Hi there,

I posted on here some time back to gather opinions on whether a PhD would be right for me (http://www.postgraduateforum.com/thread-47384/). Thanks again to those who helped me out.

I was formerly a member of university staff and had been encouraged to pursue a PhD for some time. Against my better judgement (and the consensus in the thread) I accepted, and am coming to the end of month four. Still early days but it’s not been too bad on the whole; I’m not enjoying having to jump through the hoops put in place by the PhD system and the project isn’t entirely up my street, but I seem to have the freedom to take it in a direction that could better suit my skills and interests. I’m worried I’m already losing touch with it by being distracted by the (more interesting) projects that I was involved with previously, but I knew what I was signing up for.

However, I have a shiny new dilemma – a PhD has come along that is much more interesting. While I eventually accepted my current PhD after a bit of persuasion and a lot of soul searching, had this one been on offer I would have accepted in a heartbeat. It’s a topic that plays to my strengths and, more importantly, I am passionate about. I’m not exaggerating when I say the passion has been lifelong – in fact, (and I’m not making this up) the project title is almost word for word what an eight year old me replied when asked what I wanted to do when I grow up!

Conveniently, the project has been proposed by my current supervisor. Rather less conveniently, there’s someone lined up for it. I know the only course of action is to talk things through with my supervisor, but the fact that he’s already earmarked someone makes it difficult to broach. Anyone been in a similar position or have any thoughts on how to approach it?

Thanks :-)

Dunham, you’ve hit the nail on the head- I don’t doubt their main motivation is to find a way to hang on to me. My gut feeling was also that a PhD might be an obstacle to a job in industry, but have had many people tell me otherwise. Do others agree?

SanSoph, I also don’t mind the ‘delayed gratification’ approach, though I admit it’s getting harder! I doubt I'd be struggling with the decision if I knew the PhD would benefit my career. I studied for a masters as part of my undergraduate degree, but I agree that coming back for a PhD later on might be a good route to take. The thing is, it’s not so much about the PhD, but the people, the contacts, and the projects. It’s a good time to be involved and if I walk away, it could be difficult to get back into.

Hugh, an EngD was the more appealing option when I briefly considered postgraduate study after graduation. They are hard to come by, but the PhD on offer may have some of the benefits (connections with industry, the opportunity for a placement… maybe even some sponsorship)

Bonnie, sorry to hear you’re having such a hard time of it. I don’t think I’ll struggle as much with the isolation as it’s a cohort-based program, plus I’ll still be involved in other projects. Working every waking hour is a worry though. Variety and creative freedom is important to me too- I’m lucky to have this in my current job, and it’s the reason I’ll be looking to smaller companies if don't opt for the PhD. It seems that a PhD isn't necessary for the jobs I’m interested in (relevant experience is favoured… though I guess a PhD could provide this). Maybe I’ll get in touch with a couple of companies and get their take on it.

Thanks again for the replies- you’ve given me a lot to think about!

On reflection that really was quite a long post. Sorry!

TreeofLife, that's a very good question. I may have the option to continue in my current capacity for a while longer, though that's far from guaranteed. Also, since it’s clear there’s little chance of progressing it may feel like I’m treading water although I do enjoy the work. The alternative is to try for a job ‘in industry’- I think I might struggle to find something as satisfying as my current job but the pay would be better.

Tudor_Queen, you are right. Though I’ve been keeping an eye out for jobs, stepping up the search and coming up with some solid options might make the decision a bit easier…

Thanks a lot for the replies!

Continued from first post...

Although the university is running out of money to pay my salary, the project work will continue, and I suspect the main reason my supervisor is so keen for me to start a PhD is so that he can keep me around to work on them part time. I’d love to remain involved, but fear that juggling these and a PhD will take its toll one way or another. Some of my colleagues are in a similar position, and they do lose sleep over it (they recommend I don't start a PhD).

Job satisfaction is more important to me than money… within reason. I would ideally like to earn more than a PhD would pay. I’m approaching my late 20s (I hate saying that) so would be in my 30s when I finish. I’d like to be on more than £14k by then.

By the end of my PhD I would have been at the same university for at least twelve years! How would that look on a CV?

It seems even the most motivated PhD students go through rough times. If I’m having this many doubts at this stage, do I have any hope? To quote a Guardian article: “Having a clear idea of why you want a PhD will motivate and help you decide on what to do after: It is important to ask yourself: "Do I need a PhD for a specific job?" and "Do I want to do a PhD because I love the subject?" If you answer yes to only one, you could be in for a difficult journey.” Well, I’m not sure my answer is yes to either.

Congratulations if you’ve made it to the end of my ramblings. As I say, any thoughts at all would be gratefully received!

Cheers :)

Hello everyone!

Sorry for asking a question that has no doubt been asked hundreds of times before. I know you won't be able to answer it for me, but any thoughts would be hugely appreciated.

I’m in a slightly unusual position. After completing my undergraduate degree my university offered me a job doing engineering-related project work, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. However, it seems there is only so far one can progress in a university without a PhD (whether an academic or not). More pressingly, the money is running out, the university is keen to retain me, and I think I am keen to stay. A PhD would be an easy solution. However, I have some concerns…

I enjoy designing things and coming up with neat solutions to engineering problems. Can this be PhD material? I don't particularly enjoy analysis, simulation or report writing, though can be quite good at these things if motivated by a tangible goal.

I do not aspire to be an academic and don't necessarily want to spend forever at a university. Could a PhD be an advantage in industry? It seems that spending 3-4 years focused on a specific topic might put me at a disadvantage compared with those who have spent the time acquiring a broader range of skills and experiences.

Although a PhD is necessary for a career at a university, I wonder how much it would actually help, i.e. make me more effective at my job. I do not want to spend another 3+ years jumping through hoops, and if I perceive this to be the case I reckon I’ll lose motivation.