I will be completing MTech in Communication System engineering by this April. In Indian scenario,most of us go for job only after completion of education. It is a common belief here that if you start earning, you will lose interest in studies. Which is better? To do a PhD right after my PG or to work in industry for some years and then go for PhD. I would like to add that my ultimate aim is to become a good professor
Sadly, the lure of lolly stops many capable students from continuing their studies. I think that the Finnish model of free education for as long as you pass indicates that it is best too continue as far as you are capable. Invest in yourself as far as your finances allow.
Remember too that your Master's thesis-theme may be a springboard for your Doctoral thesis-theme, and the half-life of knowledge in Engineering is very short!
It is your choice: some people decide to work for a year or more before starting with their PhD studies, some start studying without taking a break from the university. If you decide to work, this may be useful for your teaching career as you will get practical experience and students like that but, on the other hand, you may also decide that you do not wish to get a PhD any more (this may be not a good choice from the university's viewpoint, but from your own perspective it may be ok... goals change sometimes). If you decide to start studying at once, then maybe it will take less time to finish (especially if you can use the materials etc. you've already collected) but, on the other hand, if you wish to make a career outside the academia in the future, then lacking experience from 'the life outside' may be a minus.
Working in industry may provide just the research question or data you need for your PhD. It did that for me.
Depends on your ultimate goal & passion. Agreed our goals & passions might change from time to time or we have various exclusive goals & passions. Perhaps you want to go through a soul searching phase / detailed think through which are the more permanent / important goal & passion - as these will motivate which path you want to embark on . Also consider if you enjoy doing something most of the time, you don't feel the burden of doing it.
Agreed when you come out to work, there might be many distractions e.g. work demands, limited time, salary attractions, family expectations etc. in which this might cause you shy away to pursue your PhD. Similarly, when you embarked on the PhD route & once you finished, you might find that coming out to work in industry might be challenging e.g. lack of relevant work experience, different style of living, salary expectation etc. in which you might find researching / teaching is more suitable for your life time career. Some people also set their goal to work in industry for financial security etc but have the passion for life-long learning in which they ended up doing both (work & PhD) at / near the same time. However, doing both at / near the same time needs commitment, sacrifices & extra efforts. There are also instances whereby people work then switch to PhD for researching / teaching or vice-versa.
No right or wrong paths if you don't know your goal or passion but find the path best meeting your ultimate goal & passion. Hence, the early you can identify your ultimate goal & passion are desirable so that you can chart out & embark on the right path earlier. As the saying goes - for a good start you are half-way to success. Wishing you all the best.
This topic it is so arguable! Is something similar to the question : who, what was first: the egg or the hen?
For instance, I see this problem as many people here, that already exposed their arguments here above: pro and con.
I understand PhD degree, as to be an expert, meaning to know ”much, about less and lesser”!!! And this (in my opinion) is a matter of experience, maturity etc. the research for obtaining PhD degree is at least a step in unknown, the results can be a further step towards knowledge. Sometimes even negative results are good, because it shows the closed ways!
On the other hand, now when the education, and the whole world changed so much and the young people has less and less jobs, a PhD and a postdoc program are so helpful... so I must be done immediately after graduation. No matter when you do it, in youth or adulthood, you have to do it full of interest, seriously, with dedication and even with passion! And finally as I said you will know more about a narrow topic! You will know best that topic, you will be certified expert, having the degree: Doctor of Philosophy!
Jai, as a future professor, a PhDdegree, may help you to be train and deepen the research skills that are so necessary for a future professor!
Five years on, what do you say? You might agree it is important to keep curious and studying whether you’re in a university or not. We are seeing universities and practice draw closer. That should save future generations the burden of pondering your question. Practice should not be a ‘dark zone’.
@jai sachith sir, what did u choose to do then ? I am in a similar situation. It will be really nice of you if u could share your experience with me.
I m doing Mtech VLsi from Nit jalandhar.
Companies like Texas ,Nvidia ,Samsung
are going to visit the college by next week.
I had already planned /made up my mind to do phd right after mtech.But seeing these opportunities , I am doubting my earlier decision. Pls guide me.
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