3 ms·

Does HN have any advice for those looking to get a PhD because they love the field (Computer Science)? And then follow up the PhD with a job at one of the tech

by ilarum 10y ago

Does HN have any advice for those looking to get a PhD because they love the field (Computer Science)? And then follow up the PhD with a job at one of the tech companies' research arm?

pjmorris 10y ago
If you really love it, there's no sense in talking about reason. "And yet, to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together nowadays." - Bottom, Midsummer Night's Dream As for tech company research arms, look carefully at who recruits where you intend to go, and who your potential advisors publish with. If you land in a place with good connections, it increases your chances of landing a gig like that.
- bachmeier 10y ago
  "If you really love it, there's no sense in talking about reason." Not getting a PhD does not prevent you from working in the field or from reading the literature. IMO the only reason to get a PhD is that it will open jobs that otherwise wouldn't be available.
bachmeier 10y ago
"get a PhD because they love the field" For the most part, loving the field is a terrible reason to get a PhD, especially in the humanities. I encourage students considering this decision to do so based on the job market - what options will be available, what is the pay, what will you be doing in that job. And make your decision assuming you are below average.
audleman 10y ago
My 2 cents: Get a Masters and go into industry. You will love the work you get to do in the field. Over time you'll learn what big unsolved problems are that we are currently facing. You might find one that particularly interests you and start thinking "man, I'd love to have a lot of time to really dig in and solve this problem, something my job never provides" Then you go back for the PhD where you get that time. The work ethic that you learned will be invaluable and you'll have something solid to pursue. In my opinion the two biggest wastes I saw when I was in my PhD program were: 1. most students had no work ethic. It was always "I fucked around all week and then rushed to do research before meeting with my professor" 2. not having any idea what kind of research the world needs. And why should you if you never go out and experience the world?
dbcurtis 10y ago
From where I sit, I certainly wish I had done that. A PhD in CS or EE (the only things I can comment on with personal observation) creates industry opportunities that an MS doesnt. Better projects. Easier path to project leadership. More choice of projects. More job mobility opportunities (hugely more). This is data from observing how friends, relatives, and aquaintences with PhDs in CS, EE, and Robotics are doing. None on the academic track, by choice. My brother-in-law with the PhD in econ (MIT, no less) chose the academic route, and has faced the tenure struggle.

by ilarum 10y ago

Does HN have any advice for those looking to get a PhD because they love the field (Computer Science)? And then follow up the PhD with a job at one of the tech companies' research arm?

pjmorris 10y ago

If you really love it, there's no sense in talking about reason. "And yet, to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together nowadays." - Bottom, Midsummer Night's Dream As for tech company research arms, look carefully at who recruits where you intend to go, and who your potential advisors publish with. If you land in a place with good connections, it increases your chances of landing a gig like that.

bachmeier 10y ago
"If you really love it, there's no sense in talking about reason." Not getting a PhD does not prevent you from working in the field or from reading the literature. IMO the only reason to get a PhD is that it will open jobs that otherwise wouldn't be available.

bachmeier 10y ago

"get a PhD because they love the field" For the most part, loving the field is a terrible reason to get a PhD, especially in the humanities. I encourage students considering this decision to do so based on the job market - what options will be available, what is the pay, what will you be doing in that job. And make your decision assuming you are below average.

audleman 10y ago

My 2 cents: Get a Masters and go into industry. You will love the work you get to do in the field. Over time you'll learn what big unsolved problems are that we are currently facing. You might find one that particularly interests you and start thinking "man, I'd love to have a lot of time to really dig in and solve this problem, something my job never provides" Then you go back for the PhD where you get that time. The work ethic that you learned will be invaluable and you'll have something solid to pursue. In my opinion the two biggest wastes I saw when I was in my PhD program were: 1. most students had no work ethic. It was always "I fucked around all week and then rushed to do research before meeting with my professor" 2. not having any idea what kind of research the world needs. And why should you if you never go out and experience the world?

dbcurtis 10y ago

From where I sit, I certainly wish I had done that. A PhD in CS or EE (the only things I can comment on with personal observation) creates industry opportunities that an MS doesnt. Better projects. Easier path to project leadership. More choice of projects. More job mobility opportunities (hugely more). This is data from observing how friends, relatives, and aquaintences with PhDs in CS, EE, and Robotics are doing. None on the academic track, by choice. My brother-in-law with the PhD in econ (MIT, no less) chose the academic route, and has faced the tenure struggle.