I completed my MA in Marketing (Distinction) in 2005 and am currently working in the legal marketing sector. However, the thought of doing a PhD is buzzing around in my head. The earliest starting date would be 2008 (obviously, I'll need some preparation while still working). But I can't quite get my head round if a PhD is really for me - so I was hoping to get some help from you guys...

What are the right reasons to do a PhD?

I'm thinking about it because:
- despite of all the hard work during the Master I quite liked writing courseworks + the challenge of struggling with thoughts etc (well, most of the time :-))
- I could imagine working in academia, but don't know if I want to do it for the rest of my life
- I'd like to do something not many people apart from me do
- I like the thought of seeing my name in a publication...
- Am very interested in arts marketing, but didn't get a job in that sector (but am in touch with someone from a big name in this business, so maybe a PhD-cooperation with them would open doors)

- I feel trapped by the very regular schedule of everyday life (working from 8am-6/7pm etc) - though free weekends are luxury when doing a PhD)
- I'd like to live in the UK again for some time (not a very "qualified" reason)

At the same time, I am thinking
- whether a PhD could also damage my career (what if I realise that academia is not for me? in marketing, experience counts more than a title)
- how I'd feel having to live with only little money (not that I'm earning a lot now...)
- whether I'd be too old when I finish - I'd be 30 by then...
- whether I'm really capable of doing a PhD (my former supervisor says I'd do well, but I'm not sure about that)
- how the prospects for an academinc career in Germany look like with a PhD
- whether this is really serious or whether it's only a mental "escape thought" because I'm not completely satisfied with my current life....

This may sound quite ridiculous, but is very serious for me. Can anybody help please???

You should be aware that doing a PhD is a VERY different experience to doing masters/undergrads degree. You are pretty much working independently (i.e. on your own), have to be self-motivated (which is harder than it sounds), and I think a common factor which all PhD students share is the feeling of isolation (which can lead to depression for some - actually, most of us).

Also, a PhD does not guarantee a job - let alone a better job - at the end (... and if you are lured by the idea of your name in 'print' - then this is soo the wrong reason to do a PhD).

Have you considered doing a PhD part-time? I'd give this serious consideration.

Unless I was absolutely sure that the PhD was right for me (necessary for my future career move and I was not going to change my mind about this), I would keep my existing job and do the PhD on the side ... this is hard, but it is doable!

Haven't been on this forum for quite a while, but thanks Goods for your answer. Yes I have considered a p/t phd, but know I'd probably never finish it (let alone start properly) while working f/t at the same time. Whatever I do (job and/or phd), I want to do it wholeheartedly.

Though 2 months have passed since I posted this, I'm still thinking about a phd - and I think if I don't at least try to apply, I'll always regret it.

A lot of you already doing a phd will probably laugh about my "naive" pro&con list, but for me this is really serious - so any more views on this would be very much appreciated!! I really need advice from people who already know what's it like!

hi, if you want to do your PhD, if your heart feels right, then do it. Thinking about what kind of job to get with your PhD is good too but that shouldn't be the motivating factor.you are still young, if I were you I would do my PhD and worry about the job later because eventually things fall in place. They usually do. Best regards

Hi satchi,

thanks for your message. It's good to hear supportive opinions - it really motivates me and gives me a more secure feeling about the whole phd thing. Which factors lead you to doing a phd? Was it hard to decide?

I guess there are big differences between doing a phd in sciences and in business, since for a career in the latter field, a phd is not essential (at least not outside academia). Whenever I tell people I'm thinking of doing a phd in marketing, they look at me strangely and ask "What for??" On the other hand, I hope my professional marketing experience would add to the quality of future academic work...

Any other views on my pro&con list at the top of this thread? I'd value any opinions - even if you tell me to stay where I am...

Hey all,

I am in a similar predicament. Though the only difference is I want to do my PhD part time while I still work at my current company. The company I work for is in the industry I want to do my PhD in so there are many chances to attend conferences and meet relevant people. I have been told by my potential PhD supervisor that if I apply myself I can potentially do my PhD (part time) in 3 years! is this possible? Also what level of background knowledge do you need in the subject you wish to partake in? Somebody please help!

jinio - everything is possible assuming you have no other committments, i.e., financial constraints, family committments, friends to take up your time. if you live for it, i guess - you can do it - though am very scepticle, not that your experience will make a difference, but that it will reduce the amount of reading/research that needs to be done for a PhD. There is a reason why full time phds take three years and part time ones take five years. It's not about how much you know, its about whether you can put it down in paper within the context of the geater field and literature within which it exists, as well as assess your contribution. I would think twice about that offer and probably take it, knowing that it is more likely to take more than three years and if it takes less, good for you. But don't be fooled - a PhD is not as easy as it sounds at the point of application

- its not a undergrad degree which you can pass by intensive reading two weeks before exams or a masters degree where you are given direction, a reading list and the precise question you are answering. With a phd, you are not only in charge of completion, but of direction, acquinting yourself with literature and staying motivated.

ally.towanda - without going through your long list, the truth is that if you are meant for a PhD, you know it. You don't need someone else to tell you that or to clarify that. You will know that a PhD is what you wanna do with your life. Until you know that, i recommend staying away from it, because without strength of conviction, you can't get through a PhD no matter how intelligent you are. Your work will be criticised endlessly and your passion has to last for as long as the PhD goes on. These are things that only you can answer, no one can diagnose them for you. Sorry if i sound harsh, i just don't want you to make the wrong decision - i.e. stay in industry or do your PhD.

Jojo is ABSOLUTELY right

I would also add that you shouldn't consider a PhD because you're not feeling fulfilled in your career. I worked before my PhD and the daily 9-6 grind (plus overtime) is no where near as monotonous and exhausting as the PhD (endless days with no real deadlines are depressing). Don't underestimate how you will miss the variety of your job - focusing on one tiny research project will make your job look fascinating! The other thing, as you note, is that three years of a PhD will not mean as much as three years of good experience in marketing if you pursue that as your career instead of academia.

Which goes back to what Jojo says. If you really want to do this, these things won't matter, but you've really got to want it

jojo, I know what you mean, but I disagree with you. The fact is that most people (specially young people) need help to know what they want. From what you said it seems as if everybody knows what they want all the time. "the truth is that if you are meant for a PhD, you know it" that is not necessarily true. Many people need help to realize what they want to do with their life and there are plenty of professional people/research that help others take such big decisions (no succes warranty, of course, lol!). It is true that one must answer the final question, but it is also true that knowing what we want is one of the hardest things in life for many.

venturin12 - i certainly wouldn't recommend a PhD as the place to find out what you want. so, i don't think you've given me any reason to change my stance on this one.

jojo, I do not understand your comment about 'not recommending phd to find out what you want', and such a comment, seems to me, is totally unrelated to the point.
If I got you right, you claim that when you know it, you know it for sure: "the truth is that if you are meant for a PhD, you know it. You don't need someone else to tell you that or to clarify that. You will know that a PhD is what you wanna do with your life"
This claim is what I find to be not necessarily true. Most of people do not know what they want and need a process to find out, including some counseling, advice, reading, introspection, talks and so on that helps them to clarify and understand what they are meant to. Some people do not need all that.
the idea of enrolling in a phd program to find out has nothing to do with all this

I have to agree with jojo again

You can never really explain to someone exactly what a PhD is like, but the one piece of advice I heard from every PhD student when I was considering starting (and the one piece of advice I would give a potential student myself now I have started) is that if you are not sure then don't do it until you are. It is too big a commitment to use it to work out what you want - three+ years in something you hate is too big a risk. So many people drop out who were sure at the start, let alone those who weren't.

I'm not trying to put you off ally.t, I just think that you have to really consider your reasons. If you're not getting all you can out your job you have to think if a PhD is going to fill that or if you need another challenege in marketing, like a promotion or a different company. I don't want to sound like I'm patronising you, but I worry that you could damage your career now if you try a PhD and it isn't for you