Whenever we don’t experience something, the element of the unknown can make it difficult to understand how difficult it is. Based on your previous degrees, you can extrapolate and think that since the bachelor’s degree was in work and difficulty at a higher level in high school, a doctorate must be a different level of difficulty.
With doctorates, it doesn’t help that the most academically gifted students are often not interested in them, which might make you think you have to be really smart to get one. Also, since they are not that common, it is not always easy to find experienced people to talk to. Growing up, I didn’t know anyone with a PhD, no one in my immediate family was going to college, so I understand that not everyone can get a glimpse of a PhD.
Coursework
This is meant to examine your existing experience with STEM in (and outside of) the classroom. Context is important here; You will be assessed based on your situation. If your high school offers limited instructional opportunities in advanced math or science, you will not be judged harshly for your lack of attendance. Conversely, if your high school offers many STEM options, they will want to see that you have taken advantage of the opportunities available to you.
Computer and programming experience is not necessary for the application, but it will help the application. Be honest about your experience with programs and provide as much detail as necessary. This is not an essay, but you need to explain yourself and where the limits of your skills are.
After thesis
- During your thesis, you will learn how to lead a group of people.
- It is good for your personal development.
- Ensures a “smooth” transition from student to first job. You stay in academia; a world in which you have already been during your studies in 5 to 6 years.
- As you work independently a lot, you learn to think in a solution-oriented way.
- You will develop additional research skills compared to a bachelor’s/master’s degree. For example, clearer helicopter vision and strong judgment skills.
- You can share new knowledge with the world by publishing your research results.
- You build a large network of professional colleagues.
- You can immerse yourself in your research.
- Experimental skills are taught well.
- As a doctoral student, you are mainly concerned with the publication of your research, which leaves you little room for other activities.
- You often work alone, which can be lonely.
- With freedom there is less structure, which can be difficult for some people.
- Supervising students takes a lot of time. It’s not bad, but it should be fun.
- After your doctorate, you might be told that you are overqualified for a job in a company.
- You are always working to deadlines, which creates time pressure and stress.
• Ask questions
Before you start your doctorate, you must ask as many questions as possible. Consult your peers, professors, supervisors and whoever else you can.
You can also go on the internet about this and see other people’s experiences. You will only find out how many options you have in different aspects of the thesis when you educate yourself. Don’t wait for your guidance counselors to come up with a plan for you.
New Path PhD
The New Path PhD is a four-year program introduced in 2001 that combines teaching elements, including professional and transferable skills, with student research. Hundreds of PhD students are now studying various subjects at a consortium of universities across the UK.
Graduates who later work in science usually start with postdoctoral research, followed by a fellowship or senior lecturer position. Other career options depend on the area of the PhD – business research is an option for some, and many can apply their research expertise and skills to business and finance.