Careers Service 1 Why do a PhD? Dr. Tracy Bussoli Careers Adviser for Researchers.

Careers Servicewww.careers.qmul.ac.uk

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Why do a PhD?

Dr. Tracy Bussoli

Careers Adviser for Researchers


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What is a PhD?

A PhD. is an in depth research programme. It is normally undertaken upon completion of a degree course. The work produced for the PhD. must fundamentally be original, in other words written by only you, containing your thoughts and findings. Once all the research is complete, it is presented in a thesis.


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Some Reasons

• Fascinated by a particular topic

• Know that you want to work in academia

• Stay at university 3 more years

• Recession

• Good at ……….

• To be called Dr!


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More Reasons

• Need it for….

• Done well in your degree and asked


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Some people’s reasons

Well I always enjoyed understanding things and I also enjoyed very much explaining things to other people. I felt much comfortable in the academic environment and I think this is my way.


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Some people’s reasons

I got into research because I really enjoyed science from a very young age and I wanted to pursue a career in academia so the logical path there was to do a PhD and to progress into research that way.


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What to expect

• To motivate yourself• To be proactive• To be initially overwhelmed• To keep on top of current literature• 2-3 weeks holiday although more offered!• Long hours but flexible• To think about nothing but your PhD…

especially when writing up!


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What qualifications do you need?

• A first or 2:1 degree

• Or a Masters

• Postgrad diploma


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Reasons to do a PhD

• Completely absorbing• Become an expert• Only way into academia/industry• 3 years to develop skills including team

working, project management, presentation skills etc.

• Extremely fulfilling when you finish!• Get Dr. before your name


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Why not do a PhD?

• Academia is extremely competitive and not that well paid

• More PhDs graduate than posts available• Sometimes difficult to convince employers that

you are not too specialised…have to put focus on transferable skills

• Takes three years of life…could be learning on the job skills

• Some people feel ‘too specialised’ at he end


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Some Figures about PhDs and employment

• 16,500 PhDs graduated in 2006 cf. 320, 000 undergrads (1:20)

• Only ¼ of researchers know what they want to do at beginning of PhD

• In 2005, 28% of graduating STEM PhDs became post-docs.

• In 2005 7% of STEM PhDs became lecturers


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What do PhDs do?

• 50% in education

• 10% finance, IT and business

• 15% health and social work

• 15% manufacturing

• 5% public admin

• 5% other

UK Grad 2004-2006 Survey


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How to choose a PhD?

• Final year project• Talk to people in your department• Look at PhDs on various websites,

speak to potential supervisor• Research the lab/department….speak to

people about lab/supervisor• Don’t accept until you have done

research.


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Where to look for a PhD

• http://www.findaphd

• http://www.postgraduatestudentships.co.uk

• http://www.jobs.ac.uk/

• www.prospects.ac.uk/links/pgdbase

• Nature and New Scientist

• University Websites


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Books

• PhD's; What they don't tell you - by Duggi ZuramReflections on Tutors, Libraries and Other PhD Students

• PhD Study in the Arts & Humanities - by the FindAPhD Team How to apply and how to get by in the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

• A Guide to PhD Research in Computing - by Prof Sean Gong

• A short overview of what is expected of both student and supervisor Hints for New PhD Students on How to Write Research Papers - by Prof Shahn MajidA guide for writing in mathematics


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Careers Service 1 Why do a PhD? Dr. Tracy Bussoli Careers Adviser for Researchers.

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