PhD...

I am hoping to do one (full time) in 4 years time or thereabouts. Bear in mind the £14K may not sound a lot, but a large wedge of it may well be tax free, not to mention other benefits like heavily subsidised food, accomodation, etc. (obviously depends on your university). I want to get a couple of papers published before I start it. I am working on one at the moment and really must crack on with it instead of tarting up my garage.

I`d say look to the future...... the 3 years will be over in no time and the qualification will pave the way for a far better paid job. My brother also got subsidised accommodation for himself and his girlfriend whilst he was at Cambridge doing his PhD.

Originally Posted by alpinestarhero

Hi everyone, I need some advice. I have been very kindly informed of a PhD position at my university, studing the synthesis of anti-hypertensive compounds. The lecturer who approched me was very flattering, saying that she would like someone who is actually decent at chemistry to work with.
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Has anyone here done a PhD?

I haven't, but my housemate is currently doing hers in Environmental Science researching nemetodes or something. Also, my last girlfriend has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering earned through her research into Hydrogen gas fuelled ICEs. Both have said it's worth doing, my ex especially. She's recently emigrated to Perth, Australia to work with one of the upcoming engine development companies there. She's 34 and spent most of her 20s studying for something or other and finally got down to working a proper job 4 years ago. She earns a fortune, and says that without the Dr in front of her name then things would be more difficult and certain doors would forever be shut to her. As it is she was poached by the Oz company, and offered a very good deal that I couldn't ask her to refuse, so we parted and off she went in January.

I say do it.

Wifey is Dr Anne. (History, University of Exeter, 1990).

She won a British Academy research award to fund it - all of £3K a year.

She has never regretted it, has written two books arising from it (Faction and Faith - The Political Allegiance of the Cornish Gentry c1600 - 1642, Exeter University Press 1996) and The History of the Clinton Barony 1299 - 1999 (privately published by Lord Clinton, 1999). Nobody on here will have heard of either but the first is in pretty well every UK university library and also in many in Australia and North America. I'm not meaning to show off, but it is a significant achievement. The PhD also got her a teaching post at Exeter.

She is an acknowledged expert on the subject - ie Cornwall in the early modern period. Whether people agree with her views or not, they still have to quote and acknowledge her work.

All I can say Matt is that yes you might earn more now but (a) PhDs open doors (b) you will enjoy it hugely (c) you will never regret it and (d) how many people really make a lasting mark on worldwide scholarship?

Originally Posted by Ed

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All I can say Matt is that yes you might earn more now but (a) PhDs open doors (b) you will enjoy it hugely (c) you will never regret it and (d) how many people really make a lasting mark on worldwide scholarship?

Only kidding Ed! Its excellent your wife has been able to publish books; I sometimes think about writing books to clear up some of the poorley explained things in current books. Guess this would be bette to do with that little "dr" title

I'm going to fill in the application form today, and I think there are interviews in april. I havnt discussed it with my parents, but then I know they wont mind - I've told them I do want to do a PhD, and they are supportive of that.

Thanks for all your input guys; I'll look into subsidised accomodation for me and maria, and I'm going to go find a few PhD students today and tomorrow at uni, have a chat with them about it aswell.

Matt

I studied Maths, Stats and Operational research and focussed on Financial Maths modelling. I considered going for a PhD and even started it but in the end decided I didn't want to work in the brothel called academia and studying papers was not for me. So I cut down my PhD to an MPhil and got outa there in 3 months and never consider going back.

To a large extent the lecturer I was working with was a c**t!!! So that didn't help when I needed support to continue with a research topic that was just starting to grow in the sector.

My missus is writing up hers in Linguistics. She is well thought of her work by her peers and other lecturers and enjoys it very much.....but she wants to become a lecturer and work in academia.

In your sector I don't know what is required to get a job. If you see job descriptions that are asking for a PhD then go for it. Seems from the advise given above that it's required. Getting on the property ladder can be delayed and just rent with your gf for the time being. Building the base for a better career is more important than bricks!

You chemists are weird ....I was 'fortunate' enough to meet a few on my work site yesterday. (PBX r&d chemists if that rings a bell)

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

You chemists are weird ....I was 'fortunate' enough to meet a few on my work site yesterday. (PBX r&d chemists if that rings a bell)

Why where they weird?

Breathing in solvent vapours all day, every day will make you go odd in the brain

Matt

I have been informed many a time that Ph.D. is an acronym for Permanent Head Damage......Make of that what you will. But trust me, it's not far from the truth, I should know

Been there, done the Ph.D, got the hell out. Still it was right at the time and I don't regret doing it. My only real advice is find out what your supervisor is really like. Not just the papers published etc. If you can take out the current 2nd and 3rd year student and buy them a few beers. In my experience if the lab supervisor is poor in anyway they really will let you know.