dr.
I am in technology and not research and the degree has allowed me to get a job I could not without it. Only 3% of the pop has a phd, it is a value add, but go into it for the right reasons. You will make more money in your life with a PHD. The job I got translated into a 15k raise in one year. In the right circumstances, it can be very valuable.
I am in technology and not research and the degree has allowed me to get a job I could not without it. Only 3% of the pop has a phd, it is a value add, but go into it for the right reasons. You will make more money in your life with a PHD. The job I got translated into a 15k raise in one year. In the right circumstances, it can be very valuable.
Posted on 3/31/16 at 9:24 pm to ZacAttack
quote:
If you have doubt about it don't do it. Getting a PHD is an intense process. It's also very rewarding if you finish, remember it's not a guarantee that you will actually finish. Several of my friends from grad school quit or failed their prelims and got kicked out. So, remember that if you fail out that's a year or two of your life down the drain.
This, and I've seen people burn 3, 4, or even 5 years with nothing to show but they always say "ABD"
quote:
You need to love research, you'll spend every waking hour in the lab. You also need to love to write, lots of papers. You will also be reading a shite ton of scientific articles, which are very dry.
This goes back to the first point. You have to lvoe your field. Not "like" it, but fricking love it to the point you wake up in the middle of the night because you're solving things in your goddamn dreams. (It has happened to me several times, once with a very interesting clown who was trying to kidnap someone with a baseball bat)
quote:
Having said all that if you really want to do it, it's a truly rewarding experience. Pick a major professor that you really like, they will be your boss/mentor for the next 3 to 5 years. If you aren't an alcoholic already, you will be within about a month.
Yep, and coffee.
quote:
If I had to do it over again I would without hesitation.
yep x2
Posted on 3/31/16 at 9:35 pm to CptBengal
I understand your sentiments. But for all the helpful posts I have received, it inspires another question.
Why is obtaining a MS easier than obtaining a BS. Since technically an MS prepare for advanced studies, shouldn't it be harder.
Why is obtaining a MS easier than obtaining a BS. Since technically an MS prepare for advanced studies, shouldn't it be harder.
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