Why Getting A PhD Is Absolutely Worth It

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

• You will what the challenges are from transitioning from Academia to Industry
• You will learn that if a PhD is leveraged correctly it can be a gateway to personal and professional advancement
• Finally you learn that having a PhD gives opportunities for innovation, making contributions to knowledge, meaningful collaborations, and professional relationships.

If PhDs struggle to get hired in industry, then why should they get a PhD in the first place? I had a PhD send me this question recently and wanted to share it because I get asked it a lot. The problem is not that a PhD is not worthwhile, it’s that the academic-publishing complex doesn’t train PhDs on how to leverage their PhDs to get hired into a meaningful career that rewards them for their investment.

And to be fair, why would academia or academic publishers want to help PhDs get out of academia? All of higher education and academic publishing is held up on the backs of underpaid PhD labor. Think about it. Have you ever been given a royalty for a paper you published? Nope. You were indoctrinated on the publish or perish culture keeping you in line to slave away for the next publication. Meanwhile, publishers copyright your work and sell it back to you and other universities.

Many of these publishers have profit margins greater than Google, Apple or Amazon. Still, the transferable skills you gain during your PhD are highly valuable. Embarking on the journey to earn a PhD is a monumental decision, marked by years of hard work, research, and profound learning. While the path is challenging, the rewards of completing a PhD are immense and multifaceted.

This article aims to elucidate why pursuing a PhD is a worthwhile endeavor, offering insights for those considering or currently undertaking this academic journey. The biggest reason getting PhDs is worth it is because, if leveraged correctly, it is a gateway for your Advancement in terms of Personal and Professional Expertise, specifically in terms of In-Depth Knowledge and skill development.

A PhD allows you to delve deeply into a subject you are passionate about. This intensive study leads to a level of expertise that few attain, setting you apart in your field. As for skill Development, The process of getting a PhD hones vital skills such as critical thinking, research methodology, data analysis, and academic writing. These skills are highly valuable in various professional contexts beyond academia, including industry, consulting, and government roles.

Second, getting a PhD provides Opportunities for Innovation and Making a Contribution to Knowledge: PhD research often pushes the boundaries of current understanding, allowing you to contribute original insights to your field. This can be immensely satisfying, knowing your work could have a lasting impact.

Third, if you make time for it, getting your PhD will lead to meaningful and useful Collaborations and professional relationships. Pursuing a PhD provides opportunities to collaborate with leading experts, attend conferences, and engage with a global community of scholars. These interactions can lead to exciting research opportunities and lasting professional relationships.

Fourth, and again, this is only true if you prioritize it, your PhD will provide you with Enhanced Career Prospects and Credibility. In short, you’ll be more employable. Despite the competitive job market, PhDs often have better employment prospects. I know I know, if you’re getting rejections right now you’re thinking “yeah right”. But those rejections don’t mean you and your PhD are not valuable, it means you’re applying the wrong job search strategy. As a PhD, your specialized skills and knowledge make you an attractive job candidate for high-level positions in academia, research, and beyond.

Fifth, your PhD gives you Credibility and Recognition. Earning a PhD is a testament to your dedication, intelligence, and resilience. It often brings a level of respect and credibility in professional circles, opening doors to consulting, speaking engagements, and authorship opportunities.

Sixth, getting a PhD is the ultimate way to learn how to overcome Challenges. It’s the ultimate resilience training. On your way to getting your PhD, you’ll learn to overcome obstacles, manage complex projects, and persist through setbacks. You’ll also gain self-Discovery. The journey of getting a PhD is one of self-discovery, helping you understand your capabilities, interests, and values more deeply. It can be a transformative experience that shapes your personal and professional identity.

In sum, The pursuit of a PhD is more than an academic endeavor; it’s a journey of personal and professional transformation. The challenges are significant, but the rewards – in terms of expertise, contributions to your field, career opportunities, and personal growth – are substantial.