Why to do a PhD

Introduction

There are many reasons why people pursue a PhD. For some people, it is the natural progression from obtaining a Master's degree. For some others, it may be their desire to gain more knowledge and expertise in a particular field. And for some, it may be the only way to get them into a more fulfilling career. Regardless, the decision to do a PhD should not be taken lightly. It is an immense commitment of time, energy and resources. But it also can be (hopefully will be) an enriching experience, both professionally and personally.

For anybody considering this degree, weighing all advantages and disadvantages before making any decisions is important. First of all, think about the cost of pursuing a PhD. It can be significant in tuition and living expenses (especially if you relocate from your home city). The time commitment is also a huge factor since the degree takes 5-7 years to complete (3-4 years in Commonwealth countries). And remember, there is no guarantee of success since many students find it challenging to secure a full-time stable job after graduation.

But there are multiple pros to getting this degree: the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of a chosen field. The chance to contribute to new knowledge and research. Improved career prospects and earning potential (more on this later). A PhD can be a life-changing experience, opening up new opportunities and experiences. And if you hesitate, sometimes you just need to take this risk and navigate through the process as you go.

Studying PhD to make more money

Do you consider doing a PhD to make more money? Well, think again because it is not that simple. A PhD can open up a wide range of career opportunities for you and can significantly boost earnings. However, it is important to remember that a PhD (and, in fact, any degree) is not a guarantee of financial success.

There are many reasons why people study for a PhD, but one of the most common is to make more money. A PhD can open up a range of career opportunities and lead to a significant increase in earnings. However, it is important to remember that a PhD is not a guarantee of financial success. It is absolutely possible to earn a good salary without a PhD, and many high-paying jobs do not require an advanced degree. That being said, a doctoral degree can give you a significant advantage in the job market. So it is still worth considering if you want to boost your career and make more money.

Prospects after PhD graduation

It is no secret that a PhD is the most demanding and challenging academic qualification to achieve. However, it is also one of the most rewarding, providing those who complete their degrees with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that can last a lifetime. But what does usually come after PhD graduation? What career prospects are open for those who achieved the highest academic success? You will be disappointed if you think there is a straightforward answer. There is no "right" path to follow after graduation and absolutely no guarantee of success in a chosen field.

The trick is that career prospects depend on skills and interests, dissertation topic, research group profile and dozens of other variables. However, there are a few career paths that most PhD graduates follow. The first one, and honestly the most "expected," is an academic career, either as a faculty member at a University or college or a researcher at a research institute. These options suit somebody who is passionate about teaching and/or research and wants to continue working in academia.
For many, this option provides the opportunity to work with students and scientists, continue learning and expanding one's knowledge, and impact one's field of expertise.

PhD as a path for immigration

For those who want to do a PhD as a way to immigrate and settle down in a new country, it is important to remember a few things:

1. Choosing a country that will recognize your PhD for immigration purposes is essential.
2. You must ensure that you complete all the requirements for your PhD on time since any delays could impact your ability to renew your visa and, consequently, immigrate and even complete the degree.
3. Knowing the various visa options available upon graduation is also important, as this can significantly impact your future plans.

With careful planning and consideration, a PhD can be an excellent way to facilitate immigration and, in some cases, even obtain a residency permit.

What is the difference between getting a PhD in North America and the UK/Australia/New Zealand?

There are some critical differences between getting a PhD in North America (USA and Canada) and some Commonwealth countries (UK, Australia and New Zealand). One of the most notable differences is the length of time it takes to complete a PhD. In North America, the average time to complete a PhD is around six years (usually between five and eight years), while in Commonwealth countries, the average is closer to three-four years.

Another difference is the admission processes and entry requirements. In most cases, you need to take the GRE/GMAT exam to get into a PhD program in North America. These exams are quite challenging, complex and time-consuming to prepare for. They are the same exams for admission into MBA programs, so you should not think these exams are straightforward.

Also, since North American PhD programs are more structured, almost like any other postgraduate study program, they often have specific admission deadlines. Whereas their "British" counterparts don't have admission rounds, and you can join any time. As mentioned earlier, you can consider this PhD program as a job you can start after negotiating your start day with your supervisor directly.

Finally, how PhD programs are structured differs between North America and Commonwealth countries. In North America, PhD programs are typically much more specialized, with students focusing on a particular field of study. Usually, PhD students/candidates get to study Master's level subjects to prepare them for their research journey. On the other hand, in Commonwealth countries, PhD programs are often interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore multiple areas of interest. In most cases, it is basically a full-time research position rather than a classic postgraduate study (or at least how people imagine it). Knowing these differences can help you make the best decision for your own educational goals.

What is more valuable - PhD or work experience

There is no easy answer to whether it is better to do a PhD or keep working at your job. Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately it is up to the individual to decide what is best for them. Doing a PhD can be an excellent way to advance your career and earn more money. A higher degree will make you more likely to get promoted and earn a higher salary. However, it really depends on a specific field and whether you were sponsored to a PhD as part of your career ladder progression.
Additionally, a PhD can open up new doors and opportunities you may not have had access to. However, a PhD is a very time-consuming and expensive undertaking, and it is not for everyone. You must consider your scholarship, part-time contracts, tuition fees and especially lost wages. If you are not sure you are ready to commit to a PhD, it may be better to keep working at your job.

On the other hand, working at your job has its advantages. For one, you will not have to take on any additional debt to finance your education. Additionally, you will be able to keep earning an income while you continue to grow and develop your career. There is also the potential to gain valuable on-the-job experience that can be difficult to come by in other settings. Depending on your field, however, there is a limit to how far you can go without a higher degree, and you may eventually find yourself stuck in a low-paying position with little room for advancement. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer, but you should consider all aspects (primarily financial) of both options.

PhD All But Dissertation (ABD)

The "all but dissertation" (ABD) is a widespread phenomenon among graduate students. It is not new, but it has become more common in recent years as the standards for completing a PhD have become more stringent. The ABD student has completed all of the requirements for the degree except for the dissertation. The dissertation is the most critical component of the PhD and is the last hurdle the student must overcome. The ABD student has usually worked on the dissertation for several years and has made significant progress. However, for various reasons, the student has not been able to complete the dissertation. The most common reason for this is that the student has not been able to find a research topic suitable for a good dissertation that can be defended. The student may also have difficulty finding an advisor willing to work with the student on the dissertation.

In some cases, the student may have completed the research for the dissertation but has not been able to write it up in a form acceptable to the dissertation committee. The ABD student is in a difficult situation. The student has put in a great deal of time and effort but has not been able to complete the dissertation. The student's degree is in limbo, and the student's career is in jeopardy. ABD students often move outside of academia (and frankly, sometimes they have to) to apply acquired skills during their PhDs in other industries.

Conclusion

To summarize, do whatever makes (or you think might make) you happier. Sometimes it isn't easy to use a logical approach to decide whether to pursue a PhD or not. So please spend a few days/weeks/months mulling it over, talking to people, sending e-mails, and attending some seminars and lectures. At this stage, try to get as much information about a specific professor or research group as possible. And when at some point you start to think that you are making a mistake, please remember that this is a good indication you have made the right decision.