• Replies 14 replies
  • Subscribers 18 subscribers
  • Views 3747 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related

PHD ?!

Bryanna

Hi all - hope you are all keeping safe.

I am coming to the end of my Level 7 (part-time) and I am considering a PHD. I have done a lot of online research surrounding a PHD but I'm looking for some real advice from some fellow professionals that have completed their research or are currently undergoing their research. 

Is it a case of narrowing down what I am passionate about and would like to research and then choosing a relevant university? 

Are you able to work full time as well or is that slightly naive? 

What do you wish you would have known before starting your PHD? 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Parents
  • Hi Bryanna,

    Firstly, congratulations! By the sound of it you thoroughly enjoyed yourself.

    I have done an MBA (which is a level 7) and a level 7 certificate in strategic management and had the most fantastic time doing them. Both were part-time whilst working full-time.

    My husband completed his doctorate four years ago; it took about four years because he was working full-time. It wasn’t easy and an awful lot of life was put on hold - no holidays, few evenings out, lack of socialising, etc - not to mention a shed-load of money. But if you are willing to make the sacrifice it can be done.

    With a first degree you are dabbling in a wide spectrum of learning, then with a Master’s you are refining the range but going much deeper into it. With a doctorate your area of study is extremely narrow and you are digging down as deeply as possible - then going a bit further. After all, you are at the cutting-edge of learning. Whilst we both thoroughly enjoyed our respective MBA’s, doing the doctorate completely sucked all the joy out of learning for him; it really did become just a slog.

    Why do you want to do it? If you are looking for a future in academia then it’s a must, and in some other areas having the title ‘Dr’ can be useful, but if it’s for the love of learning perhaps consider another level 7 in a different (but complimentary) area. Whatever you decide, good luck!
  • in reply to Teresa
    Hi Teresa
    Thank you very much for your insight, it is interesting to hear that the doctorate sucked the joy out of learning for your partner- I will definitely take everything into account before making a decision. I actually hadn't thought about another Level 7 so thank you for that suggestion too.
  • in reply to Bryanna
    Hi Bryanna, reading Teresa's really excellent post I think her husband's experience hits the nail on the head - if learning is your main objective then a PhD is probably not the route to take or at least not at this stage in your career. Not saying you shouldn't do it, perhaps keep on the back burner for another time and focus your energies on something else for now?
Reply
  • in reply to Bryanna
    Hi Bryanna, reading Teresa's really excellent post I think her husband's experience hits the nail on the head - if learning is your main objective then a PhD is probably not the route to take or at least not at this stage in your career. Not saying you shouldn't do it, perhaps keep on the back burner for another time and focus your energies on something else for now?
Children
No Data