A query I often receive from those new to the world of academia is, “What does it mean to be a ‘PhD student’? Is it being a student or having a real job?” It’s an intriguing question, indeed. The terminology is diverse and sometimes perplexing, particularly for those not yet familiar with the academic jargon. From “PhD candidate” and “doctoral student” to “postgraduate student” and “doctorate scholar”, the terms are manifold and can be a source of confusion. Even more puzzling is understanding the position of a PhD student on the employment spectrum – are they a student, an employee, or both?
Let’s first discuss the ‘student’ side of the equation. As a PhD student, you’re enrolled in a degree program aimed at augmenting your knowledge and skills – be it hard skills like scientific knowledge or soft skills such as communication, networking, and management. It’s expected that during your PhD journey, you will expand your knowledge and competencies in these areas.
This studentship status comes with a right to guidance and mentorship from your supervisor. The supervisor has a responsibility to ensure your growth, not just as a data generator and analyst, but as a blossoming scholar. However, this relationship can sometimes go awry, especially for PhD students hired on project-specific funding. The relentless pursuit of project deliverables can often come at the expense of the student’s personal development and learning curve.
Remember, starting your PhD journey means you have the motivation and some background knowledge in your field. However, the purpose of the journey is to gain additional skills to become a well-rounded researcher or scientist. A good supervisor will shape and guide you to reach this point, preparing you for the next phase of your career, regardless of whether it’s in academia, industry, or elsewhere.
Now, let’s shift gears and examine the ’employee’ aspect of being a PhD student. This view holds particularly true if you’ve signed a contract with your institution and receive a salary – no matter how modest it might be in some countries.
It starts to get slightly murky when considering social security. In certain countries, as a PhD student, you might contribute financially to insurance and social plans, such as unemployment, pension, and disability allowances. However, in others, you might not.
This consideration isn’t only about your current financial standing during your PhD, but it also has long-term implications for your life. Considerations like future pension plans, financial protection in case of illness or pregnancy during your PhD, and potential unemployment rights after your PhD are all crucial.
Additionally, the country you choose for your PhD can make a significant difference. For instance, in countries like the Netherlands or Switzerland, you’re considered an employee with all the benefits, whereas in the US and UK, you’re generally considered a student who teaches and conducts research.
What is certain, however, is that during your PhD, you acquire an immense range of skills. These ‘transferable skills’, such as project management, critical thinking, communication, writing, problem-solving, and resilience, to name a few, are highly valued by future employers – regardless of whether you choose to stay in academia or venture into industry.
So, no, you’re not “just a student who stayed longer at the university”, as you may sometimes hear. As a PhD student, you are cultivating a diverse skill set that will be incredibly beneficial for your future career. Embrace the dual identity, and ensure you communicate this effectively to your network and potential employers.
In conclusion, a PhD student embodies the traits of both studentship and employment, creating a unique blend of growth and productivity. Balancing these roles can indeed be challenging, but it’s this unique synthesis that eventually shapes your skills and carves your career path. Remember, the journey might be arduous, but it’s undoubtedly rewarding!
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