Hi,
I'm just about to finish my undergrad masters and am looking at my future options. An opportunity has arisen for 2 studentships in my current university in a field that interests me. I had a meeting with the supervisor today which furthered my interest even more and he seemed very keen on me being part of the research. Now I need to go through the application process (not something I really have time for right now) but from what he said today I stand a good chance of getting a place.
But...I'm having some doubts... First, I know that if I keep job-hunting I'll find a graduate engineering job with a nice salary and all the added bonuses big companies have to offer. Second; what will I do with my PhD once I've finished? I want to work in industry in the long run but a quick search just now didn't really return anything promising.
Don't get me wrong, I don't need convincing on doing a PhD or think that I'll regret doing it, but what do you reckon to the above points? Has anyone finished their PhD and found a "decent" job outside of academia?
Cheers.

I know you don't want to discuss this but doing a PhD just because one is available when your heart is elsewhere would be a disaster. Job prospects outside of academia with a PhD are mixed. I have a friend who is now doing very well in pharmacuticals thanks to his scientific PhD. Can't really comment on engineering PhDs. I know that there are a shortage of engineers suggesting that job prospects are good for engineers regardless of a PhD.

Are you British guitarmanjon? If so what's a undergrad masters? New one to me that.

sylvester: I'm not saying that the only reason I'm considering the opportunity is because it's there. I have thought about continuing as a post-grad many many times. The fact that this great opportunity is available just makes me consider it in new light. And good point about the shortage of engineers!

golfpro: The undergrad degree I will get is an MEng - an undergrad masters?

MistaG: excellent question to ask myself. My gut feeling is that the answer is yes - I've 'enjoyed' my research project, albeit only a 5 month project, and I think I'd get a lot out of a PhD and could put a hell of a lot into one.

Thanks for your thoughts...

I always thought undergrad degrees were bachelors [Bsc/BA] and postgrad were Masters. Doesn't that apply with engineering? Just curious.

Er...I'm not sure. I have a friend at Bath uni doing a 4-year Maths masters which isn't engineering so I guess it crops up elsewhere too. I thought it unusual when I started as do most people I mention it to.

Thank you both. You learn something new every day.