Why did you choose to do a PhD?

To begin with, PhDs are an essential part of the knowledge economy. Completing a PhD is all about creating fresh knowledge, discovering new things and developing new skills. It is a degree meant for those who seek greater depth of knowledge in a specific area.

When should you start thinking about PhD?

#1 Start early! While most deadlines for applications aren’t until late autumn (and there are still many opportunities accepting applications until the spring) it is a good idea to start thinking about your application before term starts. Make sure you understand the different types of doctorate on offer.

Is a PhD the only option After undergrad?

Sometimes, pursuing a PhD can seem to be the only available choice after undergrad. Clubs is a current PhD student at Harvard Medical School. Already featured in my previous article, she happily accepted my second interview, this time on why she pursued PhD.

How many years does it take to complete a PhD?

If you are doing a PhD, you probably enjoy the subject of your program so much that you are willing to spend five or six years on it. Indeed, intellectual curiosity is common to most PhD students that I spoke with.

Does a PhD degree really prepare you to succeed in industry?

It is a myth that a PhD degree only prepares you to succeed in academia. Since a doctoral program helps you develop a field specialty, it is not hard to imagine people who use their PhD training to sharpen their skills in order to work in industry. Abbas Shikari is no exception.

How can I find a PhD program that’s right for me?

So don’t wait for your career center or department to lay out a plan for you. Actively seek it out from your career center counselors, your professors, the Internet — and especially from alumni from your department who are in or graduated from your desired PhD program.