Hello,

I completed my degree in jul 06 with a 2:1 Hon in telecommunications engg from UK. I am considering to start a PhD. But I am badly unsure if it is the kind of course of action I should be taking, and whether or I would be able to manage through the PG life.

I would say my 2 biggest motivation so far have been:

1)Strong academics and keeness to study further. learn and explore new boundries.
2)A little bit of patriotic feeling. there is a shortage of phd academic staff in Pakistan teaching in universities there. most of the academics staff in Pakistan hold an MSc and few have PhD and MPhil. And I would really love to get a PhD and fill up the academic gap present in Pakistani universities.

But before I were to attempt applying for admission for PhD, I wanted to get advised by current phd student of exactly what to expect and what not to expect as a phd student.
would it be a easy ride for an academic calibre candidate or is phd always like rainy days?
thanks

Ghulam Attar

Just to add, I am also very scared of being bogged down with the wrong kind of supervisor. The kind of supervisor who sees a phd student as a pain in the neck.

The fear of working with the wrong supervisor is also keeping me away from applying for a phd.

hi there,
it is hard to summarize PhD life just like that. perhaps it would help if you posted some more specific questions? or else, just read through this forum, that will tell you lots about PhD life.
about your supervisor, well there is no general answer to that either, as every supervisor is different. as the supervisor is very important to your PhD, as you rightly observed, it might be worth doing some "research" beforehand, perhaps talk to current students of your candidates for "prospective-supervisors". but at the end of the day, you can never say for sure. you might just match up perfectly, or it could go all awry, even though others get along well. it is a risk you have to take...

thanks shani.

i feel quite inclined towards phd. i had been reading about the horror aspect of phd and how dull the first year possibly could be. but so far it all sounds so challenging and motivating.

there is a proverb which goes this way.

I never knew the meaning of happiness in my life, until I started PhD, but then it was too late.

cheers

I'd like to learn about PhD abroad, but I don't know how to get this. have you got any interesting online place to learn about it?
tanks a lot