4 ms·

Do you think getting a PhD is worth it if you already plan on going into industry?

• sgt101 8y ago
  It depends. If you are single and doing it without massive financial risk (if you get good support or if you have independent wealth) then I would say absolutely. I was extremely lucky and landed a assistants job at a small uni and this allowed me to scrape by (actually it was ok, just not long term sustainable). If you have a partner that could be good or bad depending. Your relationship will be stressed, I have seen several relationships flounder due to the process and pressure, but also I've seen several come through ok, and a couple blossom. Alot of these observations correlate with normal tracks for romantic relationships, life is full of surprises and challenges, but the big fact is that people who have lost lovers and spouses during Ph.D's often blame the Ph.D (in my experience). If you have (young) kids I strongly recommend that you think really carefully. The difference here is that no matter what happens you have dependants, and you will have to be very lucky not to get compromised by this relationship and the Ph.D process. Something will have to give, and this might mean that your work is devalued or derailed. Always remember that a Ph.D is a gamble and an indulgence. No one needs one, and no one is guaranteed success. On the other hand it gives you skills and training that I think are very hard to get any other way and for me it was one of the best periods of my life (one of!) Good luck.
• foldr 8y ago
  Depends greatly on the field, but I would definitely say that you shouldn't do it if your main motivation is to advance your career.