To PhD or not to PhD?

[Claza]

Is anyone on here currently studying for a PhD?  I am considering it after I graduate next summer and wondered if anyone could give me any wisdom on what it is like, pros/cons, etc.  Mine would be in Physics.

Thanks!

[MargeB]

PhD, or to use the proper term for those who don't know: "Pretty hardcore, Dude". Tough one.

Major Con:

It might not be awarded to you, even at the end of a hard slog. Major hole in CV, 3 to 7 years long. Be careful. Depends what you want. I would have loved to have done a Physics PhD, probably well beyond me though.

[jake-the-peg]

If you love your subject and are self motivated its a great idea.

If you can't think of anything better to do or are not self motivated it's a really dumb one.

You probably won't see much financial reward either.

I left after my degree and got a job in Physics with the atomic energy authority. Within two years I'd become disillusioned with professional science and had started a career in computing.

If I'd have done a PhD it'd have pretty much been a waste from a career perspective 

[newtron]

I'm currently working on a PhD in hydrogeology.  As Marge B states, it really depends on what you want.  I am really liking the actual process.  It is a nice job (although it does not pay much), where I feel that I have a lot of control of what I am doing, and I am doing what really like: research.  However, I still sometimes question whether it is the right thing for the long run.  Right now I have a master's in Hydrology from a well respected school and can probably get a job at an  environmental consulting firm, making decent money fairly easily.  But when I have a PhD, I may not be so employable, as I will be in a much more specialized bracket with a lot more competition.  I suspect it would be the same situation for physics.  If you want to stay in academia, then it is the only way to go, but you really have to be dedicated and really like what you are doing for the effort to pay off.  So far I am glad that I am persuing a PhD, as I am learning a lot!  I hope this helps.  Good luck! 

[newtron]

Another interpretation of the various initials for the different degrees:

BS- Bull sh***

MS- More Sh***

PhD- Piled high Deep!!

[fo3nix]

I think it depends if you want to stay at the "cutting edge" physics or not.

If you plan to go onto teaching, or do some other physics-related profession that doesn't require a PhD, or some totally unrelated subject, then don't do a PhD. It'll be a waste of money and time.

However, if you want to stay in academia, want to make some new development, get a Nobel (heh), or are wanting to do a job of some sort that would require a PhD (move into research), then obviously go the PhD route.

Currently in the middle of a Theoretical Physics course myself, so can't tell you what a PhD is like. But I know it is tough. Speak to your lecturers if you want to know more about a PhD itself.

[MargeB]

PhD doesn't just mean PhD, too. It means MRes, normally before hand, so they know you can at least tackle what's involved.

[Peter Pedant]

Make sure the PhD is exportable - and has a large computing option as well see above. you should be able to write one in three years. Although some are not awarded what usually occurs is that they make you re-write the thesis.

A lot of the PhDs I know didnt 'make' it and went into industry, not  in their PhD subject. Thirty years ago, the Hawking money ran out and alot of Black hole theorists got fired - I mean God knows what they did.....

[MEDUSA]

Having done one....do a topic that interests you - I wouldn't get too caught up in its exportability - all PhD subjects are very specific and most academic employers will be ready to train new Postdocs anyway.  Make sure in any way possible that your supervisor is an available person, understanding and willing to help you become an independent scientist rather than use you as slave labour...the topic you work on will pale into insignificance if you are working in poor conditions and you don't get many rights in academic science!!!

You will find it hard if you are unsure of your intentions for doing a PhD...brains and academic success thus far are not enough...you need to have a strong independent drive to learn and think for yourself...good literacy will help too scientists are pedants in the extreme...my thesis examiner had a problem with my use of semi-colons! more than my shoddy work!

Good luck..it's an adventure! and whatever the journey you will learn a lot about yourself through it!

[MargeB]

Medusa, I would have to concur with them on your use of semicolons; :-)

Just to add, I would point out that when I said "it might not be awarded to you", this was a general warning given to us and also the fate of a few of my friends who, after a lot of work, had nothing to show at the end of it. They were all 'slaves' in the sense that Medusa mentioned.