Who should do Ph.D. and Why?
| By: RiseSo you are at a stage where you need to decide whether you should do a Ph.D. or not. There can be a number of reasons for you to think of pursuing a Ph.D. But the most basic question you need to answer is that why you want to do it in the first place. This is tough to answer. Before even you start looking for the answers, you need to clear your head of any myths you have about Ph.D. I wish I knew these things earlier. Next you need to self-explore and decide if you have what it takes to do a Ph.D. The following points will help you in assessing your capabilites.
- Previous research experience: This is not mandatory but it really helps to know what you are getting into. For every Ph.D. aspirant, I would suggest to first do a MS in thesis to get a taste of research. If you can get research experience in industry that would also help you a lot in later phases of your Ph.D.
- Self confidence: This is an internal quality that only you can build. If you have a slightest doubt on your abilities, better talk to someone or re-evaluate your reasons.
- Long term goal: Ph.D. is not an end in itself. If it is required for your long term goal then only go for it. Do you know what is your long term goal? Would a Ph.D. help in achieving that goal?
- Passion: This is really important because you cannot force it or build it. If you are passionate about a research area/topic then only you’ll be willing to sacrifice some of the joys of life to finish your Ph.D.
- Curiosity: If you are used to the traditional form of learning, Ph.D. might be little difficult for you. It requires you to think differently and question each and everything. Are you curious to know how things work?
- Creativity: It goes hand in hand with curiosity. Ph.D. requires you to be creative in your thinking and not just curious. You should be able to see things differently from what presented and come up with your own ideas.
- Analytical thinking/skills: It involves analyzing what you see and developing your own mantra. It defines your ability to see through the things, grasp the gist, and look at it from different angles. Were you comfortable with analytical questions in GRE?
- Self-motivation: It is important that you have the ability to work on a project without any external motivation and encouragement. There are no midterms or assignments to keep you on the track. There is no way to compare with other students where you stand in your Ph.D. If you are in the habit of doing only what your professor or boss tells you then you are going to face lot of problems to keep yourself motivated throughout your Ph.D. Are you able to write your to-do list by yourself?
- Adaptability: Even if you are fully prepared for Ph.D., there will be moments when you might need to change your way of thinking to progress successfully. It is never easy and that’s where this quality comes handy. Do you have the ability to change?
- Vision: Doing a Ph.D. requires a vision. What exactly you want from your Ph.D.? How will it help in your long term goals?
If you think you can fulfill the above mentioned criterion then the next step is to give a reason to your Ph.D. Why you want to do a PhD?
- Interest in research: If you don’t have any interest in doing research, don’t waste your valuable time in doing PhD. Do something else closer to your interest. PhD is a preparation for a research career (though in later years you might be able to steer your career in other directions). There are many organizations, institutes, and companies where you can work as a research scientist.
- Academic career: If you want to obtain an academic position then a PhD can brighten your chances. Most of the professors in major universities hold a Ph.D.
What are the benefits of a Ph.D. or a research career?
- You will meet and work with the brightest people.
- You will change the way people think.
- You will change the way people look at computers (or computers look at people).
- You will explore the unexplored and solve the unsolved.
- You will define new and betters ways to solve a problem.
- You will never be bored. There will be always something to explore and solve.
- You will increase your intellectual capabilities.
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Interesting post. Very interesting blog.
I’ve been considering a Ph.D. program. My last post, at the bottom, mentions Joseph Campbell’s thoughts on such things.
Of course, he was refering to Liberal Arts, mostly: http://www.dansmind.com/?p=181
-Dan
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