Is doing a PhD the Holy Grail? The (harsh) realities of a PhD
What question do Bachelor and Master students ask me most frequently?
No, it’s not “Is this going to be part of the exam, Isabelle?”.
The most common questions I hear from students regarding career perspectives is:
Should I do a PhD?
To be honest, I am surprised to hear this question so frequently. The career options available to my students (chemistry and life sciences) are extensive. They range from working in a large pharmaceutical company to a small start-up, working for the government, or focusing on science communication or teaching.
Yet, there’s something in academia (or today’s society?) that may encourage students to consider pursuing a PhD, even if they have not previously thought about this option.
Is it the prestige associated with the word “PhD”?
Do students spend too much time in academia, surrounded by teachers who are mostly academia-oriented, and supervised by PhD students or postdocs (for those who do their internship at universities or University Medical Centers)?
Do they fail to see all the possible options outside of academia?
Do they feel pressure from their peers, family, or society (i.e., studying = being smart)?
I don’t know exactly the reasons why, but an increasing number of students are opting to pursue a PhD. This trends poses two challenges, in my opinion:
🔸 A bigger competition on the job market upon completion of the PhD (growing # of PhDs doesn’t mean growing # of available positions), and
🔸 PhD students feeling miserable at some point in their PhD, because a PhD may not be the best fit for them.
We all know that a PhD is great for those who enjoys research. That’s true – a PhD develops the ability to conduct independent research, think critically, and offer new insights into their field. It trains early-career scientists in research design, implementation, analysis, and solving complex problems with innovative solutions.
But a PhD involves more than just research. Presenting the PhD as the Holy Grail to students who enjoy research (and are good at it) may be misleading, as it may overshadows the (harsh) realities that some PhD students face during or after their PhD.
In today’s newsletter, we’ll wear special goggles focusing on the harsh realities of a PhD, discussing eight crucial aspects that are often overlooked when considering a PhD.
While wearing special goggles that focus on the more negative aspects?
Because it is important to be well-informed before making the (life-changing) decision to pursue a PhD, and I believe these aspects will provide valuable insights to those interested in a PhD.
It’s not often that I want to focus on harsh realities only, right? Fear no more, we’ll also look at the positive aspects of pursuing a PhD in an upcoming edition of the NextMinds Newsletter!
Mismatch with Career Expectations
You may believe that a PhD will always be useful or relevant, regardless of your post-PhD career path, even if you are not interested in an academic career.
Undoubtedly, obtaining a PhD will provide you with the chance to develop both professionally and personally.
But having a PhD does not necessarily mean an increased in job prospects.
Sometimes, the industry roles or positions that require a PhD are associated with high expectations for specific skills that not all PhD holders find interesting or fulfilling, such as leadership, strategic decision-making, and management.
Applying to industry and other sectors requires a focus on transferable skills, not just research skills. This can be challenging for many new PhD graduates.
Opportunity Cost
A PhD can take anywhere from 3 to 7 years, sometimes more. Consider what you are giving up in this time, including potential career advancement and income in other fields (e.g., industry).
Resilience and Mental Health
Pursuing a PhD can be an exhilarating yet challenging experience. It may involve conducting experiments that do not yield results for extended periods, hypotheses that fail, papers that are rejected, unresponsive supervisors, and unsupportive environments. It is common to encounter repeated setbacks and failures, which are an integral part of the research process. Therefore, developing resilience is essential.
Studies have reported high levels of stress and anxiety among PhD candidates. It is important to be prepared for this if you are considering pursuing a PhD. Ensure that you have a support system in place, such as friends, family, and a healthy lifestyle, to help you through difficult times. It is crucial to have this system in place from the very beginning.
Working Together but Feeling Alone
Prospective PhD students often express their excitement about working in a team towards a common goal. However, the reality is that a significant portion of the work is independent, which can be frustrating when facing unique challenges. It is rare for multiple PhD students to work on the same project within the same lab, which can lead to feelings of isolation.
Lifestyle Implications
Doing a PhD often comes with high demands: overwork, a lot of other tasks beyond research, stressful deadlines, managing the expectations of your supervisor(s), working irregular hours, and a blurred line between work and personal time (as in: having dreams about your PhD 😅).
Supervisory Relationship
The relationship with your PhD supervisor can significantly impact your experience and success. A good match will make your experience easier, while a poor match can lead to a terrible experience. It is important to identify your needs and research potential supervisors before committing to a program. If you notice a high rate of PhD students dropping out or experiencing significant delays in your target institution/group, exercise caution and investigate thoroughly. This could happen to you as well.
Also, even with the best supervisor ever, you will have moments where you want hit your head on your keyboard. But it’s like in any relationship – sometimes you’re feeling frustrated, and you need to deal with these feelings.
Intellectual Ownership and Freedom
Aspiring PhD students may believe they have the freedom to explore their interests deeply. However, funding and departmental objectives may constrain this freedom. For instance, if you are part of a larger consortium, you must adhere to the plan and deliver what is expected of you, on time, as other researchers depend on your deliverables (and vice versa).
Pension and Unemployment
Often, PhD salaries or stipends do not include pension contributions, or only a small contribution. This means that during your time in the PhD program, you may not be saving for your pension, which could affect your long-term financial security.
That may feel like irrelevant when you are 23 or 25, but you will start noticing this at a later stage in your life.
This means that a PhD not only affects your immediate financial situation but also reduces the growth potential of your retirement savings.
PhD students often do not contribute to unemployment insurance schemes (either voluntarily or because they are not allowed), which can leave you without eligibility for unemployment benefits – should you need them after completing your PhD.
Overall, the lack of a safety net can add additional pressure when transitioning to post-PhD employment. This is especially true during a period where low salaries or stipends do not help build a solid financial buffer. This can be very, very stressful.
The take-home message?
💡 If you are considering a PhD, ensure that your decision is well-informed – not just inspired.
💡 Reflect not only on the PhD itself but also on its broader implications for your career.
💡 The most important thing is to align your decision with your personal and professional goals. Therefore, take the time to define these goals thoughtfully and thoroughly, whether you choose to pursue a PhD or take another route.
Interested in receiving insights, tips and tools directly in your inbox? Sign up for the NextMinds Newsletter!
