| Here is my general related advice for people thinking about a Ph.D. in STEM. In no particular order - don't go to a program unless you are paid enough for it to at least cover costs. Preferably an ok salary. - it will likely hurt your lifetime earnings, think about if that matters to you. - done right, it's probably the most interesting work you will have for it's own sake - ... but it probably wont' have any broad impact - absolutely do it if you think you want an academic career - ... but think about a plan B for when you decide you don't, or they decide you won't - if you are going because you want a more "interesting" career in industry you usually should have a) worked in that industry before going and b) have a precise idea of the degree program, topic(s), and then the jobs you are targeting - it will be a lot of work, and a lot of fun. Sometimes on the same day but not always. If it isn't both on average you should consider leaving. - the degree itself isn't going to do much for you in industry unless your area of study overlaps with something in current demand. That's often a bit of a crapshoot when you are looking 5+ years ahead. - if you are considering going because you can't think of what else to do at the moment, don't. - some jobs will pass you over because they are worried you will be bored. Sometimes they are right. - some jobs will pass you over because they are worried you are "too academic". Sometimes they are right - you will have to prove you are practical also. This will take time. - some jobs will pass you over because they don't value the education or think you didn't gain anything useful from it. They are mostly wrong (but consider if you want to work in that environment). |