Should You Pursue a PhD? My Reflections and Advice
I was recently asked: "Should I do a PhD?"
It's been 25 years since I sat my Viva and things have probably changed alot in the academic world, and while everyone's journey and motivations are unique, I hope my experiences and insights can provide some guidance for anyone considering this path.
1. Passion Is Key
The first and most important question to ask yourself is: Are you truly passionate about the subject you want to research? A PhD is a long and often challenging journey. It’s not just about completing a series of tasks; it’s about diving deeply into a specific topic, exploring it from every angle, and becoming an expert in it.
If you lack genuine interest or enthusiasm for your research area, it will be difficult to sustain the motivation needed to persevere through the years of study. While you don’t need to have every detail of your research planned from the start, having a broad area of passion is essential.
I can still recall the many times where I wondered whether it was worth it, but since I had a passion for my subject matter, it kept me going. If I wasn't genuinely passionate, then I'm not sure if I would have or could have completed it.
2. Comfort with Uncertainty
A PhD is inherently uncertain. When I started my own, I didn’t have a clear picture of how it would unfold. I began with hypotheses and a research plan, but the narrative of my thesis only truly came together in the final stages. If you prefer clear structures and predictable outcomes, the ambiguity of a PhD may be challenging. However, embracing this uncertainty can also be a valuable growth experience.
As my PhD evolved through the experiments I ran, it opened up other areas to explore which led to uncovering new insights and knowledge.
3. Timing Matters
Looking back, I believe I might have benefited from doing my PhD later in life. I started mine immediately after completing my master’s degree, at the age of 22, and finished by 25. While I gained valuable knowledge and skills, I feel I lacked the maturity to fully appreciate the deeper learning experiences.
If I had waited until my late 20s or early 30s, I might have approached it with a broader perspective and greater personal growth. Of course, this will vary for everyone, but it’s worth considering whether the timing aligns with your personal and professional goals.
However, I know that now, I could never do a PhD, though I would love to return to the research field at some point.
4. Seizing Presentation Opportunities
One regret I have is not taking enough opportunities to present my research at conferences. Presentations are invaluable for networking, validating your ideas, and honing your communication skills. They also expose you to feedback and new perspectives that can enrich your work.
When I reflect back now, one of the main reasons I didn't grasp those presenting opportunities is because I felt that my work was not good enough compared to others in my field. But what you learn over time is that you are the expert in your field, and even if you are not, your perspective and research is important to share with others.
If you decide to pursue a PhD, actively seek out these opportunities to share your findings with the wider academic and professional community.
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5. Career Considerations
It’s important not to pursue a PhD solely for career reasons. While a PhD can open doors, it’s not a guaranteed ticket to a specific job or field. My PhD was in psychology, with a focus on child health, yet my career has taken me in different directions. However, the core skills I gained, such as research methodology, statistical analysis, problem solving and critical thinking, have been invaluable.
Your career trajectory might not align perfectly with your PhD topic, and that’s okay. The process itself equips you with transferable skills that can be applied across various industries. Take those skills you learn and market them to propsective employers when you are seeking a job, especially outside of academia.
I didn't know that I was doing data analysis, I thought I was doing research, until a couple of years into my career, which is when I identified the skills employers looked for an managed to leverage them to propel my career.
6. The "Dr." Title and Beyond
Earning the title of "Dr." is a nice bonus, but it shouldn’t be your primary motivation. It’s more of a conversation starter than a career-defining attribute. That said, I’ve found that having a PhD has added credibility early in my career and helped me stand out in certain contexts.
It was interesting to find that in some work setting when people learn you have a PhD, your opinions suddenely matter. However, the opposite can also be true where people believe you are too theoretical.
7. Adjusting to the Commercial Sector
For those transitioning from academia to the commercial world, it can be a cultural shift. In academia, rigor and precision are paramount. In the commercial sector, efficiency often takes precedence, and perfection may not always be feasible.
For example, while designing a questionnaire in my first job, I realised that the level of reliability testing I was accustomed to in academia wasn’t the norm. Adjusting to these differences was a learning experience, but the foundational skills from my PhD still proved invaluable.
Final Thoughts
Deciding to pursue a PhD is deeply personal. Reflect on your motivations and consider the challenges and rewards. If I could go back, I might make different choices regarding timing and opportunities, but I don’t regret the journey. It’s been instrumental in shaping my career and personal development.
If you’re contemplating a PhD, think about:
I hope these reflections help you make an informed decision. If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment.
If you wnat to know how my PhD shaped my career, read my book 'Data Culture', which provides insights into how knowledge of pscyhology can help you in senior leadership roles.
You can buy it from Amazon https://amzn.to/3Pg6lqk or from the publisher, Kogan Page's, website https://www.koganpage.com/business-and-management/data-culture-9781398614208