Hi,

I am looking for some advice. I graduated in September with a BSc Econ. I have been offered a ERSC1+3 scholarship within my university. I think this is worth about 15-6k, plus tutoring salary. The PhD will fall within the subject area of HR. I have a great relationship with my proposed supervisor, and the support will be excellent.

I am unsure whether I should follow this course of action. Primarily, I am interested in either a lecturing position, failing that I can see my skill set being suited to consultancy. The thing is I keep hearing horror stories about PhDs, I don't want to be 27/28, starting off in a graduate entry position with accenture or something!

Should I do the Phd? Or should I just turn it down, get on dr.job and apply to the consultancies with my BSc? I have all the typical insecurites, e.g not being bright enough etc. The idea of having a PhD in HR, just seems a bit naff. In reality, I just want to know what oppourtunites the PhD process with supply me with. What positive elements can I expect to gain from doing a PhD?

I am so confused!

What makes you tick? Do you need a PhD for your dream job? Are you motivated by money or the chance of free thinking?

From the PhD you can expect a personality modification. You will almost go mad, and it is bloody hard work, as your work is now being evaluated on the world stage.

However if you pass, it is the best feeling in the world. Even better than sex

why did you post exactly the same question a few hours later? There was already a response to your question, you are just duplicating threads.

I would not say that I am motivated by money, but financial security is important to me. I am not afraid of hard work, and I feel I will be disciplined with my approach, seeing it as a job rather than further study.

As for a dream job? I don't really have a clue about that. I know I would like a certain amount of autonomy, and don't like the idea of your typical 9-5

I like the idea of travel, and am hoping to leave the uk. I was thinking that a Phd may provide an easier route securing work abroad. maybe teaching lecturing in Australia/Canada. I was hoping the Phd would provide me with flexiblity and put me in a good position for a consulting position or teaching. Plus, I love a challenge.

What is the likely hood of me being able to secure an academic position if I where to complete a Phd. In the commercial world will I be more employable?

'why did you post exactly the same question a few hours later? There was already a response to your question, you are just duplicating threads.'

I thought that I may have posted in the wrong section, and that perhaps it was more relevant to the general section. Thanks for your advice thought

I see.. I check the forum from latest messages section, which shows all sections in one list. I think most people do that too, but you're right. It might get read by more people that way.

The forum is strangely quiet this week though. I wonder if everyone has gone on holiday or something

Certainly, for a lecturing job you'd need a PhD, but having a PhD doesnt mean you'll get an academic post. I dont know about consultancy though - my guess is that for economic consulting a PhD is likely to help. Have you talked to your Uni Careers Centre? They should be able to offer more knowledgeable advice on what qualifications are needed for what jobs.

Hi,

I don't think a Phd is needed for a consultancy position. Its just this all just kind of fell in my lap, and I thought it was too good an offer to refuse. I always look at the long term perspective and to me the PhD seems like a good investment.

The main decision is leaving education now, and joining a firm at graduate entry level in london, or doing the ERSC 1+3. I was wandering if with a Phd I could join a firm as an exprienced hire? I have heard this may be the case.

To be honest I got nothing out of my BSc, I thought it was conveyor belt learning that required no real critical thought, and all that it required was a little common sense and a flick over the past papers. I certainly don't feel 'educated'. I was hoping the Phd may be able to challenge me, whilst making me stand out from the crowd. The major thing for me is that I feel a Phd in Business will enable me to be critical and research literally anything

I've noticed that too 404. All the regulars seem to have gone into hiding or are on holiday

Probably because exams are over and the Universities are quieter (I know we're all supposed to keep working through the summer, but I can't concentrate at the moment!)

Hi, I've spent quite abit of time on the forum and from the input I have recieved. I have decided that the Phd is not for me. E.gLecturing doesn't seem to be what I thoughht it was, there is only a limited chance of securing a lectureship,the benefits that once existed no longer do... If I can lecture, which looks very likely i'll go into consulting and start at undergraduate level at the age of 28!The Phd will add nothing to my employablity. Why not get in at BSc level and do an MBA in a few years? In fact from this site I get the impression that having a PHd can be a disadvantage in terms of employablity e.g to specialist, not enough experience.The process its self is meant to drive you to insane!I've heard no real positives from anyone, apart from that you can get a laptop, and the chance to go to a confrence. Also the task of completing the Phd makes you feel good, which to me is a no brainer. Completing anything in which you have invested sweat and tears makes you feel good.Thanks

Buckley i didnt think what you said was very nice there. Just because a PhD is not for you there is no need to almost slag off those who want to do it. Im sure there are more avenues that simply academia with a PhD

Indeed, no words of wisdom here to be found from Buckley. Still, the latter may shall find satisfaction in constructing her own justification for not walking down this avenue. I am willing to accept this although, personally, I decline to adopt illogical and negative attitudes.

Buckley appears to pursue a position in consulting. With an MBA, plus business-related PhD at the age of 28 and no work experience whatsoever, you were likely to get shortlisted for positions in management consulting (and earn 70k+). Although the PhD per se is not required in that particular case, it certainly would neither represent disadvantage nor harm; rather, it is likely to make you stand out from the crowd in a very competitive selection procedure.

After all, a PhD is a three-to four-year process, not a lifelong pursuit. Still, it is more than just another degree, it's an almost spiritual, challenging experience and confronts you with your inner demons (as someone else has written earlier).

inner demons lol me likey