For a post on what it’s like to pursue a Ph.D. I’ve turned to a really smart guy I know. He breaks down what you should consider if pursuing a Ph.D. is on your horizon. There’s just something about a smart guy that can’t be beat. I think it’s the geek in me that recognizes the greatness in them.
Read the last 6 of 9 points “Z” shares on what getting a Ph.D is like below:
- Think ahead. I am not done with my Ph.D. yet but am laying the groundwork: Maybe this agency will let me work part time or even fund my thesis? It’s never too early to have such thoughts.
- Learn to write grants. In the past, Universities expected that a professor bring them grant money- Universities get a cut of every grant given to a professor- but in this economy that’s unrealistic. However, this skill may yet be put to good use.
- Collaborate. It used to be so easy. Professor A would write a Ph.D. thesis. “I like pie.” He (it was almost always a he) would then spend thirty years writing articles from his tenured perch on the wonders of pie. “I still like pie.” “The wonders of strawberry rhubarb.” “Apple pie versus strawberry rhubarb pie: A comparison.” He would get grants to study pies. And, after thirty years of pie infused goodness, the professor would retire in most cases with a pension. Now? Now you’ll need to stretch and collaborate. The mythical pie loving professor, were he here today, would be forced to spread his wings. Pie would still be on the menu, but he would write about cakes and ice cream too. He’d have to. I recently chatted with someone from Brookhaven national laboratory. I’m not a chemist or a physicist but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have a place there. And I’d be foolish to assume otherwise without asking.
- Don’t ignore the private sector. Frankly, most people go the academic route because they are leery of the notoriously abusive and corrupt and conscience free cronyism that passes for capitalism in America today. But hold your nose anyhow and try to make friends with those who, for all intents and purposes run America (sorry Barack, you had your chance and punted) because they are coming for the schools too. Cutting union wages for public school teachers is just for starters. Financial aid, tenure track jobs and sabbaticals will soon be deemed un-American for all but the most well connected Americans. In a society founded on consumption, the private sector won’t be satisfied until there is nothing left to take. Stay on their good side. Consult, collaborate, and learn the joys of working 9 to 6 and wearing a suit. It may come in handy one day, even if your motivation to do a Ph.D. is to run from the private sector. God has a sense of humor that way. And they have great tailors in Bangalore.
Also see “Graduate School in the Humanities: Just Don’t Go“- from the Chronicle of Higher Education. There is nothing like entering academia with eyes wide open.
“Z” is working on a Ph.D. in speech and language. He was born in Commietown, a large part of Eastern Europe in the late 1970s. After being told that Communism would prevail any minute now, he moved with his parents to Philadelphia and began to experience a nomadic existence that has taken him through North America, Europe and Asia. His work has been presented in some form on each of these continents. At the moment, he lives in Queens, New York, working on his Ph.D. and pondering his next connection, project or plane ride. He also enjoys, swimming, badminton and photography.
© 2011 W. S. Hughes l Image ‘be my guest’ from here.
