Which of these in your opinion is gives a better growth interms of finance and stability.
I would suggest that you while you are doing a PhD, you are evaluating your options. Leaving it to the end, is probably not the best option. If you enjoy research while working on your PhD, then applying a year in advance of your completion for a PDF in a Research Lab is a good plan.
While working on your PhD, you should be talking with your Adviser, Department Head and Graduate Advisor about Teaching Assistant opportunities. If you enjoy this,or at least can appreciate them, then it would be good to consider organizing the opportunity to teach a junior level course in your field. This will also be useful if you choose Academics, as you will already have teaching experience, and you will know whether this is something you want to continue...
During your PhD, it would also be advisable to include industrial/govt partners into your project, and to develop relationships with them, so that you get a flavor of what is possible, while also providing opportunities for future hiring. Additionally, even as an Academic, we often work with numerous types of institutions from Govt, to private, to commercial, etc...
A PhD, is a place not just to complete a thesis, it is a place to train yourself, and be trained by others in the possibilities that exist, or that potentially will exist with the knowledge your are gaining.
Regarding Stability and $$$. This is dependent upon the institution you are considering, and the standards for different countries. In Canada, the first 5-6 years as an Assistant professor are exceptionally challenging, as you are typically hired in a tenure-track position. This means, that if you do not gain tenure after 5-7 yrs, you are out of the system. Thus there is no stability there. If you gain tenure, you are in a highly stable environment, and essentially hired for the remainder of your career, unless you do something very foolish. Plus the health package and retirement benefits are very good.
Financially, industry will typically pay more, at least in the beginning (with a fresh PhD), than Academia, but there is nothing to stop you as an academic from supplementing your income with contract work, developing your own marketable inventions etc...
Well its really up to yourself and how you want to take your career forward.
Industry will provided a far greater financial incentive and will probably be more stable than academia.
The academic side can be unstable post-docs last 3-years, teaching posts can be temporary and to climb up the ladder you will have to move around institutes/universities.
But you also have to remember if you work in industry you can still collaborate with institutes/universities.
Craig, you are very true. After PhD, to gain more robust research experience, 2-4 yrs Post Doc would be good. Then getting into industry will be the best as it gives more application oriented research and at the same time it will be challenging and keep you sharp.
Some day ago there was a very similar question here at RG.
For the question "WHAT IS THE BEST CARRIER CHOICE" has not a single answer. I am sure that it has very particular answers.
Looking only to the "money" any one of these mentioned carriers can take you high, and this is not only dependent from your choice but also with your motivations!
Before choosing one or other try to answer 2 questions to yourself, there might be others for sure:
1) What will make me happy for the next 20, 25, 30 or more years. YES! You will work for this time at this job!
2) What are the thing that you consider unacceptable in each carrer! You have to weight this thing before getting into an specific carrier!
The anwser is: what can make you happy: better money with no research freedom, or low salary with view for better future and scientific freedom. I choose the second option.
for me as i am in final year of phd,this question is quiet obvious and i am in a process right now to decide, my inclination is towards what Satish kumar mentioned already -doing 2-3 year of post doc and then to industry.but ofcourse there has to be balance between money and job satisfaction, ur suggestion n comments r welcome!
Research and academics would give you satisfaction and fulfillment
I would suggest that you while you are doing a PhD, you are evaluating your options. Leaving it to the end, is probably not the best option. If you enjoy research while working on your PhD, then applying a year in advance of your completion for a PDF in a Research Lab is a good plan.
While working on your PhD, you should be talking with your Adviser, Department Head and Graduate Advisor about Teaching Assistant opportunities. If you enjoy this,or at least can appreciate them, then it would be good to consider organizing the opportunity to teach a junior level course in your field. This will also be useful if you choose Academics, as you will already have teaching experience, and you will know whether this is something you want to continue...
During your PhD, it would also be advisable to include industrial/govt partners into your project, and to develop relationships with them, so that you get a flavor of what is possible, while also providing opportunities for future hiring. Additionally, even as an Academic, we often work with numerous types of institutions from Govt, to private, to commercial, etc...
A PhD, is a place not just to complete a thesis, it is a place to train yourself, and be trained by others in the possibilities that exist, or that potentially will exist with the knowledge your are gaining.
Regarding Stability and $$$. This is dependent upon the institution you are considering, and the standards for different countries. In Canada, the first 5-6 years as an Assistant professor are exceptionally challenging, as you are typically hired in a tenure-track position. This means, that if you do not gain tenure after 5-7 yrs, you are out of the system. Thus there is no stability there. If you gain tenure, you are in a highly stable environment, and essentially hired for the remainder of your career, unless you do something very foolish. Plus the health package and retirement benefits are very good.
Financially, industry will typically pay more, at least in the beginning (with a fresh PhD), than Academia, but there is nothing to stop you as an academic from supplementing your income with contract work, developing your own marketable inventions etc...
I appreciate what Craig has said, but believe that his response needs to be tempered depending on the industry he is referring to. In Calgary Alberta Canada there are over 500 Geomatics based companies, as the technology and funding agencies/industries change their demands on products, these companies regularly shed employees, while I continue to be a University (Associate) Professor. I have had numerous students go directly to industry, only to be 'temporarily' laid off in times of challenging economics.
Industry will regularly pay 30-50% more than academia (at least in the beginning), but what is the point of making more $$ if your work demands are so sever you never get to spend it. Don't get me wrong. Academia is also very, very challenging. You are essentially your own boss - with all the associated challenges. We like to say that we spend 50% of our time on Research, 50% of our time on Teaching and 50% of our time on University service...
But how many Industry jobs will provide you with a salary (even at 80% of your regular income) to take a year off (as a Sabbatical) from teaching and administrative duties (after working for 5 years). I have just returned from a year in Australia with my family, working with fascinating individuals, and learning about new and amazing ideas that I am now incorporating into my teaching, my research, and the development of my team.
Not sure what kind of a price you can put on this... It's my first Sabbatical... and I am already planning my next one.... Personally, it was priceless...
Depending on your industry, I would suggest that (at least in Geomatics) a tenure track position will provide more stability in the long run, plus greater opportunities for advancing knowledge, and giving back to the community through teaching, and team development, because in industry, it is heavily weighted to financial $$$ based production... and I am not saying that there is anything wrong with this. It simply depends on what you want....and
"...if you don't know where you're going,
any road will take you there." - Sterling Holloway
I think you can do both to be aware of how your research is beneficial or productive for the real life through industries. Work as consultant for the industry while you work as researcher will give you a real time to choose the best. Good luck
R&D in idustry serves well in earning bucks and accepting challanges in research
it depends on many issues in fact... how u feel satisfied... where u want to work (country), cause these institutions have different policies everywhere, here in Brazil for instance you may get a research position on publi universities so you have a stable job, but not much money as in industry, where on the other hand you have more pressure... as life always many points of view, try to understand what you really want and how you may be glad, at least for while... good luck!
Why so much of confusion now? You have done this before too... like whether science, commerce or humanity in higher studies etc....you would understand yourself the best.... you know your priority, passion and demand...Act accordingly. Good wishes
There was a third option in the questions that no one seems to have addressed, at least not directly - "research institutions".
Please tell me, if not universities, what these are?
@ Diarmuid Hayes: In some countries, there are institutions that are dedicated to core research and no academics involved as in the case of Universities. Take the case of Indian scenario....... There are very specialized research institutions pertaining to some specific field that is funded and run by the government. Some examples...... CLRI (Central Leather Research Institute), CFTRI (Central Food Technology Research Institute), CCMB (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology), CECRI (Central Electrochemical Research Institute), CDRI (Central Drug Research Institute), CIMAP (Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), IMT (Institute of Microbial Technology), NBRI (National Botanical Research Institute), IGIB (Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology), NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), CBRI (Central Building Research Institute), IIP (Indian Institute of Petroleum), NCL (National Chemical Laboratory), CSMCRI (Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute) etc...... What I have given is just some examples...... Like this INDIA has about 60 centralized research institutes for research in specific fields.
My choice was University and advise same for you but if you involve yourself with research activities as well.
Hello,
I think if you are younger than 40 years, it is better work on an institution, after that age with some good experience working in university is the best chose
Private industry pays more. You will not have the time (or freedom) to research your interests, however you will experience respect from your management.
Depends on your interest. I love to stay in research. Self satisfaction has more value than any thing. Good Luck
This is always a key decision after getting your highest degree. I must say, go to a university, where you can do research as well. The advantage is that you will have classes not more than 10-15 hrs, remaining time you can do research. All the very best.
It all depend upon the interest. I believe both the choices have great opportunities, only matters how you take this up further.
It really depends on.. "What you enjoy doing much" and up to" what extent you are willing to take risk".
If you enjoy bot teaching and research, then academic institutes are the best option. Most of the academic institutes are giving more emphasis on research now a days. But the work pressure in that scenerio is really high in the beginning. Teaching, working on reserach projects to get grants etc could be highly time consuming. But after a few years that turns out to be a very stable if you can sustain the pressure in the initial years.
If you enjoy research but Ok with compromising on your publication hunger as well as working on subjects that might not be of your interest, you could choose a Company scnerio. The pays are higher and a few companies allow you to publish few things that are not related directly to their products etc. It is a highly challenging environment at times as you might not get to work at your comfortable leisure. You have to be competing and performing all the times as your performance ratings will depend on that. Also the working with people is much different ina company compared to academia.
If you enojy research, want to publish a lot , would like to work on your field of interest and get a lots of grant, the research institutes are best bet. It is a highly stable environment from most of aspects. The only thing is that its really tough to get into research institutes. You might need to work as a postdoc or in some fellowships for a few years before you get a permanent position in those institutes.
I think Academic may be the best option, if you select good institute, as it can fulfill your passion of sharing knowledge with the newcomers and also you can take work from young blood and continue with your research. Yes, If you are not interested in teaching, then research institutions may be the second preference. If Ph. D. you did is just because no other option with you, then it is better to go for the industry. If you are in India, go for teaching, If you are abroad, go for industry.
As always in the life it depends on your interests, plans and perspectives and even the latter should be evaluated during your PhD work.
I have no idea how the situation in Singapore is but from a more generalized view the carreer opportunities in the academics appear to me the worst since the number of positions is low (even regarding permanent positions) and the perspectives for independent research depend on your ability to bet research funds.
However, an academics carreer also means teaching (if you like, the better) and a lot of organizational work which may prevent you from research.
Alternatives are industrial positions and also positions in non-profit or governmental institutions. In industry you may loose your academic freedom regarding carrying out research in fields you are interested in. Non-profit organiatzions may offer very interesting positions that are very close to sciences but actually "on the other side" when working in funding departments. I guess, with some creativity, there are lots of opportunities with many advantages and disadvantages.
You need to sort out what you would be willing to abstain from and what you like win for your personal development.
I have worked in industry research labs and in academe, and I definitely recommend the academic path. But ,of course, that is only my opinion and may not suit other professionals.
Wow! All the experts gave very nice and practical opinions. YEs, it depends upon your likeness. If i were in your boot, I love to carry on research at academic institutions because it can provide me both opportunities-- teaching and research. While teaching new generation, you can also make your brain scientifically young and use your those skills in new research. That is why most of the noble laureates got their masterpiece after their mid-30s after combining both the flavor of teaching and research.
To a nutshell, it is your choice!
An academic carreer has always to be combined with research and in some cirsumstances it is also possible to combine it also with research for the industry.
The opposite is not always possible. Because If you start your carreer in the industry it is not so simple to combine this with an academlic carreer and/or research in an institute. So my opinion is, if you have the chance to start at a university, do it.
Research positions exist without a lot of teaching. Think of government research institutions and not universities. Such jobs offer different possibilities.
I completely DISAGREE with Tanya Kuritz response "...No sane industry would outsource any meaningful research to a university..." We are currently funded by several industry groups to provide solutions to problems they simply had no idea or resources to solve. Our solutions are peer-reviewed or retained as company secrets. Bottom line. They Work, and Industry simply could not produce them.
If your response was truly accurate, why would Google, Microsoft and many other Fortune 500 Companies create significant University related R&D operations and funding opportunities...?
Dear Sathish, it's upto you, what opportunities you have and where you think yourself fit. Industries have their own opportunities and academics their own. In my suggestion (as I think about myself) better is to join a research institute, where Academics and Research both can run simultaneously, so than you keep you in touch with both. BUT MY OVER ALL RESPONSE IS "YOU THINK BETTER ABOUT YOU YOURSELF." :-) Best of Luck.
All things are left with you but according to my opinion you should prefer as acdemician which helps to clear the basic things to students because now a days all are doing reserach, all are industralist but no one think about the basic science. If you are PhD then it is very easy to teach students about basic concepts. Once the student clear the basic concept he may go for further reaseach, then you have proud feel that so many my students are diong well in their life.
I think the best option is to join academia after PhD. Academia can provide you facilities for further research. Teaching is not a profession it is a passion. Once you involve in teaching you became addicted.
Well, the answer for this question would be based on personal satisification and meets :
My view : The answer for this goes according to your needs.. If you like research you can continue your field by joining into Research Institutions. PhD., is a purely academic purpose. Further, What you learnt should not go unused. You must seed it to others. Well financial terms better option would be industries, you can seek some industries to aid the money like project wise. But it never means that academic / reaserach institution is not right option, probably you will take some time to get financial needs, but you will get in later time probably. Interms of stability, I guess the answer would be research institutions. Because to stabilize your self, you need to orient in research or in your field this can be achieved from your hard work and continous growth in academically, so you will get better stability in Institutions.
Typically, one does well in academics would not do very well in industries. If one enjoys paper work/publications, she/he should stick to the academics or research institutes without exposing oneself to the real or practical world while enjoying self-satisfactory.
Great achievers focus on a specific area with dogged tenacity. They do not multitask. PhD in most cases trains you to be focused. You can join any of the three as long as your bias for focused attention will be fully utilized. If industry, join the quality assurance section that thrives on fact-finding on frontier technologies - a necessity for staying relevant in this dynamic era of technological revolution. If university, go for quality control to ensure the best output from senior students. If research, push for lateral thinking and an inquisitive systems approach that will see you make a difference.
Although it partially depends upon individual 's choice but I think people never only think about finance and stability after doing PhD. Being a researcher can give both satisfaction as well as financial stability and sometimes give a freedom to build own's hypothesis. But I can say being an academician is equally good as it has some direct impact on students-knowledge can be passed easily & that's a grt service to society nodoubt. But I dont feel choosing career in industry can give such level of satisfaction inspite of giving a high salary.
The reality of what I have experienced is that the industry pays better that universities and research centers. I do not understand this logic of including private universities here pay people very badly prepared. Can anyone understand this policy of discouragement?
It depends on one's aptitude and aspiration which only one knows better.
It depands on one's needs. But in my opinion one must opt for Academia along with Research activities.
As an academician and researcher who is also involved in production, I believe it depends on many issues. One should love science and should be very much dedicated to work as an academician or researcher. Because he should work much more than what he is paid for. But industry and production needs higher capabilities in terms of applied science and can lead to higher income.
It also depends on the financial, social and political situation of the country. Scientists have much higher value in advanced countries compared to developing and especially under developed countries.
Sometimes we can have both (research in the academy and with the industry), but care must be taken to avoid conflicts of interest and bias.
I believe that first, a PhD is extremely important to increase quality in research. Then, good quality research may lead to good offers for research in the industry. This research can lead to visibility and consequently new opportunities and roles in the academy.
Nevertheless, I believe that one's motivation is the keypoint for this decision.
Choose and do what you like! Find happiness in doing what you want to do
Academics just for fun, research centers for science work and respect and industries for money.
I cannot explain to another the joy and the happiness I get out of teaching. It is more than a profession, an occupation, a vocation, a struggle; it is a passion, for I love to teach. ... I love to teach as a painter loves to paint, as a singer loves to sing, and as a musician loves to play. Every strong man loves to run a race.”-William Lyon Phelps quotes (AmericanEducator, Journalist and Professor, 1865-1943)
Reasearch institutions will be the best path to take. they equip with the best skills and experiance in your career, as you will be designing something very new and sometimes unique. your will also gain recongition fast and money.
Two words: IT DEPENDS.
At institutions you may have some freedom to move toward the academic fields you want, whereas indusrty could make your research lines so specific and sometimes not taking you ideas into consideration, but the advantage of working for the industry is perhaps the higher income.
Academia.Frequently people do Phds specifically in order to follow academic careerAfter all industrial research is generally "applied" rather than pure and does not necessarily need PhDs!
Ask your self some questions:
Which career you like more? (where your find yourself?,where you are happy more?)
Which career gives you more money?
Which career gives you more social respect?
What you like more? happiness, money, or respect?
Rate each career and make points, then compare...
Finally, it is your decision.
It's d same as if someone asks you to choose between an Apple , Orange and Mango. Though all are fruits, but yes...definitely you can choose one out of the three. Likewise, It is you, who can judge in which arena, you can be fit in easily, can describe yourself the best, and make a proper balance between other responsibilities along with academic/research stuffs.
If you are too expressive and equally good in research, go for an "academic profile".
Sathishkumar,
Why did you need a Ph.D. for a "better growth in terms of finance and stability"? ;--)
Choose and do what you like, but in this moment I suggest to an italian PhD to take up free profession.
The best option is industry, but the final thing depends on the balance between fulfillment of will and survival.
After PhD, it depends on an individual; what you want to do in life. Some may prefer industry, research institution or academia or even set up a company. First, understand yourself, your weak and strong points; know what you can enjoy while doing it then go for it!! Don't go into something and come to regret later!! So decide while you are a student!!
I am working for last 5 years in Academy and industry and I think I could summarize my experience as following: There is a strong illusion of being independent in Academy. Your academic carrier will be depended critically on your way from Assistant to Associate professor on the other faculties in your department. You will have to be in very good relationship with everyone, even if these are no very pleasant peoples. In many cases Universities are the social zoo for the peoples who could not socially survive in industry. Also if you would like to maintain the active research, you became depended on funding, i.e. you critically depend on relationship with decision-making peoples.
The best you could do is to work for yourself and open your start up or consulting Co. Good luck!
I worked in the field of water resource development for last 30 years and completed my PhD at the age of 45 and now shifted to academic field
It is better where ever you work work with dedication and sincerity
I also endorse the last sentence of Vladimir Butman
With changes in Global economy and the declining funding for universities and research institutions, the ability to plan or predict the future after a Ph.D is becoming increasingly difficult. More than ever this requires a change in attitude. In these circumstances, a job you got, even if unplanned, may offer you your best career option. If we think more broadly, a Ph.D graduate should have the capacity/ability to do anything. Like the saying goes "it is not what you got, but how you use it".
I think you may follow the below quote if you like
"If money is the motive with satisfaction compromised--Join Industry, " If satisfaction is the motive, join as a teacher and remain as till the blood is red and sky is blue". It's better to be a creator of legends than remain in a crater with fellow legends.
Thanks and all the best
Dear Sathshkumar
The question that you raised in nonanswerable.
Keep in mind that every step that you make is just the begining to the next one. It is an endless story.
PhD is just a start (although a good one) for a very difficult future.
I, for example, climbed the lader very fast. Why? because I always had new ideas, in my head, and I never kept them for myself. I always gave publicity. It gave me the opportunity to be known and to be asked to contribute in the R&D which was involved with academy, and the free market wanted new developments in order to sell them and to make money.
Everybody knows the irrigation computers. Well, it was developed because of the dangerous situation of people that were forced to open water, for irrigation, during dark. This problem forced us to develop the computer.The results you see today. There is no planted area, worldwide, that is not fitted/installed with sich computer.
Same also with plastic twin to make bals of hey to feed livestock.. The old ones use to stand outdoor not more than 6-8 months. Due to the UV rays. Our development extanded their life time to 3-4 years. This was substential change.
So, you must keep in mind that there is no question of making fast (easy) money or Academy. The question is if you can stand on your foot or you need support, as so far your achiements were supported by the institutes stuff. Now you must do it alone. Everything.
Don't try to jump too high, as if you fall down it may heart you too much, but go step by step and only once you feel that you stand on a firm ground-make the jump.
Always remember that you are now a baby that start walking alone. Don't loose your confidence, but on the other hand listen, listen, listen to others in order to learn more and before you free your ideas think twice, as not always you have a second chance and some people may adopt them.
In short: be open, patient, ready to learn from everybody and suspicious.
In friendship
Amir
My advice is that the best choice is 'no choice' (do everything, but not all at once). By that I mean after the PhD, you can work in a post-doctoral position at a university, while attempting to gain tenure. Use the post-doc to publish, develop your own research center of expertise, and develop relationships in your university and with external researchers in industrial and/or government research organizations. If you eventually gain tenure, you can consult with industry on your own terms (continually, sabbatical, summers, etc.) and set your consultancy fees based on your publication record, and the fact that you run a university research center of your own (with undergrads, grad students, and post-docs to support). If you do not gain tenure, jump to industry or government research and serve as an adjunct professor at the local university(ies) of your choice. If you want to get back to full academia from the outside, then you have credibility as an adjunct.
It appears you wanted PhD as a status thing (parents pushed?) and now you are thinking on your own. So it is hard to advise, when you yourself don't know what you want in life. ;--)
Lev, it seems that we come from the same route, so let me tell you and the asker, Sathishkumar, the following:
There is nothing wrong in getting a push from outside forces, like prents, as long as this push is positive and is widening your view.
I am experienced with such as my mothrer said/warned me: you get my support as long as you study. If you stop-I stop".
I was very happy to use my parents money for this purpose, and this is the thing that led me and my family all our life. The firm base, that I ereceived in my studies enabled me to pay for the studies of my children and now my grandchildren are following me and contributing to the community and mankind.
The only thing is what are you going to do and how, with your studies. I suggest that you look for good ideas to research and to develop. Just lately, 2 weeks ago, I was called to a meeting with students to advice them what are the good topics, currently, to be developed. There are milions. uncountable. They are waiting you, young people, to pick them up and to take your turn in advancing this (terrible) world. The problem is how to finance it. There are answers to this question, as well. Good research institutes get grants. If they know how to use the money (which means to pay to spent in the right places) there is enough.
So, Sathiskumar, grab your chance in two hand and start working, before it is too late as more students are waiting, behind you, in the line............
In friendship
Amir
Amir,
I'm sorry, but It appears you are also confused. ;--)
The reason our lives are becoming more and more polluted inside and outside is precisely because in these super polluted (especially morally) times, today as never before, we need to be more honest with ourselves, at least with the choice of work.
And better late than never. ;--)
Just look at science and ask yourself: How come we have polluted science to such an incredibly extent?
Do what u enjoy and are good at. Do you like working as part of a team or being the driving force. Coming up with novel ideas can be a natural thing to only some people. Others are amazing at carrying out precise work but the spark comes from another team member.
its up to you Satish in which area you want to do work................. only the quality of your work and your interest matters.................. Every area is good
Dear Lev, Sathis and all others
If you read my 2 answers carefully, you can see that my only suggestion was to work.
The last sentance in your reply describes the right situation of the science. This is also the answer to Sathis question: Everything is money. He wants to make quick money. It works, sometimes, but in order to achieve this goal he must have the right contacts, in the right places in the right time and mostly, he must have the background (technical) to make all of these. The reason for this 4 conditions is that there is no honesty, any more, in the world. Everything is just money.
In one of the institutes, in US, where I took a major research, I had Korean assistant. Since the very early stages of our common work, I heard him saying: "Let's finish it (the research) quick as I need much money and now". I told him: "there is no quick money". It took long while but it was very successful and my institute and our government still getting royalties for this reasearch (irrigation & water). My ex assistant got his portion in the R&D. In the farewell party, that one, as afterwards we shared more common jobs, he took a speech in wihich he said that he understands, now, that in order to reach good results its a must put more efforts (& money) and there is no short cut and there is no easy money. Currently he is a Prof. in Korea.
So, to conclud this answer I would like to pinpoint that, unfortunately, what you wrote, about science, is right and the answer to Satish should be: The money will follow after you locate yourself in the right place, in the right position, and you have the necessary reputation to walk on your own legs. Till then, don't even think of making easy money as this will lead you nowhere.
In friendship
Amir
Is there any reason you cannot pursue all of them? Academics, Research, and Industry? Why do you need to restrain yourself to any one of them? Professors for a long time have been consulting and bringing in research dollars and fund graduate students to execute research. They have taught classes and taken summer or smaller assignments with industries as part of their consulting. FT teaching for 9 months and vacation for 3 or research and/or consulting for the remaining 3 would simply be cushy isn't it? Assuming, you had a passion and will give your best to delight your customers, right?
With the advent of technology based products and the net, a host of opportunities lie ahead for the PhD holder who knows where to go and how to navigate.
Good luck!
That is depends upon the interest of the researcher, if he/she interested in research they can join for research institute, if they are interested in earning money can join for industry , if both are the interests they can join for academics where is scope for both teaching and research.......
Kumar; I am sure you had a reason why you wanted to do PhD, Academic, Research , Building knowledge and Prestige. You have no problem with the first two, but if only building knowledge and Prestige, then you have a problem in hand. I think first ask yourself do you want to work as an academician, or researcher then just apply to institutions that they could hire you. But if it’s not then you have to ask yourself what do you want to do?
More importantly what exactly is the definition of "Best Career Option?" Money, Vacation Time, Benefits, anything else? Without defining this how can we conclude what an option is, let alone characterizing it as "best?" Kindly define "best career option?"
What exactly is "best career option?" Why is Satiskhumar not responding?
Career Options as we begin our job could include any or a combination of the following:
- Starting Salary
- Sustainable Growth in Title and Salary
- Benefits of all sorts
- Paid Vacation
- Benefits for family members as well
- HA, DA, PF, 401K, Medicare, Medicaid, Life Insurance
- Paid Car, Paid Driver, Paid Expenses for Vacation for Self and Family
- Paid Sabbatical Leave
- Promise of "Full Time Tenured Position"
- Interest-Free Loan toward automobile or home
- Starting Bonus
- Relocation Costs
- Stock Options
- Partnership in the Company
- Team of Staff to report to you
Now, I need to figure out as to which institution would consider me for the options above for the PhD I have just sought.
Dear Shree, All those in list falls in 2 category (finance and stability) that I had mentioned. In any career path these 2 are the most important things to be considered.
Dear Satish
I feel that after having that much responses, from all over the world, you will choose completely different job: Counsellor for PhD graduated amazement(s).
You see, sometimes such a simple question bring to a very vigilant discussion, which contain a lot of ideas from which you can learn and use it for new proffession.
So, if you want to continue with your original proffession-go ahed, but you also have the chance to change it and get more reputation, money, free time and everything that you look for.
By the way: what is your PhD in?
In friendship
Amir
I think a University of post-graduate studies would be the best choice as You will have access to young dynamic human power, some more reliable financial source for research compared to research institutes that may be forgotten in practice if there is ill-management where You live in. You have more acquaintance with generations of future Researchers and Professors dependent on their destination. Universities are more attended than Institutes for many reason You will find if You think considering more factors.
First of all it will depends on your interest.
Academics: you may get both the things teaching as well as research with social reputation with moderate money.
Research Institute: Only research with high time inputs with long lag phase of less income with good social reputation.
Industries: No / negligible time for society, negligible reputation and fame with good income in short time.
Now it depends on you what do you want.
Hi Satish (Soon-to-be Dr. Satish),
Great hearing from you on this and glad that you narrowed it down now for all of us. Finance and Stability career options - Are you looking for the highest in this category or a guaranteed status in this category, or both?
The options goes with the earnings of the person than the interest as the desire on the career is good and expected but in real situation we have to utilize what ever the opportunity comes, we have to adjust ourselves and should prepare for it. Very fortunate that the career we desire will be available to you.
Dr. Satish
Well, Usualy, students work in paralel to their studies. (At least when I studied). I assume that you worked as well. Did gain any experience in one of the 3 careers that you mentioned in your question? Did you like/Love/interesting what you did then?
If yes, why not to continue the same career? If not- then WHY?
The outcome from your answer will lead you to decide what career suite you the best. As, none of us know your feelings towards one or other career that may be available exactly when you look for.
On the other hand there is nothing wrong if you start one creer, that is currently available, and if you don't like it you switch to another when the chance is smiling to you. But, there is a big chance that you will like and stay in this position.
My opinion is that there is no R&D that is not interesting, as allways you learn. R&D you can find in all 3 careers that you mentioned.
When you say academic or industry or R&D it means nothing as it happens that there is a substential difference between them from one institute to the other. Not all Prof. are the same. Not all institutes have the same modern R&D equipments and facilities. The way to run a project is, sometimes, unique to each faculty/department/Prof/Etc.
So, don't be too stiff as the world, like the environment, is changing very fast and one career, today, can answer your desire as it can completely disapoint you.
Be flexible. Look around to see/learn which career suite your desire the best and allways be alert to chages in the (environmental technology and the biotechnology) world.
In friendship
Amir
The discussions in this platform is healthy and very interesting!, Many people do Ph.D in their desired career and field of interest, however all are not finding jobs in the same field due to the competence. Once the undergraduate degree was the highest qualification among the learned group in developing countries. Then the Masters and now the doctoral degree. All the doctoral degrees are targeting the job specific to the field, often the job is found related with the doctoral degree, and afterwards one can change or swift to the relevant one. I feel we have to be very broad in mind to accept the available opportunities and if the one expected is obtained , then could proceed with much happiness. Job satisfaction is one aspect we usually do not bother but it as to be given some priority as it concerns on the personal interest, commitment, and desire.
Lets us try our best to find a suitable job if not, find ourselves suitable to the job.
I Think , Where you feel easy and find your internal voice ,then decide your field
Job satisfaction - What exactly is that and how do we arrive at that conclusion? For the foreigner, it is seeking the visa approval from a non-immigrant limited stay to a permanent type of work permit. For the local it could be pay scale as he or she may have debt to pay off. Once the visa constraint for the foreigner is removed then it is opportunities in other companies which indirectly means more pay and closeness to family or location of potential spouse or opportunities for the spouse in the same city whatever the new constraint poses.
At each stage of our lives, we come across new constraints and these can be termed as opportunities to grow and we move on and make the best. They could be in such an order for foreign students as I have seen it:
- Visa Sponsorship Willingness by Employer
- Offer (that we think we deserve without knowing the actual rate in the market), usually higher than what we make, sometimes PhD candidates do not even know or care to normalize the number for inflation, city to city or state to state COLA factors.
- Marital Status Changes
- Home Purchase Needs after getting sick of an apartment
- Public School for Kids after they are born (or day care facilities)
- Neighborhood Compatibility (wanting to show off to others that we live in a neighborhood that is perceived as one of the best or has the highest SAT ranking in the local home school to look like they are preparing for their child to aspire to go to that school, even though they (we) may have not been educated in this country).
- Weather is great and there is no need to deal with snow or ice during the wintry days.
- Grandparents from warmer climates can visit or immigrate and find it compatible to acclimatize without having to change their lifestyle significantly.
- Other local factors, closeness to schools, mall, other places to visit (airport, highway, quiet neighborhood, gated community type).
Job satisfaction is never up to you or your boss and it is dictated by perceived external factors that change based on one's evaluation and their self esteem. Sometimes we think we should have stuck to the old job or taken that offer that we didn't and regret.
So in effect a best career option is one that when posed with constraints, the PhD professional is able to face and solve the crisis one after the other along with their life partner (wife or husband) and make life worthy of this significant additional education. If not, why bother to have gotten the PhD (maybe to gain that extra qualification to either build one's self esteem or seek additional immigration brownie points to get through the labor certification in the case of foreigners like us (me).
Good Luck Doctors.
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