6 PhD benefits | What a PhD *really* gets you!

Doing a PhD is a decision that you shouldn't take lightly - here are all of the benefits that doing a PhD will get you. It goes far beyond the qualification itself!
▼ ▽ Sign up for my FREE newsletter
Join 19,000+ email subscribers receiving the free tools and academic tips directly from me:
andrewstapleton.com.au/newsle...
▶ Become a Master Academic Writer With AI using my course: academy.academiainsider.com/c...
▶ Use my Ultimate PhD Kickstart: 12 Point Success System for Aspiring PhDs to start your PhD strong: academy.academiainsider.com/c...
▶ My best KZbin advice curated into an an easy to follow course, Effortless Academia: academy.academiainsider.com/c...
▶ Applying for a PhD? Get my FREE PhD application resource pack to apply with confidence: www.subscribepage.com/freeapp...
▶ Learn what I wish I had known before starting my PhD in my ebook bundle: academiainsider.com/ebook-bun...
................................................
▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
0:34 Become an expert problem solver
2:19 Open up more opportunities
4:26 Get viewed as an expert
6:06 Become an expert learner
8:05 Become a better communicator
8:50 It is an identity shaping experience
📷 My Gear 📷
Camera - Canon EOS 650D amzn.to/3aDOog6
On camera mic - amzn.to/3iMTzx0
Webcam - amzn.to/34bqk2R
Shotgun microphone - amzn.to/34gzcUX
Portable recorder - amzn.to/3kUzF53
Lighting - amzn.to/2YgbAfv

[@ROGUE406]

For me, the greatest benefit was being a better communicator: it improves your writing and presentation skills like hell

[@idkjustleavemebeplease]

I would have assumed it was the egotistical ability of slapping PHD on every self identifier, not short of a youtube username.

[@dr.richardo.segoviajr.4704]

Great segment. As a double doctorate holder (Ph.D and Ed.D) I was able to prove that an average guy (me) can earn the highest academic credential. For me, it was less about intelligence and more about persistence.

[@Battlehammer333]

weird flex

[@andyfarry4899]

Dont include Dr. in your title. Trust me. Unless you can help when someone has a heart attack on a plane.

[@user-ex2yt1pl6u]

@@andyfarry4899Bullshit. He worked hard (twice over) to earn that title. Who are you, as a stranger, to tell him he should not use it?

[@pe3396]

What a cringe-worthy flex

[@alleyway3215]

Good for you. I can relate to the "persistence" over "intelligence" approach.

[@jenniesun6014]

I really like the 'identify' part. Doing a PhD gets you into self-doubt and anxiety often but in the end it gives more confidence and understanding of yourself and how you approach problems in your life. Thank you for the video!

[@rezlogan4787]

A Ph.D. is the intellectual equivalent of high level strength training. It requires you to expose your cognitive and emotional faculties to a crucible of stressors for years. When you graduate, you will be an expert at micromanagement, systematizing, criticizing, summating, debating, presenting, learning, and teaching. I must also say that you will get out of a Ph.D. what you put into it. I spent 2 years conceptualizing and preparing my project, then 2 years independently managing and financing my own laboratory space. After doing that, I find managing my work in business incredibly easy and rewarding by comparison.

[@sirmclovin9184]

ideas for videos: i) how to get a permanent position in academia, if you think that is right for you and are aware of the hurdles ii) how to best communicate new ideas in a peer group of researchers mostly unable to rid themselves of outdated modes of thinking iii) politics in the academy

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Thank you for the suggestions I'll add them to my list!

[@sunway1374]

I have an answer for i) and it's the only correct answer. Get some successful grants. You can be bad at teaching, bad at supervising, bad at publishing, bad at research, bad at many other things, but if you get the money, you get the permanent position and you will be a star. Then you just hire people to do the job while you enjoy the glory. If you are good at what you do but don't have grants? Sorry, sooner or later it's good-bye. How do you get the money if you are not good in what you do? I have no idea. But I see it happens all the time.

[@parvakarimi498]

I agree with having a video about politics in academy. I did my Master’s thesis (not in the best way) in a uni in Germany. Now, when I take a look back, I just see myself as a toooooo honest person, which apparently was not the best way! How much honesty works in the relationship between a Ph. D. Student and their supervisor? Last but not least: Thank you for the amazing videos!

[@alleyway3215]

I would also like to see a video especially about acquiring a position in academia and the journey's accompanied hurdles.

[@KbrKr_]

Thank you! You literally summed up all the reasons why I am doing my PhD, all the reasons I was thinking inside but couldn't put into words! Now I will just show this video to every person asking me why I do a PhD 😀

[@docsmellyfella]

Dr in front of your name helps you make restaurant/hotel bookings, gets you the odd flight upgrade and you get treated better when you get stopped by the Police for speeding when they see Dr in front of your name on your driving licence. Unfortunately it also means many people automatically assume you are a medical practitioner, which isn't good when someone on your flight has a heart attack, as my Supervisor found out.

[@Samuel-pt1zx]

Thank you for the videos.. I have graduated from my Masters in Feb this year, and still contemplating a lot of factors on whether I should continue with my PhD, after the horrifying experiences I had during my Masters years (I basically went through PhD leveled suffering for a Masters degree in south korea). i'm still pretty much undecided after watching this, because I noticed that many of the benefits you pointed out are centered on self development and satisfaction, which does not necessarily bring in a higher pay scale (which is what I am aiming for). guess I still need more time to think...

[@roro4787]

what did you decide to do?

[@eduguidea]

I'd add a point that doing a PhD in Canada or outside. Because in N. American education system, it kills your energy while focusing everything other than your PhD thesis and research. They are overloading you with course works, not forming you to have a researcher mindset. I've done my MSc in EU which was completely related to my field and preparing me to PhD, however, after that, I came to Canada for my PhD and unfortunately, didn't find anything interesting at all. I was doing research in EU with PhD students and it was way better and interesting, but here you are just focusing on your irrelevant courses which not related to your field. The reason why you have to complete some credits doesn't matter either it is related or not. You have to be careful with the education system as well. Thanks for the Great Content you make!

[@yourholisticbestie]

This is beyond epic because failing and learning is exactly how I’ve learned at my best. Flearning to me is genius

[@dam_bombb]

wildly valuable and affirming. thank you for taking the time to reflect, create, & share this perspective!

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

Very good points. Thanks for posting

[@dr.bangura4722]

Andy, cheers! I am in the centre of it(PhD); your videos help me to recharge.

[@lesphd]

Thank you Andy! Your arguments were not banal at all, great inspiration for me.

[@citotot]

One of the advantages to us viewers of your video is, that you are a learner. So as a listener to your tips, I don't neccessarily have to go through what you went through in the first place just to obtain these knowledge you shared. A big appreciatiom from Malaysia, Dr. Thank you for your sharing and all of your videos. In fact, thank you for this channel! 😊

[@danuta4232]

I have really enjoyed watching these videos. I am using your videos as part of the PhD discussion with my children. I think that the PhD programme I went through at Newcastle was particularly targetted at making grads better problem solvers, people skilled at going into an open field and carving out a new path, providing the ability to move between industry and academia, and to take PhD skills into areas outside of the academy. I think my primary reason for doing a PhD was supported and met at the University of Newcastle (completely unexpected Alma Mater plug, but I will leave it here anyway). While not all universities are the same, I have noticed there is a solid sense of seeing the PhD as something more than a gate along the path to an academic career. (I graduated in 2015.) So, yes, I heartily agree that all these benefits are awesome ongoing benefits.

[@dukea4580]

Great video, I thank you for the pragmatic look to these benefits.

[@isadoras.5741]

I really love the challenge. It's so rewarding.

[@adityaputu2107]

Dr Stapleton, thank you for the video

[@moirarising3363]

I completely agree, especially the expert learner

[@raquie5679]

Hey, thanks a lot for your help!

[@dikshaverma1691]

Hello Sir, i got enrolled as research scholar few months back and i am filled with confusion and negative thoughts about what i have taken. This video has helped me to get over dark feelings about PhD. Very Inspirational. Can you teach us how to improve writing skills for PhD.

[@RafalSB]

Very informative content. Thank you Dr. Stapleton :D unfortunately, I know quite a few people doing a PhD to feed their ego, I don't see them enjoying the process, they just seem to be doing it either because they afford it or to call themselves Doctors. It's refreshing to see a PhD holder who's still humble! I hope when I finish my PhD I stay as grounded as you are.

[@arielroyzin831]

3:49 You can sit for the USPTO Patent Bar, and become a Patent Agent, primarily prosecuting patents with the USPTO. Being a Patent Attorney requires all of the above and to pass a state bar exam to practice law (having court acknowledgment to represent a legal matter related to intellectual property, such as infringement) - something a patent agent cannot do without the legal education and bar admission. Important note: a PhD in a STEM discipline will serve you well in qualifying to sit for the patent bar. If one of your viewers is seeking a PhD in a non-STEM field, such as Gender Studies, Classic Literature, etc… - no dice to even sit for the patent bar (unless they have a ton of prerequisites completed in STEM) - perhaps during their Masters or undergrad studies. I can understand your suggestion, as you completed a STEM PhD, and could if you wanted to sit for the Patent Bar. Great suggestion.

[@doctorkiwano]

I'd add "the ability to assemble a reasonably well-balanced meal from the hor d'ouvres at a reception" (though I recognize that it's basically a narrow category of problem solving, and not _really_ an addition ;) )

[@mrgie9028]

Please, can you talk about job opportunities and benefits for doing a PhD in Education?

[@ilyasnadeem2253]

Very helpful!!!

[@FathiDJM]

thanks you are helping a lot

[@mdasifrezwanshishir742]

Great content Dr. Stapleton! I would also add that PhD teaches us 'PATIENCE' :)

[@ilovepotatoesforever9818]

What about entering into one program or another on the basis of the reputation of the school (in terms of its standing in academia as a research institution)? I’m in the U.S. and struggling to find the right fit. Additionally, here we have structured PhD programs whereas in Europe they are often unstructured. I want to jump into an unstructured one and get cracking on my research which it sounds like you did...but am struggling to find a reputable fit for my journey. I’m an educator in the k-12 field and do not want an EdD, btw. Advice?

[@salma9934]

Hello Andy Stapleton! Thank you for this video. I just switched from temporary job to do a PhD. And that made me feel so confused about my choice. Your video is a motivation and support for confused and worried person like me. Thanks once again, I could relate to many points of this video.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

I'm so glad it was helpful. Thank you so much for leaving a comment! Good luck with your PhD. I'm sure you will rock it

[@mapleenglishschool]

Hi My name is João Paulo, I am concluding my masters degree in Brazil and your videos are making me very excited for my PhD haha Thank you so much and continue the amazing job! Thats such an inspiration.

[@benwarnes3177]

Thanks Andy! Thanks for taking the time to make this video. It really helped me realize the scope of what I’ll be accomplishing in my PhD!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

My pleasure Ben and I hope that it really helps you with your PhD journey

[@javiercamacho3259]

I think we should use this channel as a reference for a course in the Universities... Good job..please keep enlightening us...!!!

[@javiercamacho3259]

Hello Andy..how are you?... I am applying for a PhD position and I got selected for a second interview, that involves personal assessment, which is 2 tests, a test interview, talking to references and final reporting. Do you have any good sources where I can practice this type of test?..Thank you in advance

[@jgonziw]

3 years PhD?? Great to see a PhD as a journey, Many greetings from Bolivia...

[@olawaleogundipe23]

Thank you andy

[@SelfDescribed]

Just subscribed, thanks for the video. As a person finishing a bachelor's in psychology and excited/terrified about attempting a PhD in neuroscience, I found your tips to be helpful. Also, I thought it was interesting and refreshing that you referred to the non-tangible benefits of the PhD pursuit. Cheers.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

An absolute pleasure. Good luck in your future career decisions.

[@peterw3160]

How’s your neuroscience track going? 🤔

[@theekhalilabre]

I keep hearing it's almost impossible to become tenured but I have seen quite a few ppl gain tenure after finishing their doctorate. I'm guessing it depends on the major you want to gain tenure in? My options would be the Humanities, especially English, Writing, or Philosophy.

[@Expatriate_1972]

Thank you, did you knit the yellow pullover you were wearing?

[@danielarodea4556]

I am sort confused about "more opportunities" point because I've also heard the opposite, that your job prospects are actually narrowed down. The thought of that worries me. Thoughts?

[@5190csyt]

How about the hair loss problem? I'm a research student but already feel my hair is losing right now....hahaha

[@thescholar-general5975]

As someone who got their MA and then entered the job market rather than pursue a PhD, the thing I genuinely miss the most is access to the library 😅

[@MJ-qb5ph]

I think it was the single biggest mistake of my life. I could not get a permanent gig for 18 months. Employers don’t give a toss. It was a totally isolating process and robbed me of my confidence

[@adameddouss4802]

you're amazing!

[@alirezaa6530]

Thanks a lot for this video! I really enjoyed it. Except the part in regards to finding a job in academia? Can you explain more? Thanks and "Bon Courage" !

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Thank you very much. Finding a job in academia is becoming more and more complicated. It is super competitive and there are many more PhD students than there are positions for them. The idea that an alternative career is one outside of academia is simply no longer true, which means PhD students should be prepared for a job outside of the ivory towers.

[@pratikshapise1]

Thanks for video, I have got admission for PhD, your tips very useful for me

[@DrAndyStapleton]

I'm really pleased these tips were useful. Good luck with your PhD!

[@biogas1548]

Iam almost finished - just writing my 3 papers together and my summary is that they are all really knowledgeable but can’t really do anything themselves. If they fail it’s always the fault of somebody else! As a worker with an apprenticeship, Iam deeply disappointed by the academic systems - it’s a joke!

[@willerwin3201]

Best advice I got after getting mine: don’t introduce yourself as “doctor” or put “PhD” in your signature block. Let people find it out about your new qualification from others.

[@30803080308030803081]

I agree. In fact, people with PhD’s from lower ranked universities are more likely to call themselves doctor or PhD.

[@gamingsportz3390]

PhD = You are viewed as someone that is capable to see the entire picture in your field and solve a problem. That's why phds often become leads in R&D, founders or lead departments. Furthermore, they usually know to avoid short term "baits" thrown in front of them.

[@jplourde11]

Do we think it's possible to do a PhD and work either full or part time simultaneously - in a related field? I'm currently doing an eMBA part time and working full time and its doable, but there is very little time for anything else :)

[@KirbyZhang]

best pitch for getting Ph.D. I've ever heard. Wish I heard it when I was still in college!

[@KirbyZhang]

@@JupiterThunder I think Ph.D students learn how to solve problems in the academic institutions context, which is new skill for students who have been good at academic learning but not much else

[@louisyurman]

Does getting a PhD give you a nice beard?

[@dr.bangura4722]

Even though I know this question is for Andy, but I would like to please response by saying YES-it does! I am an admirer of beards on other gents but my job ethics woun't give a chance.I only had the opportunity to grow my beards during my PhD at the moment-I love it!

[@carljulien1556]

I would love a phd but my field (graphic design) stops at a masters

[@alanjameson8664]

There are two benefits you have overlooked: 1) In hospital parking lots, if the sign says "Doctors parking," that includes you. [It may say "Physicians parking," in which case it does not include you. 2) I am old enough to remember when a PhD and ten cents might buy you a cup of coffee; nowadays a PhD and three dollars might buy you a cup of coffee. Isn't progress wonderful?

[@hellono5281]

If you become better at problem solving with PhD, doesn't that mean that it is actually recommended that every CS or anything programming related(this can be broaden to anything which requires a problem to solve which is... Well... Everything) student eventually gets a PhD? If this is true, then in a way this argument that is a PRO of PhD, is contradicting every CON of getting a PhD. Sure, there are a lot of problems, it is stressful and everything, but if it will ultimately help you be better at what you do, then it ultimately is worth. Am i understanding something wrong here?

[@IlnurMiftakhov]

Hi Andy! When choosing a university to do a PhD, how much important is it to look at the university's ranking? Or is it better to choose an average university but with a great supervisor?

[@vvieites001]

From personal experience, go for a supportive supervisor over a prolific one or a prestigious university. Your advisor can make or break you, and you’ll be under their wing for quite a long time, so try to find one you vibe with that will support you and lift you up, not drag you down and make you miserable.

[@sparkequinox]

Anyone reading this, supervisor is the most important choice of a PhD after the topic. A bad supervisor (especially ones that leave) make getting a PhD near impossible. It's not that you can't do it, but you literally don't have experience to navigate the system and you need someone who is one on one to help.

[@hannah-mariachisholm8082]

I’d go as far as to say the supervisor is more important than the topic.

[@MrDamning]

If you can get into the top 25 Unis in the world go for those. Anything out of those, high impact supervisors probably play a better role.

[@olukayodedavidfemi4105]

What’s the pay as a PHD holder

[@anggaraadhari1933]

I like your beard sir

[@30803080308030803081]

I only have a bachelor’s degree thus far, but I believe I am a good learner and problem solver. I can’t get a decent job, however, because employers don’t believe me. I am trying to get into grad school to earn a PhD in math. After listening to your thoughts in this video, I realize that the greatest benefit of a PhD for me will be the fact that having a PhD will finally let me persuade people that I am a good learner and problem solver. This will let me get good jobs and gain the dignity and respect that I haven’t been able to obtain yet.

[@francishunt562]

A PhD. Will not guarantee that you get good job offers and/or the respect you crave and feel you deserve. Your lack of success at getting a good job could be other issues, such as how well you interview or present yourself generally. My advice is genuinely meant, I'm just saying don't assume a PhD is the solution for you.

[@ayubaalim2201]

my dreams from Somalia

[@screew708]

Do I also get a majestic beard? Somehow that seems to be a theme amongst male phd students in the mint fields 😂

[@sparkequinox]

"You are going to want perfection from your writing, and you are never going to get there" ... I feel personally attacked.. (so damn true, I rewrote my phd work probably 20 different ways).

[@imadn4147]

so money is out of the equation

[@Heyu7her3]

He said that having a PhD can give you access to higher pay scales in certain professions.

[@stuartharris4062]

The best candidate for a PHD, is the person who just completed one.

[@Slide61]

What scared me is being viewed as an expert in anything.

[@holeymcsockpuppet]

What does a PhD get you? Debt.

[@user-dj4wf8so8t]

3-4 years? LMAO! I am in year eleven.

[@moments8838]

If you’re self funding your PhD with no job guarantee, then don’t waste your time.

[@shanewhite352]

The video is all about, Being an expert and getting high ego, divided into 6 things. 1. You'll see as an expert 2. More opportunities 3. same, expert, 4. same expert 5. To feed your ego 6. To feed your ego. So, there's no benefit than that?

[@olusholasoyoye2089]

This is his own video, his own opinions. Feel free to create yours and invite us to see.

[@King_Daud]

I felt controversial on your videos

[@Simpspark]

I thought this was going to be the sex benefits of doing a PhD. Dissapointed!

[@korakatk318]

Everyone knows people get their PhD so people have to call them Dr

[@petervance6777]

Formal education is learning more and more about less and less until ultimately you learn all there is to know about nothing😅

[@davidjenkins5962]

#1. it compels all the well-trained sheeple to defer to you no matter how lacking you might be with regard to integrity and/or actual knowledge.

[@mahirnezirov3686]

Please do not address only your PHD friends at the beginning of your videos. Most of your subscribers are master students rather than PHD.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Ah! yes - as my audience grows and evolves be sure to address you all!

[@mahirnezirov3686]

@@DrAndyStapleton thank you for your consideration! Keep going

[@Trimmdeuns]

The ego of having the Dr appellation to your name cannot put money in your pocket. Money is the most important thing in today's world. If PhD cannot get me more money, then what good is the stint of hardwork and solitary confinement associated with PhD? Do Elon Musk, Bull Gates, Dangote and other billionaires in the world have a PhD? I don't see any need to do a PhD. I can be a billionaire without it. MSc in Manufacturing Engineering and MBA are enough

[@sirkastic]

Don't worry, I do not view you as an expert