My Honest Advice for Someone Who Wants To Do a PhD (Must Know)

[@boredscientist5756]

I personally did my PhD just to have a PhD and because I was bored after my Master not finding a job 😂. I just wanted the title, to have a salary and to travel. I literally did it for the wrong reasons hahahaha.

[@Marcosss-7-years-ago]

Where couldnt u find work?😂

[@boredscientist5756]

@@Marcosss-7-years-ago Well, in my field, with a simple Master degree, you can forget it....

[@mahmoudbkk]

I’m on the same page with you. Are you happy now with your life after PhD?

[@ambrosekola4011]

@@boredscientist5756 I think real studies empowers one actually. If you cant find jobs you can create one. People make a lot now just on writing or editing etc.

[@boredscientist5756]

@@mahmoudbkk very, I now have a permanent position in Singapore, an amazing salary, a wife and a baby. I guess the PhD brought much more than expected

[@padmeasmr]

I tried KZbin and I am currently working part time for a local newspaper (I hate writing about stuff I don't care for other people) and teaching Italian to foreigners 5-8 hours a week and I always thought academia was not for me. Then I suddenly realized I would love to do a PhD bc I sincerely loved writing my two thesis and papers and I found a research project that I would love so much to explore. While I was doing my thesis I used to think "if only I were paid to do this". I honestly think I could fit in the world, I also am good now at networking. I also love teaching and doing presentations.

[@LucidProgramming]

While those initial properties you mention (boring, frustrating, anxiety-inducing, etc.) as attributes of a PhD indeed are things one would generally wish to avoid, I wonder whether anything in life truly worth doing that does not have one or all of these qualities. Sure, PhDs might only be for some, and it is wise to consider the best option for the individual. However, I caution against making this decision based on the supposition that the path before you is difficult. Most things worth doing are difficult, anxiety-inducing, tedious, etc.

[@merdekaagussaputra1504]

To me, based my personal experience, even the so-called not worth doing like working in a toxic environment also has these boring, frustrating, and anxiety inducing qualities.

[@JUll-u-7]

My take in here is, if doing a PhD program would create joy in you as an individual, then go for it. You are not doing PhD based on someone's experience. You want to create your own experience. It's all about YOU. All about your ego. No knowledge is wasted, go in there and create new ideas, your ideas do not really need to make sense to anyone. The supervisor's being hard, only means they are confidential and need you to work hard for it. As life is not a bed of roses, so also is a PhD. Obtaining a PhD degree is not a criteria to become a minister!! You could get your PhD and get on to do other things of interest. PhD is a self achievement and a treasure. I don't believe in discouragement. 0:00

[@TDrake-iq6cp]

Well, I loved getting my PhD and I love research. In many science fields, if you want to have a career doing research, a PhD is necessary -- it's how you learn how research is carried out, both in the day-to-day and how it fits into our larger society. BUT it is a research degree, so figure out if you like research first! It can be a shock for many to make the transition from student who can reasonably expect answers to their questions to exist to a researcher who is not only creating new knowledge that no one else has but who is asking brand new questions as well. However, it can be a great time! Plenty of people love the PhD life!

[@josh_prada]

If you're thinking about doing a PhD: I promise you, there are excellent reasons to do a PhD, you might be an excellent candidate to do a PhD, and may find great research groups and PIs to support you and guide you through to completion. Some (actually, many) of us, supervisors and PIs care very much for our students and postdocs, and push back against a system that, as Andy states well in his videos, kind of sucks. But while llfe as a PhD student and, becoming and being an academic doesn't need to be this dark at all, it's a tough profession. Money isn't great, and the pressure only grows over time as you become the PI. I really appreciate the video's emphasis on 'don't do it because of the title' which is so often the case among PhD applicants. The number of applicants who go onto PhD research just because of the prestige badge is pretty high, and in many (most?) cases it shows sooner than later. Always fun to watch your videos, Andy!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Thanks for adding more context for prospective PhDs!

[@josiadam987]

I am currently in the process of deciding whether I want to do a PhD or not. I submitted my master's thesis two weeks ago and just now, my supervisor asked me whether I would want to continue the project doing a PhD. It is really tempting, as the project is on population genetics and hybridisation in primates in Indonesia, so the PhD would include at least one long field trip to Indonesia. I feel really excited thinking about this opportunity, but I am struggling with self-confidence (imposter syndrome). So for me, it's the opposite of the ego-thing you are talking about. I wish someone could just flip a coin and decide for me, that I need to do it

[@GabrielGutierrez-me2ls]

Ego driving me to live in science and publish. I am 24 and i have 3 articles and JCR. Not do a PhD would betray my trajectory and my desires. I think is the best i can do, i think i am ready to take the challenge

[@ricardogarcia-vi6hv]

In my experience it depends on the market afterwards, if you with your citizenship can make use of it

[@atypicalnihilist]

Biggest revelation for me during undergrad was that I funneled myself into academia because of several traumatic events in my childhood that always primed me to end up in abusive environments under a parental figure coupled with some level of "I'm built different" as I had survived those incidents to get into my country's best uni for undergrad. Well now I just wish I was built normal lmao.

[@Immudzen]

I did a PhD because I got to do it on an industrial application in biotechnology. I think it helped me enormously. I also did my PhD in Germany and I have been told that we are treated MUCH better here.

[@raisingthesteam]

I didn’t have a PhD supervisor tell me that I am not the right fit, but I applied to a university without specifying who I wanted to work with and it turned out that the only person who wanted to interview me was the one who I was interested in. Everyone else had multiple interviews.

[@bhangrafan4480]

As far as science goes the only reason for doing a PhD is because you specifically want to develop a career in research. If you do, then it is essential, if not there is no point in it at all. As far as engineering goes, and I am the only scientist in a family of engineers, engineering employers prefer professional on the job experience to an engineering PhD. You may actually be harming your career by (as they might see it), by avoiding getting a real job. As far as arts and humanities go, even if you do not intend to become a University professor, it can be an enriching experience in its own right, but only do it if you are really in love with the topic you are researching. There are always big financial penalties for opting for a PhD which need to be considered.

[@shinaxia7474]

My personal story. After graduation, I worked in various places. I didn't really feel well anywhere. Even if the money was satisfactory and the work wasn't too demanding, I felt that my life was stuck and I had stopped progressing. I didn't want to stay where I was for the rest of my life. Especially after my younger friend, who was still in college, died. Life is short, I thought, and I don't want to sit in an office for the rest of my life. I want something more. Now I'm in the last year of my doctorate, I have several published scientific articles and reviews to my credit, I also gained practice as a language editor because I did proofreading for several scientific books so even if I don't stay in academia, I'll be able to write quite a lot on my resume, and on top of that I learned a lot, so for me it was definitely worth it. It's just that in my country it's not me who pays for the opportunity to do my doctorate, it's the academy that pays me, maybe not very much, but enough to live decently :)

[@venkataraghotham7586]

I wanted to be a professional Historian and so did my PhD in History from a good US Graduate School. It had its moments of frustration but it was worth the time I spent getting the degree.

[@VisionScientist]

16:59 - 8:31: This part of the video reminded me of my first encounter with one of the professors of a graduate program in neuroscience and behavior. He researched aspects of classical conditioning, including its neurological basis. At one point during that conversation he looked at me and declared: "If you're interested in the biology of learning, I'm it!"

[@ulaat4215]

I truly totally completely regret pursuing phD study especially with a highly toxic narcissistic supervisor , it isn't worth all The time and effort , I am mentally and physically exhausted 😢

[@HenryGrau-j4g]

Keep with it. The narcissism is just a part of the advisors game to make you better

[@bhawnathakur1221]

I worked under a very toxic supervisor for eight months. After that, I transferred to another institution where my master's supervisor was working. When deciding on this move, my former supervisor suggested that I should not choose him as my PhD advisor, as completing a degree under him would not be a good fit for me. He explained that his department was part of the social sciences, and focusing on this field might be less beneficial in the long run than pursuing a PhD in my core subject, which is in the sciences. So, supervisors like this do exist. I've experienced both positive and negative mentorship. It's often impossible to truly know someone's character, especially with new supervisors, until you work with them directly. Some supervisors are very good at concealing their true colors.

[@Baszihter]

Before my PhD, I had applied for two positions. (Europe only) I got rejected by the first one, and I got accepted to the second one. The reason for the rejection was that I and the professor do not fit each other, so it was exactly from him: I am not a good choice for you - reason. And this is what he exactly told me at the end of an interview. Right now, at the end of my current PhD, I agree with him.

[@ambrosekola4011]

PhD is more interesting now with AI and reference managers. Also If you re doing it in a sub field that aligns with your passion.

[@agggggg1916]

For me, the doctorate was an accident. I helped a doctoral student as an intern in the lab and I liked the topic so much that I worked out a proposal myself with the support of my future supervisor. This was then funded.

[@LCDigital92]

This year I started in an MA program (linguistics) after almost 10 years after getting a BA. So far, I really feel this is the right course for me and to afterwards get a PhD and do the professor thing. The next semester starts in a couple days but I’ve already spoken with one of my professors about the research paper for that course and I’ve started the research and even begun some of the introductory writing for it when the initial topic proposal isn’t even due for a couple months. It was a lot of work, but the researching for and writing the final papers last semester was very fun and rewarding for me. This is definitely what I want to do, but my biggest hurdle now is finding out more specifically what research area I want to do for when applying for PhD programs and whether I just “really like” the stuff I’m interested in or if I like it “at the PhD level”.

[@DoggleBird]

@LCDigital92 I have a PhD in linguistics. It was all going wrong until I suddenly had an idea about how to focus my research. Then it all fell into place. A clear idea of what you want to do it is the most challenging part, but it is the key to getting it done.

[@jasonpowell1924]

This is such an honest reflection of the truth of this pursuit. I felt exactly the same way during and after my doctorate.

[@alexmintz7786]

Bravo Andy, bravo! Another great video!

[@mickyesse1]

Quite a number of people would desire a PhD to get rid of their "identity crisis" and be called accolades associated with elites...😊 I would like to take this trip of academia to try something new, to explore what the world of research looks like, especially in other parts of the planet. I earlier wanted documents of qualifications that match or will augment my skills, capabilities and capacity - just to prove a point, but I have come to love the process...i don't mind doing a number of PhDs 😂

[@marymungai4429]

I am so much interested in the process of doing PHD and more so have passion with research.when I am ready I will dive into it.

[@glib986]

My advisor actually said that he does not need PhD students and its a difficult path to take, but he is ready to accept me if I really want to do one. I'm his first (and probably last) PhD student. Other professor on the faculty does not have or take any PhDs at all, after a decade ago he had one that failed to graduate.

[@old_blues2397]

Interesting story but I don't get why they refuse to take on a student. Can you explain further to me. Is it not their job?

[@glib986]

@@old_blues2397 No, they are not required to have PhD students. Maybe they think it's a hassle

[@BekindToAll24]

Study a PhD. because you have a passion for learning and discovery of something you love. When you have the passion of what you do, even though it is difficult sometimes, it becomes bearable. Certainly, PhD is not for everyone.

[@sebastianalvarez-kf4ql]

Just started my PhD program. While I was searching for advisors I did find a few who told me that maybe I wasn’t the best fit for them because I hadn’t taken enough engineering courses. To be fair, these were younger professors but perhaps times are changing with PIs accepting students ?

[@nominbuba1715]

This is why I always recommend folks not to do a PhD. Actually, some professors do not accept even their previous master's students for PhD study in Japan, due to the student's incapability tho~ In Japan, professors must follow strict research ethics related to their whole academic careers. In my case, I just suddenly decided to go for it, just because my professor randomly asked me to do🤭 and then that little EGO started to grow in me.

[@Safari-eX]

"No pain, no gain and so serious pain, no PhD:" my supervising professor, proved same to me.😢

[@todorbalabanov1928]

I did my PhD in Bulgaria. It is entirely different than western countries. I had 100% freedom of what and how to do.

[@meowchabob]

How was the compensation? Were you paid, or did you bring in your own funding?

[@todorbalabanov1928]

@@meowchabob I was paid but relatively low.

[@bifeldman]

In my field, the doctorate was the sine qua non for entering the upper echelons. I recall after the first class, I told myself there was less to do. I think it is distasteful if academic degree recipients insist on applying the honorific to themselves. If you can’t write a script or serve as a religious dean, stay with mister or miss. Remember, the goal of being a graduate student is to stop being a graduate student.

[@jaw0449]

I've met way too many graduate students who are only doing it because they don't know what else to do besides school

[@Sarah_millionaire_2024]

I don’t think I am smart but I am doing my PhD now because I want to know how to do a research properly however I found myself lost alone with 3 careless supervisors I feel I’m stuck lost and no one there to help me

[@Psyaii]

I have just over a year left on my PhD and did it for the wrong reasons. I actually despise research. I'm getting through by sheer stubbornness. I see so many other students passionate about their topics and full of stress. Crazy world.

[@nilak.s617]

LOL. Too late for me. Here I am crying over my dissertation that won't write itself 😂

[@boredscientist5756]

Have a good day Andy!

[@fireinthehole2272]

My two cents: do not. If you need to consider it at all you probably should not be getting one. Really. Get a job, be happy.

[@venkataraghotham7586]

I wanted to be a Historian and so had to get a PhD in History I enjoyed my graduate study immensely

[@vasyavasilich7659]

The fact that you have to consider Phd as the last option already says a lot about the state of the universities. I wonder is it better to be a janitor or to get a Phd

[@Tebsana]

I've experienced a potential PhD supervisor tell me they may not be the right person for me 2 years ago. I wanted to change fields and they were doing research in the field I wanted to go into so I think they thought I wasnt committed enough (fortunately I'm starting a phd this autumn in the field I wanted to go into with a suoervisor who is a better fit)

[@jackychan6020]

In Canada, MSc and PhD are done by foreigners as a way ro get permanent residence.

[@andrew-iz3gq]

I would do anything (ANYTHING) but get a desk job in my field. Anything.

[@leejackson4520]

I want to do a PhD because I know when I get a job the studying slows down and I have alot I still want to learn within academia in Cybersecurity.

[@stonethecrows555]

Excellent, as always! But does anyone else find it funny that we're watching a video on pursuing the highest academic degree available, and yet no one caught the fact that the word "giraffe" was misspelled? 🙂

[@Drganguli]

No doubt, PhD should be done after much introspection

[@mahmoudhammad7049]

tell us about working in industry after PhD

[@richardtobing5012]

Yes, i second that

[@richardtobing5012]

I wish a supervisor would trick me into joining their lab =(

[@Peacelovemungbean]

If you were an undergraduate chemist today, where would you stop? Honours? Masters?

[@HenryGrau-j4g]

Phd

[@beingbigz]

I do love doing phd

[@Thoughtcorner224]

I kinda want to use phd to buy more time for me to figure things out, see if I can get my own things really started / change my industry (cuz the old one has not much resources) plus I want to research sth and put it into industrial application. Do you think it’s a good decision

[@abbiecolosimo3720]

I’m looking into doing a PhD, just graduated from my masters in public health and epidemiology, does anyone know of any resources/ support that is available in terms of applying and securing funding I just feel so lost, and don’t know who to ask

[@akkshhey09]

Hi Andy, can we take your course in the first year of PhD? I am in India and $50 seems a bit expensive for me. Any discount? 😉

[@Kenleaty]

Rather than say it up front, they just spend the whole time just grilling you on every step. Enjoying taking it out on you, even if they are worse.

[@jmoresnr007]

Thank you.

[@AnastasiaKorosteleva_SPb]

How about this: ‘this is the only way I can immigrate from my country “ 😅

[@Jjj53214]

Or make pursuing a PhD your first option if that is what you want to do.

[@KiplingGeorgia-e6p]

Davis Barbara Thompson Amy Taylor Cynthia

[@erockromulan9329]

Stapes!!

[@AC-tn9hg]

PhDs don't make someone intelligent. There's a lot extremely capable people out there who could do a PhD but don't have the time management skills, communication skills or resilience to do one. For most people it's a waste of time. In this economy, I would advise someone to stop being a student and get working in a job for MONEY. Rather than getting a PhD for your own vanity and EGO.

[@BowmanPerry-u2r]

Christelle Landing

[@VladyslavKL]

🕊

[@LeopoldCyril-v5p]

Miller Michael Moore Christopher Lewis Patricia

[@takiyaazrin7562]

Do you want to build a snowman

[@nandorliptak575]

3:30 The importance of giraffe mating patterns is so underestimated nowadays! We need more highly qualified underpaid people, diving into this topic. It is worth sacrificing 4-10 years of your life, definitely.

[@MorseDempsey-s4k]

Lewis Kevin Robinson Lisa Jones Betty

[@Kenleaty]

Uuuuuff...you went in Stapes. You went in. Top 2 vid. Got a bit dirty n dark.

[@marwanabas5524]

Why are you negative today ?

[@No-cg9kj]

I want to do a PhD because I want to learn as much about ecology as I can and so I can help develop solutions as humans continue to fuck up the environment.

[@NehemiahTroy]

9228 Runolfsdottir Keys

[@bignose3639]

Thank You