I think it would depend very much on the level of the position you were seeking. As with any job, good references will count for a lot. A publication record for research will also stand you in good stead. I see a lot of industry jobs in my field advertised as requiring, for example, a PhD with 3yrs experience or an MSc with 6yrs experience. A higher degree of some sort will certainly help.

It's certainly possible to do good research without a PhD. However, it's very much more difficult to progress in a research career without some form of higher research degree i.e. an Mphil or PhD.

DanB!! By 'having fun' I was obviously referring to romantic picnics in the park, a trip to the cinema or long walks in the country...

Hopefully Wickid has found herself a new chap and is too busy having fun to post on the forum.

I bought a couple of these books (and one about preparing for the viva) and have to say that, whilst they are ok and perhaps good to read if you are trying to decide whether or not to embark on a PhD, once you are studying for your PhD you are probably better off reading your Uni's research student handbook and talking to other students. The time you save can be better spent reading papers relevant to your research

NO!

Among your work colleagues, a PhD is nothing special 'cos they've all either got one or are working towards one. The people who will be most impressed with your PhD are your parents.

To everyone else, a PhD is an odd thing which stresses people out for years and takes away their social lives. Eventually they write a bloody great book which about 3 people will ever read, briefly wear an outrageously silly hat and then getting an averagely paid job (if they're lucky and manage to find a short-term research contract (in which they work all hours getting stressed!)).

The chicken factory guys go in, do their work, go home and relax or do something fun. They don't have to worry about submitting that paper to 'The Annals of Chicken Plucking' or desperately writing that grant in the hope of securing another year’s contract. Now that's a smart job!

NB I've no regrets, I love my research job but I'm aware that the whole PhD/Post-doc thing can look a little crazy from other people's point of view.

By first class, you do mean a distinction?

It's early days. By the time you finish your PhD, the authors (and the findings) of those key papers will be irreversibly imprinted on your brain!

This might be helpful, free access to full papers.

http://www.ejbrm.com/index.htm

Definitions of 'Geek' (and how it relates to 'Nerd' - some disagreement about this).

www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+geek&meta=

Does looking this up make me the ultimate Geek?

Hi Sue

For my PhD, I worked on a project which required collaboration with several international research groups. The first point of contact was always made by my supervisor - they are far more likely to reply to someone that they have heard of i.e. already has an established reputation in that field. I think this may be a good option for you if your supervisor is willing. You could write the letter (and sign it from both you and your supervisor) and ask your supervisor to e-mail it out for you (or post it out on Uni headed paper). This approach worked well for me. Good luck.

Aw, Jen! Your time will come, I'm sure and then you'll be after an smiley wearing a party hat.

As it's only been a week since you contacted them, give them a bit longer before you worry. As others have said, they might have been/be at a conference or on leave. If you don't hear from them, could you contact anyone else from the same group? Or perhaps your supervisor could write/telephone on your behalf - some people like the first contact to be made by the supervisor rather than the student.

Good luck, hope it works out for you :o)

Time to revive this thread I think, it's been dormant for far too long!

They're very cute - but I'm still rather fond of my 'retro' smiley :o)
Gotta move with the times I suppose