PhD or Real World

[Maths Dude]

Is it worth doing a PhD or just going into the real world?

[tetsujin gaijin]

How long is a piece of string? We need a little more info dude. For example, what do you want to do with your Phd and what type do you want to get?

[GomiGirl]

Nothing wrong with either but real world takes a thick skin and PhD is a sheltered workshop of acedemia.

Both very valuable.. but if you plan to always remain in the protected acedemic world then you need the doctorate, but out in the real world the PhD is not as important as how well you can apply what you know.

[cstaylor]

Nothing wrong with either but real world takes a thick skin and PhD is a sheltered workshop of acedemia.

The biggest difference between Universities and the real-world is that you can easily jump companies, but everyone seems to talk in academia.

[Maths Dude]

The PhD would probably be in filtration or maybe some superconducter stuff or fluidized bed stuff.

Alot of the PhD people Im aware of pretty much have gotten work anywhere in the world, though the same thing could be said for companies if your good enough. Gomi is probably right that academia is pretty sheltered. I guess it comes down to haveing to subsist on $350/week for another 3 years. I'd make about double that after 3 years working. I am guessing I have more of a chance of getting research work in Japan if the PhD is there though, and have a pretty decent salary.

[kamome]

If you're going for a PhD, get it in Economics. Loads of jobs for PhD economists, and not just in academia.

[GomiGirl]

Nothing wrong with either but real world takes a thick skin and PhD is a sheltered workshop of acedemia.

The biggest difference between Universities and the real-world is that you can easily jump companies, but everyone seems to talk in academia.

Easy to jump companies?? Not for people like you and me matie!!

Not that I would want to.... just saying is all.

[cstaylor]

Easy to jump companies?? Not for people like you and me matie!!

Not that I would want to.... just saying is all.

Well, why would the captain abandon the ship?

[cliffy]

Easy to jump companies?? Not for people like you and me matie!!

Not that I would want to.... just saying is all.

Well, why would the captain abandon the ship?

Is that" Nearer my God to thee" I hear playing in the background??


Damn the Icebergs, full steam ahead.............................................


I'll behave now :P :P

[Greji]

Most companies will generally say something like a University/College Degree is required when advertising employment. It can then be Rocket Science or Basket Weaving. If the field is what they are looking for they will, in most cases, ask for a Masters, and state a Master's Degree in Apple Bobbing or whatever.

The Phd is assuredly a must in the academic field at the University level, but for non-specified employment, it might be nothing better than an additional and nice resume entry.

Having said that, the Japanese Government and Tokushuhojin do pay additional allowances (teiate) for the level of education i.e. HS receives nothing but base pay, a four year college grad gets a certain extra allowance, the master course and PhD get more. I guess it just means, if you're headed for a field where it will help, go for it. If not, it might just be an entertaining waste of time

My two cents....gb