For those who have finished (or nearly finished) their PhDs - (Jul/10/2008 )

Hi everybody!

I am at a difficult point now, deciding whether to go on with science or not. What frightens me more is not knowing too well what to expect after finishing the usual path (PhD, pos-doc, etc). I have good lab experience and my golden dream was always becoming a PI, but I know this is no fairytale. Besides, I don't know if I could cope with the level of stress and politics I see PIs facing everyday.

So I was hoping to hear from you, the ones who finished the PhD, what it was like afterwards.

I've attended several seminars "career oriented" where they tell a bit about different careers you can choose with a PhD (industry, scientific journalism, academy, many pos-docs), but I would like to hear from *real people* what it was like, what opportunities were actually there for you and what you chose, why, etc...

I would love if you could comment a bit on that! Thanks a lot!

All the best,
Julianne.

Julianne,

There are a few things we need to know before we could give you a very specific answer...

1: how close are you from actually graduating with the PhD
....Have you completed all your coursework?
....Have you passed your qualifying exams?
....Have you begun writing your thesis?

2: do you have a masters? If not, if you leave the program can you graduate with the masters?

3: Have you any idea what you DO want to do if not be a PI?


but, as a rule of thumb... If you are close to finishing (a year or two) then DO IT!!! having the degree makes a would of difference even if you do not go on to be a PI or even work in your field ever again... It means more than you being an expert in your field and area, it means you can do independent research, you can write, you can teach, you can do what is necessary...

it will also ensure a higher salary in other fields...

Also consider this:

As we get older, we regret MORE the things we did NOT do, than the things we did....