I just found this article in the guardian and thought other people may want to read it...

http://education.guardian.co.uk/higher/books/story/0,,835368,00.html

That is really worrying, I have to say. I wanted to do a PhD because I thought I would earn respect and recognition for my work - in this country.

Should I even bother starting to look for a PhD?

I'm earning that now in my job at the minute.

When I say I don't mind research, I understand it can be tough and gruelling! I don't mind it because I feel pretty proud of the finished product. I worked really hard on my hons. project and my literature review, and I'm really proud of the result.

I'm going to carry on applying but I have no idea if I will ever get on one as I just can't face doing an unfunded masters course. I can only think of getting a lab job for a year to get lab experience but I would hate to do that and get knocked back next summer as well.

At least with teaching I know I can walk into a steady job so I've got an income.

A PhD is certainly no guarantee of a job I suppose, and I can imagine it may put a fair amount of employers off?

I know if I commit to one I'm going to be in my early 30s when I finish and that kind of scares me...

I do wonder this myself. I'm worried about never being able to afford a home or have a decent quality of life, but at the same time I'd like to be respected for what I do.

I tried to get into science communication direct from uni, but I couldn't even get an interview - it's what I would love to do but it seems nigh on imposible to get into.

Like I say, I don't mind research I guess I'm just a bit confused as to what my options are with a 1st as opposed to a 2.1 or 2.2. It hasn't made any difference for me in job applications at all.

I just can't afford to do a masters, there's no question of it as I already have too many financial commitments. I just don't want to waste my 1st

Well I quite enjoy lab work, but I really enjoy research and I loved writing my honours project and also my literature review. I really wanted to get into science in the media/communication. Ultimately I'd love to write for someone like New Scientist or something. It would be impossible without a PhD as they are pretty important in science.

Teaching just seems like the next best option. Like I say, I don't mind lab work but I don't think I see a career in it - although I don't mind it every so often.

I applied for a PhD at the university where I graduated from but they told me I don't have enough experience - although I really can't afford to do a masters. Would working in a vaccination manufacturer's lab (Novartis - close to my home) be classed as experience?

It's all very confusing... i only left it so late because I never thought I'd get a first - not in a million years!

Hi, new to this site and already finding it a great resource!

I've done far, far better at my degree than I imagined. I was predicted a 2.2 but I ended up with a first, which has been a nice surprise but now I'm a bit thrown. I love my subject and I'm going to do a PGCE to teach, but I really want a PhD now I've done so well.

Should I do a masters, or should I do the teaching degree and then apply? I'm finding it really difficult to find one on a topic I want to do (Molecular biology). Will the teaching degree not look good on my CV? I can't afford to do a masters to be honest.

Will a PhD get me a better job, or is it purely for love of your subject? I'm 26 now so I'm worried I'll be too old to benefit from one as I'll be at least 30 by the time I finish.

Saxonwhittle