Overview of mophdmlw on PostgraduateForum.com

M

Signup date: 12 Apr 2010 at 11:37am

Last login: 23 Jun 2010 at 7:09pm

Post count: 10

mophdmlw 10 posts
14 years ago

I work in R&D in pharma and intend to do a PhD this year. After discussion with potential supervisors they have made it very clear that they consider industrial experience a big advantage in terms of having well developed skill in time and project management and in carrying out and documenting research in a systematic manner. My prospective supervisor sees me as less of a risk than a new grad as I have an established track record of industry R&D.

It has also helps that I can contribute my applied knowledge in terms of teaching.

So i don't think it is an either/or.... a couple of years in industry could make you a stronger candidate and give you a chance to save a few pennies.

M

mophdmlw 10 posts
14 years ago

Hi,

There will be a way if you persist enough!

I got a 3rd in my first degree and have since completed a masters and intend to do a PhD this year.

M

mophdmlw 10 posts
14 years ago

Science is all about curiosity...and I was a child who was always asking why?

M

mophdmlw 10 posts
14 years ago

Great post.....

Quote From teek:

I think you need to consider your motivations Sarah. Why do you really want to do a phd? Will it give you something concrete? And is that something enough to put up with several years of hard work, low pay and all the baggage it entails? If you like your job now what are your reasons for leaving, are the prospects for progression not good? Do you need a phd for where you want to be long term? Or do you just want to be doing more detailed research for it's own sake?

The other question is why you don't want them to get your application. Is it just fear of the unknown or wondering whether you're capable? Or is this a warning bell that you really don't want this?

For me, I had that panic when I applied for a clinical science post a while back. The interview went well and I'd worked hard at it, but on the ride home I wanted to turn off my phone so that they couldn't offer me a job. When I imagined being offered a job in an alternative field, I felt completely different. I realised that I really didn't want to be a clinical scientist, I just felt I ought to go for it because it was a "good opportunity".

Don't do a phd because it's expected of you, because other people will be impressed, or simply because you feel you ought to be pushing yourself in some way. There are plenty of other ways to challenge yourself and you'll get more out of something your truly passionate about. But equally, if you decide you want to give this a shot, remember that few decisions are irreversible, you can always leave and go back to working if you discover it's not for you. I think few people are 100% sure about anything, trust your gut instincts.

M

mophdmlw 10 posts
14 years ago

Hi Sarah,

First off...you are not nuts!

I am in a similar situation. I have been in industry for 10 years and am seriously considering (read: have applied for and awaiting response) doing a PhD as well. Have applied for FT but PT might be better but will see what my options are. I also like my job but would like to do something just for me (and if not now then when!). For me there is less of a risk of no job after (becuase of my experience) but I have a young family to consider.

What's your field and re-employment prospects?...can you be flexible on location when you look for a job after. Do you have dependants? (if not I'd really encourage you to try the PhD before they come along!)

Remember the interview discussion is a 2 way thing ..now that you have taken the time to prepare your application and sent it in why not spend a bit more time exploring whether this is a good move or not. Unless you get an offer there is no decision to make. I wouldn't worry about "the school getting my application and taking time over it when I'm not feeling sure about it"... at the end of the day that's somebody's job.

I would take all the time you can get to consider all the pros and cons and talk it over with everyone who will be affected... I was really suprised how much my friends and family have encouraged me to go for it even though financially and careerwise it doesn't make an awful lot of sense.

Overview of mophdmlw

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