PhD jobs prospects are dire.

My story is probably a little different to most of yours, but I do feel that PhDs across the board are being deceived and let down by the higher education system.

Back in the mid-1990s, I went straight from my BEng degree to a PhD at Edinburgh. At the time Edinburgh was seen as one of the top Scottish universities, so I was immensely pleased and proud to be studying for a doctorate at such a prestigious university. Anyway, my reason for studying for a PhD was simply to gain a doctorate so that I could use the Dr title. I never intended to pursue an academic career. After my PhD, I went into industry for a short time. Found that I hated it (well that particular job anyway) as I didn't have the freedom that I was acustomed to. It felt like working in a call centre! Was made redundant in the 2nd round of redundancies in 2003, so went back to Edinburgh to work as a postdoc on a really short project (no chance of getting any publications from that). After that post doc I went from post-doc to post doc as I liked the work and the relative fredom that we enjoy. It's interesting to note that I'd never heard of fellowships when I was a student as Edinburgh. Only found out about them when I was working quite successfully on a long project at Glasgow (plenty of publications), but by then it was too late for me as I was an 'old' PhD.



Now unemployed for the second time in 3 years. Discovered that employers aren't interested in PhD degree. PhD on CV is probably just as bad as having a paedo conviction. 6 months and only 2 postdoc interviews and 0 industry interviews. Can't even get a job as a GCSE qualified worker. Probably come to the end of the postdoc road. Thinking of dropping PhD from my CV.