• - worldnews
  • - todayilearned
  • - nottheonion
  • - explainlikeimfive
  • - mildlyinteresting
  • - OldSchoolCool
  • - television
  • - TwoXChromosomes
  • - LifeProTips
  • - dataisbeautiful
  • - Showerthoughts
  • - askscience
  • - Futurology
  • - UpliftingNews
  • - InternetIsBeautiful
  • - GetMotivated
  • - announcements
  • - WritingPrompts
  • - philosophy
  • - Documentaries
  • - EarthPorn
  • - photoshopbattles
  • - listentothis

use the following search parameters to narrow your results:

e.g. subreddit:aww site:imgur.com dog

see the search faq for details.

advanced search: by author, subreddit...

30 users here now

For sharing of academic works and discussion of issues and events relating to academia and the related political, economical, and social structures.

Commercial posts and endorsements of unethical services such as paper mills will be removed.

  • message the mods

Welcome to Reddit,

the front page of the internet.

and join one of thousands of communities.

Is a PhD worth it? ( self.academia )

submitted 1 year ago by [deleted]

What are your thoughts and perspectives, I am considering to pursue a PhD in computational biology/neurogenetics but not sure it it worth it in long run (also for jobs after finishing PhD program)

  • 14 comments

Want to add to the discussion?

Post a comment!

[–] DangerousBill 9 points 10 points 11 points 1 year ago *   (2 children)

If you stop at a bachelor's or master's, your eventual boss might have a PhD. The advanced degree isn't for everyone, but it opens up depth and variety in your career options.

My PhD took me into six different specialties at five different employers ranging over government, industry, and academia.

A friend of mine worked on a single enzyme for his entire career, ending up as president of his university. Anything is possible.

[–] [deleted] 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (1 child)

True, thanks for the insight. Your career path is really amazing, in what field was your PhD?

[–] DangerousBill 1 point 2 points 3 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

Biochemistry, but post docs in virus genetics and enzymology.

[–] [deleted] 3 points 4 points 5 points 1 year ago   (2 children)

40-60% of graduate students don’t finish their PhDs. The only reason to do a PhD is if you are sufficiently passionate about a field that you want to devote 4-5 years to mastery of a highly specific component of it. If you don’t have that level of passion, you won’t finish. As for career prospects: it’s a crapshoot.

[–] _XtalDave_ -1 points 0 points 1 point 1 year ago   (1 child)

Woah, where are you where the drop out rate is so high? Here in the UK the combination of failure and drop out rate is ~20%

[–] [deleted] 1 point 2 points 3 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

[–] DeepSeaDarkness 5 points 6 points 7 points 1 year ago   (1 child)

Do you want to do research as a career?

[–] [deleted] 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

Yes, but doing research is also possible in companies for example so that’s why it seems difficult to decide

[–] FOXO1_IGMBC 1 point 2 points 3 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

If you have to ask, you already know the answer. Once you start, you will continue to ask that question every year, and it will get harder and harder to justify the answer. Many will talk about the benefits after but you need to remember that you have to finish first, and if your asking this question as a graduate student the answer for just yourself is inevitably no.

[–] CptNemo55 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (2 children)

Well, it depends, what is the reason you want to get a PhD?

I want to get it as it allows for my research to have more societal impact, and the focus lies more on the research than just profit and money which can be the case in companies. And I enjoy going to conferences and am passionate about the topic

[–] CptNemo55 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

Ok, all good reasons. What do you plan to do for a job after you have PhD?

[–] sbby31 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

I think that, unfortunately, it is a personal decision. Your career aspects in that field are probably decent with or without a PhD. You can definitely get yourself into a role that supports research (research that greatly benefits society, if you are lucky) with a bachelors/masters degree, and many people are very happy in that kind of role.

I assume you are relatively young (20s-ish). Doing a PhD will rob you of the experience of having money pretty early in life, and that is a dealbreaker for some (no judgement, there is no right or wrong answer). The job market for PhDs is no longer a "sure thing" that guarantees you wealth/tenure later in life.

I got my PhD in a roughly comparable field- I did it mostly because I wanted the option to lead research efforts or teach afterwards. I do not think I would be happy in a bachelors level role working under PhDs who lead the research efforts, or in an industry role where I have very little autonomy, and I stand by that decision. I decided that was important to me and endured 5 years of BS getting another slip of paper. I am not far along enough in my career to know if a PhD was the right call, but so far it has worked out well for me and I am glad I did it.

[–] marcopoloman 0 points 1 point 2 points 1 year ago   (0 children)

I did my PhD a few years ago. It did get me a much higher paying teaching position.

  • advertising
  • Reddit help center
  • reddiquette
  • mod guidelines
  • apps & tools
  • Reddit for iPhone
  • Reddit for Android
  • mobile website
  • reddit premium

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy . © 2024 reddit inc. All rights reserved.

REDDIT and the ALIEN Logo are registered trademarks of reddit inc.

reddit phd

π   Rendered by PID 94664 on reddit-service-r2-slowlane-canary-7cdc578686-l68kp at 2024-10-25 21:44:04.470883+00:00 running a3abaf1 country code: RU.

  • AI Writing Services
  • AI Detectors
  • Coding Homework Help
  • Citation Generators
  • Editing Websites
  • Essay Writing Websites
  • Language Learning Websites
  • Math Solvers
  • Paraphrasers
  • Plagiarism Checkers
  • Reference Finders
  • Spell Checkers
  • Summarizers
  • Tutoring Websites
  • Essay Checkers
  • Essay Topic Finders
  • Top Lists and Recommendations
  • Writing an Essay
  • Writing a Review
  • Writing a Research Paper
  • AI Writing Guides
  • AI Detection Guides
  • Citation Guides
  • Coding Guides
  • Grammar Guides
  • Humanities Guides
  • Language Learning Guides
  • Paraphrasing Guides
  • Plagiarism Guides
  • Summary Writing Guides
  • STEM Guides
  • Academic Text Samples
  • Application Essay Samples
  • Business Writing Samples
  • Creative Writing Samples
  • Letter Writing Samples
  • Writing Tips and Rules
  • Student Life
  • Higher Education News
  • EdTech News
  • Job Market for Students
  • Academic Writing Tips
  • Language Learning Tips
  • Coding Tips and Trends
  • AI Detector
  • AI Essay Checker
  • AI Essay Writer
  • Citation Generator
  • Grammar Checker
  • Literature Review Generator
  • Paraphraser
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • Reference Finder

Most Popular

11 days ago

A*Helpful Fact: Iceberg Lettuce Has a Higher Water Content Than a Watermelon

10 days ago

A*Helpful Fact: A Simple Clock Drawing Can Show If You Have Dementia

A*helpful fact: wondering how smart are apes in reality both less and more than you think, a*helpful fact: only 12% of americans know how to be metabolically healthy, a*helpful fact: some birds like to snack on hot pepper, the perks of being a phd student: reddit reacts.

Image: timeshighereducation.com

Sybil Low

The decision to pursue a PhD often comes with mixed feedback. While many emphasize the challenges like financial strain and long hours, there are also unsung benefits to consider. This article offers an in-depth look, presenting both the pros and cons, to provide a comprehensive understanding for those contemplating this academic path.

Key Takeaways:

  • PhD programs offer unparalleled schedule flexibility, allowing a work-life balance.
  • Post-PhD career opportunities can be financially rewarding, especially in specific fields.
  • Hands-on volunteering enriches your academic journey, offering practical experience before formal PhD work begins.

Many people online, especially on Reddit, talk about the tough parts of being a PhD student. But there’s a positive side too. This article will talk about the good things: getting paid to learn, working with smart folks, and sharing your ideas with the world. Let’s look at the brighter side of the PhD journey.

The perks of being a PhD student by u/like_a_tensor in PhD

Benefits of Being a PhD

When many people hear the term “PhD”, they might immediately think of endless research, long hours, and a challenging journey. But, if we dive into personal experiences, a fuller, more nuanced picture emerges. Several PhD students and graduates took to Reddit to share the advantages they found in their academic pursuits, revealing a side to the journey that’s often overshadowed by its challenges.

One of the standout benefits is the considerable flexibility that a PhD program offers. Unlike rigid 9-5 jobs, many students have the liberty to tailor their schedules. One Reddit user contributes, 

“This might not apply to all – but I really took for granted how flexible I could make my work schedule.” 

They further elaborated on how they had control over their time. If a friend wanted to hang out on a Friday or if they wanted to plan a holiday, they often could without much restriction. Another user chimed in, noting the unmatched flexibility of their hours in a computational field. When life events such as pregnancy came up, the flexibility in their schedule made it easier to manage. They could sleep in when they felt ill or attend necessary medical appointments without facing repercussions.

Contrasting the PhD lifestyle with demanding industry roles, a seasoned PhD on Reddit shared their insights, 

“I was in a computational field and I had complete ownership over my hours. I know a lot of people say that a PhD has a huge workload, but I didn’t see anyone in my cohort pulling such long days despite it being a top program.” 

Before their PhD, they worked as an investment banker, often running on just four hours of sleep, leaving the office sometimes at 6 am only to be back by 8:30 am. 

Besides flexibility, the nature of work and learning opportunities that come with pursuing a PhD also seem to resonate positively with many. As one individual put it, 

“I’m in a field where there’s a strong market for PhDs in industry. It’s the best of both worlds.” 

They highlighted that the kind of work they now engage in after their PhD is more interesting than what they had been doing before.

Another Reddit user was passionate about their niche research area, stating, 

“I’m doing philosophical analysis of psychedelics and I get to research basically whatever I please.” 

They found great value in the support of open-minded supervisors and a rich network of fellow researchers, making their PhD journey feel meaningful. They also mentioned their success in publishing an article, showcasing that academic accomplishments can bring a great sense of pride and achievement.

Furthermore, many PhD students find unique opportunities to leverage student benefits, even when they’re deep into their program. As one individual humorously pointed out, 

“Abusing student privileges (i.e. access to certain spaces, groups, discounts) that are probably meant mostly for undergrads but hey why shouldn’t I show up for the therapy dogs during finals week at the library?” 

These perks, though seemingly minor, can enhance the overall student experience.

The financial side of things was also touched upon. A prevailing myth suggests that all PhD students struggle financially. While it’s true that many aren’t rolling in money, the picture isn’t universally bleak. One individual shared, 

“I can’t complain with a comfortable six-figure income,” after finishing their PhD, implying that certain fields do offer lucrative opportunities post-graduation. Another user from Finland mentioned they had secured 1.5 years of funding for their research, underscoring that, while not wealthy, they were “doing financially OK.”

In the US, people with a PhD usually earn more and face lower unemployment than those without one. But this isn’t a rule for everyone. If you’re mainly looking to make money, starting a job right after university can often be the better move. During the years spent on a PhD, you could already be building job experience and moving up in your career. So, while a PhD might pay off for some, it’s essential to think about other job options and their earnings too.

highest level of educational attainment

The overarching sentiment from these insights is that while there are undeniable challenges in pursuing a PhD, there’s also a wealth of benefits that often go unnoticed. From flexibility to learning opportunities, from financial stability in certain fields to the joy of academic achievements, the journey can be incredibly rewarding. As one Reddit user aptly summarized, 

“Honestly, the lifestyle (save for the low pay) is extremely good in many fields. Overall, not too shabby. I don’t regret it.”

How to Prepare for a PhD Program

Preparing for a PhD program might seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can be well-prepared for this significant chapter in your academic journey. Here are three straightforward tips to help you get ready for a PhD program, based on insights and experiences shared by those who have walked this path.

1. Understand What’s Expected in a PhD Program

Before you dive into a PhD, it’s essential to know what you’re getting into. This means understanding the requirements of the program. Most PhD programs will want you to have a master’s degree in a related field. Some might even ask for added coursework or some research experience. So, before you start filling out that application form, check out the program’s admission requirements. Make sure you tick all the boxes.

But it’s not just about meeting the entry criteria. It’s also about understanding what the program involves. What kind of academic work will you need to do? What sort of research projects might you take on? By getting a clear picture of these things, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the program head-on.

2. Choose the Right Program for You

Picking the right PhD program can make a world of difference. It’s all about finding a program that matches your research interests and goals. To do this, take a close look at the faculty in the program. What are they researching? If you can find professors or mentors whose interests align with yours, you’re on the right track.

Also, think about the resources the program offers. Are there good facilities, labs, and tools available? What about funding? Some programs might offer scholarships, grants, or fellowships. Remember, a PhD can be pricey, so any financial support can be a big help.

3. Get Practical Experience

While university courses often teach you a lot of theory, getting hands-on, practical experience can give you an edge. One great way to do this is by volunteering in a research lab. As one student shared, volunteering gave them a chance to see research in action and feel like they were making a real contribution, even before starting their PhD.

How to Prepare for a PhD Program

Volunteering also lets you try out different research areas. You might find a topic you’re passionate about or figure out that something you thought you’d love isn’t really for you. And the good news? These volunteer stints usually aren’t long-term commitments. So, you can try a few different things without feeling stuck.

Another bonus of volunteering is the skills you pick up. Maybe you’ll learn how to use a specific piece of research equipment or get to know a particular kind of data analysis. These skills can come in handy when you start your PhD. And, if you’re looking to boost your resume, this experience can be a gold star when applying for paid positions or graduate programs.

If you’re wondering where to find these opportunities, start with online platforms like Facebook groups or job sites. Some universities post opportunities on notice boards. But one of the best ways? Reach out to faculty members or staff at your university. They often know about opportunities that aren’t widely advertised and can point you in the right direction.

Pursuing a PhD comes with challenges, but it’s also packed with rewards. Understanding the full spectrum can guide informed decisions for aspiring academics.

Follow us on Reddit for more insights and updates.

Comments (0)

Welcome to A*Help comments!

We’re all about debate and discussion at A*Help.

We value the diverse opinions of users, so you may find points of view that you don’t agree with. And that’s cool. However, there are certain things we’re not OK with: attempts to manipulate our data in any way, for example, or the posting of discriminative, offensive, hateful, or disparaging material.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More from Higher Education News

Classroom billboard with America map, colorful crayon drawings and

New Program Drives More Latina Students to Colleges! What Problems Do They Face Daily?

Survey Reveals High Cost of Course Materials Stops Students from Success

Survey Reveals High Cost of Course Materials Stops Students from Success

colourful school bus and school on a field

Should I Go Back to School? Reasons The Answer Might Be Yes

Remember Me

What is your profession ? Student Teacher Writer Other

Forgotten Password?

Username or Email

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • View all journals
  • Explore content
  • About the journal
  • Publish with us
  • Sign up for alerts
  • CAREER COLUMN
  • 06 November 2018

Twenty things I wish I’d known when I started my PhD

  • Lucy A. Taylor 0

Lucy A. Taylor earned her zoology PhD from the University of Oxford, UK. She is now a postdoctoral researcher at Save the Elephants in Nairobi, Kenya, and a visiting researcher in the Department of Zoology at Oxford.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Starting a PhD can be tough. Looking back, there are many things I wish I’d known at the beginning. Here, I have curated a list of advice from current PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from the Department of Zoology at my institution, the University of Oxford, UK, to aid new graduate students.

Access options

Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals

Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription

24,99 € / 30 days

cancel any time

Subscribe to this journal

Receive 51 print issues and online access

185,98 € per year

only 3,65 € per issue

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-07332-x

This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their professional experiences and advice. Guest posts are encouraged. You can get in touch with the editor at [email protected].

Related Articles

reddit phd

What makes a good PhD student?

Make the most of PhDs

From industry to stay-at-home father to non-profit leadership

From industry to stay-at-home father to non-profit leadership

Career Q&A 24 OCT 24

How I’m learning to navigate academia as someone with ADHD

How I’m learning to navigate academia as someone with ADHD

Career Column 24 OCT 24

How to run a successful internship programme

How to run a successful internship programme

Career Feature 23 OCT 24

How job-seeking scientists should walk the line between high-calibre and humble

How job-seeking scientists should walk the line between high-calibre and humble

Career Feature 21 OCT 24

Restore Internet access in war-torn Sudan

Restore Internet access in war-torn Sudan

Editorial 15 OCT 24

How I apply Indigenous wisdom to Western science and nurture Native American students

How I apply Indigenous wisdom to Western science and nurture Native American students

Career Q&A 25 SEP 24

Assistant Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

The Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine (http://mgm.unm.edu/index.html) is seeking...

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque

Assistant/Associate/Professor of Pediatrics (Neonatology)

Join the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria as a full-time Neonatologist.

Peoria, Illinois

University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria

reddit phd

Professor / Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Quantum Correlated Condensed and Synthetic Matter

The Department of Physics (www.phys.ethz.ch) at ETH Zurich invites applications for the above-mentioned position.

Zurich city

reddit phd

Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Communications (Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or Biophysics)

Job Title: Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Communications (Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or Biophysics) Locations: New York, Philadelphia, S...

New York City, New York (US)

Springer Nature Ltd

reddit phd

Faculty (Open Rank) - Bioengineering and Immunoengineering

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) at the University of Chicago invites applications for multiple faculty positions (open rank) in ...

Chicago, Illinois

University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

reddit phd

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

  • Explore articles by subject
  • Guide to authors
  • Editorial policies

IMAGES

  1. The pictures of PhD student... : r/PhD

    reddit phd

  2. Today I successfully defended my dissertation and am now a doctor!! : r/PhD

    reddit phd

  3. If my phd dissertation was on reddit , I would've topped the class : r

    reddit phd

  4. [Reddit Meta] Noah J. Springer wrote his PhD thesis on Reddit, and

    reddit phd

  5. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED IN GRADUATE SCHOOL?

    reddit phd

  6. PhD : r/CrispyConcords

    reddit phd

VIDEO

  1. [r/Askreddit] What’s something you tried once and instantly knew it wasn’t for you?

  2. Vietcong 2 Review

  3. Cool

  4. Mike Tyson LOSES IT as Jake Paul Apologizes for DISRESPECTING Boxing Legends

  5. TRENCH CRUSADE: Lore spiegata in ITALIANO

  6. My MIL pushed the sister I raised in place of our parents away so I decided to fire her husband

COMMENTS

  1. Reddit

    Join the discussion on various topics related to PhD life, such as research, supervision, wellness, career, and more. Share your experiences, challenges, and advice with other PhD holders or current PhD candidates.

  2. Is a PhD really worth it? : r/PhD - Reddit

    Users share their opinions and experiences on whether a PhD is worth it for their career and personal goals. Some emphasize the professional advantages, others the personal satisfaction, and others the stress and time commitment of a PhD.

  3. r/PhD on Reddit: Let’s hear your #1 (or top 1-3) best tips ...

    A subreddit dedicated to PhDs where users share their best tips and rules for new PhD students. See the top comments on topics such as dissertation, teaching, research, mental health, and more.

  4. Has anyone ever regretted getting a PhD in clinical psych?

    A user asks if anyone ever regretted getting a PhD in clinical psych and shares their own doubts. Other users reply with their opinions, experiences and advice on the forum.

  5. Is a PhD worth it? : academia - reddit

    If you stop at a bachelor's or master's, your eventual boss might have a PhD. The advanced degree isn't for everyone, but it opens up depth and variety in your career options. My PhD took me into six different specialties at five different employers ranging over government, industry, and academia.

  6. I am currently debating whether to leave my PhD program- any ...

    A PhD is worth only if you are really interested in doing research otherwise you'll waste 4-5 years (then another 3-4 years doing a postdoc). Faculty positions are few and far between and then you'll have to worry about getting funds/tenure.

  7. The Perks of being a PhD Student: Reddit Reacts ...

    Several PhD students and graduates took to Reddit to share the advantages they found in their academic pursuits, revealing a side to the journey that’s often overshadowed by its challenges. One of the standout benefits is the considerable flexibility that a PhD program offers.

  8. This lab asked depressed Ph.D. students what’s ... - AAAS

    When a 2018 study revealed that Ph.D. students suffer from depression at rates far higher than the general population, it sparked a landslide of concern about graduate student mental health, with some calling it a mental health crisis.

  9. PhD students, what do you wish someone told you ... - Reddit

    A post on r/PhD subreddit asks PhD students what they wish they knew before starting a PhD. The comments include tips on self-doubt, quality, communication, literature review, and more.

  10. Twenty things I wish I’d known when I started my PhD - Nature

    Starting a PhD can be tough. Looking back, there are many things I wish I’d known at the beginning. Here, I have curated a list of advice from current PhD students and postdoctoral researchers...