======= Date Modified 10 11 2009 21:11:27 =======
======= Date Modified 10 09 2009 21:09:40 =======
Hi

I have recently finished a MSc in water and environmental management. I have started a job with a water company on the wastewater process team. However I am realizing that this is largely on the maintenance side and that long term prospects are management. Although I am interested in management ideally I would like to be on the forefront or the developing side of the industry. Which post privatization looks like it will not be within a water company but external. Hence I am considering doing a Phd. However, I know that from a current career development a Phd would not necessarily help, but if I want to do research it would be a requirement.

Has anyone been in this situation? I am not too sure on the pay scales for a researcher and whether it is a viable career option. It could be the grass is always greener, but it would allow other aspects of career development later e.g. lecturing etc. It could be I end up effectively wasting three years if that can be said, but what are the options post Phd, could I get a research post? I would appreciate some pearls of wisdom.:-)