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PhD in Canada , is it worth?

M

Hi I have been admitted to a PhD in canada , University of Lethbridge, in Biomolecular Sciences. Is it worth, If I wish to pursue career in Asia after my PhD ?

T

Sounds like it, what are you concerned about?

A

And why apply and then ask?

D

Quote From mannuela28:
Hi I have been admitted to a PhD in canada , University of Lethbridge, in Biomolecular Sciences. Is it worth, If I wish to pursue career in Asia after my PhD ?


From what I was told by Canadians, The PhDs in Canada are long and the salary is rather low. I have never heard of that University before so it is hard to say something about it. How is the University ranked? How good is the group you will do your PhD in?

Personally, I would choose a university where I will receive a salary that allows to live comfortably (there are huge differences between countries), where I have 4 years of funding, a good research environment (equipment etc), nice colleagues and experienced supervisors. That were my criteria when I was looking for a PhD. It takes a bit of time to find something like that but I know some people who took the "easy" road and started the first PhD they could get and now complain about too little money, limited resources in the group or a bad atmosphere, so I think it is worth to spend some time on the search. Depends of course on how flexible you are.

These criteria don't guarantee success but they make PhD life a lot easier I guess. If it is in Canada, UK, Spain or France does not really matter. No one will hire you just because you worked in Canada. There are good and bad universities in every country.

Good luck :)

M

Quote From TreeofLife:
Sounds like it, what are you concerned about?


Whether the PhD would be recognized in Asian Countries. Since I am aware that the University I have applied to/admitted to is not very famous/ highly ranked, but the Laboratory ,professor and work is good.
Can't weigh if the University matters or its only work!

M

Quote From AOE26:
And why apply and then ask?


Because, I honestly always thought University rank does not matter much. However, considering the Job market and numerous confusing blogs I have been reading, the thought came in.

M

Quote From Dunham:
Quote From mannuela28:
Hi I have been admitted to a PhD in canada , University of Lethbridge, in Biomolecular Sciences. Is it worth, If I wish to pursue career in Asia after my PhD ?


From what I was told by Canadians, The PhDs in Canada are long and the salary is rather low. I have never heard of that University before so it is hard to say something about it. How is the University ranked? How good is the group you will do your PhD in?

Personally, I would choose a university where I will receive a salary that allows to live comfortably (there are huge differences between countries), where I have 4 years of funding, a good research environment (equipment etc), nice colleagues and experienced supervisors. That were my criteria when I was looking for a PhD. It takes a bit of time to find something like that but I know some people who took the "easy" road and started the first PhD they could get and now complain about too little money, limited resources in the group or a bad atmosphere, so I think it is worth to spend some time on the search. Depends of course on how flexible you are.

These criteria don't guarantee success but they make PhD life a lot easier I guess. If it is in Canada, UK, Spain or France does not really matter. No one will hire you just because you worked in Canada. There are good and bad universities in every country.

Good luck :)


Thank you For your Words Dunham. Yes the criteria you mentioned are mostly fulfilled by the place I am admitted to.
The University ranks >900+ by THE, but within Canada, its best Undergraduate Research University.
The Laboratory is productive and good as far as I have heard from students already working in it.
I understand that its not about the place, but how much does the University/ Rank matter for post PhD employment?

S

hi, congratulations on your phd offer. I don't think the university rank is the most important for post phd employment. Employers always look for experience, and if your university has a higher ranking i suppose that complements it for you.

D

Quote From mannuela28:


I understand that its not about the place, but how much does the University/ Rank matter for post PhD employment?


Depends. Does not matter if it is 400 or 600 but if you are at a University that is ranked high (let's say top 30), it usually attracts successful researchers that often receive more or better grants and often have a really good network. Look at Stanford, Cambridge, Harvard etc. A high amount of their post docs become assistant professors afterwards and that's often not because they are extraordinarily bright but because their bosses are the top of their fields and they no tons of people. Of course not saying they are stupid or less qualified either but it helps if you are coming from a University that everybody associates with cutting edge science.

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