Signup date: 20 Oct 2005 at 5:31pm
Last login: 30 Jan 2021 at 1:10am
Post count: 5282
I started my PhD with no thoughts for an academic career. I wanted a job in industry but the kind of job that needed (or would be greatly helped) by a PhD. I'm lucky that things went to plan.
You don't know where your PhD is going to take you - conferences and presenting are great for networking. I know these things helped me so that I had three job offers before I had even submitted my thesis.
You could take this job now and forget this PhD. I'm not sure how hard you had to work to even get the PhD position but if you jack it in, are you sure you wont be thinking "what if" in a couple of years time? The PhD experience is unique, not always in a good way.
Basically what I'm trying to say, after the PhD is over, you may not even be interested in the type of job you are being offered now, maybe something better comes along. It really is a gamble.
Life outside of academia (particularly post-PhD) is very good. The PhD almost feels like a distant memory. I can't say it was a bad experience but I really hated being a student for so long. Once I started working I felt like my life was finally moving along.
I did get a couple of papers out of my thesis but I'm glad I don't have to do anymore writing EVER AGAIN!
I was extremely lucky jobwise, I had three job offers when I was finishing off year 3 and was able to pick the best one (best paid one).
Olivia - yikes!
I agree with the others, stick to the comments by your supervisor rather than the proof reader. Your thesis should be understandable by anyone who has a small amount of knowledge in your area (this is what I was told when writing my thesis - my field is science based). If you have seen the use of 'I' by other academics, then don't worry about it.
I've worn flip flops to a conference before (3 day) but when I presented I wore smart clothes. It depends on your area too, I reckon scientists can be quite slobby and vary from one extreme to the other. If you are attending a conference for mostly students, then you can expect a large majority to be in jeans.
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