I'm debating whether I see any point in doing a PhD in physics or not. On the plus side, I'd get experimental skills in the area and I liked the physics friends that I would be returning to in graduate school at McMaster. But I can't convince myself of any economic justification for doing it. I really don't see myself as a postdoc or professor down the line and just because I could do physics doesn't mean I have a specific interest in any particular field. I would be making around $24000 per year as a grad student.
Now what I've been debating is retraining for a degree in commerce, specifically for finance or accounting. There's lots of jobs constantly listed in the local newspaper for these positions and the income after a few years would be much greater than a few years than the 10 years as a postdoc. Would investing another four years into a commerce degree be a worthwhile investment?
2007-07-05 19:12:15 · 5 answers · asked by ajelovic 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Studying for a Ph.D is a huge commitment. It takes a lot of time to complete your degree and many people never actually finish. You are right to worry about the economics of obtaining a Ph.D. You won't make a lot of money compared to other people with doctoral degrees. Being paid $24,000 a year to go to school seems really great but your job outlook once finished isn't. Right now the market is saturated with Ph.D.s so becoming a professor isn't a sure thing. You probably would be able to work as a Post-Doc but then you are overworked and underpaid. You don't necessarily have to go into academia but many do.
You shouldn't go into a Ph.D because you can, you should do it because you really enjoy the field and want to pursue research.
2007-07-06 04:26:37 · answer #1 · answered by alynnemgb 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Most of the people whom I know who have a PhD in physics couldn't find work in their field (there is a glut of PhDs in physics -- and all the academic jobs were taken up by big name Eastern Block physicists who moved to North America). They ended up getting another PhD in finance and getting high paying academic or industry jobs. The math in physics and finance is identical, and the skill set transfers easily.
You should not get a PhD in anything unless you are driven to do research.
I'm shocked that you could get $24K per year as a graduate student. I'd suspect it was more like $15K. Wait -- you mean Canadian.
Have you thought about an MBA? Go to a good school, and you will come out making over $100K (and I'm talking USD).
2007-07-05 19:26:44 · answer #2 · answered by Ranto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course it all depends on what you really want to do, but if you do decide to go in the commerce direction, don't bother to go back for a second bachelor's degree when you could get an MBA, which would only take another two years, instead. If you could get into a Ph.D. program in physics, you could get into a decent MBA program, which would take you farther than the B.Comm. would. You would need to take the GMAT instead of the GRE, but since most people who have trouble with it have that problem because of poor math skills, you should do fine.
2007-07-05 19:32:32 · answer #3 · answered by neniaf 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well i think that u should it would be the best thing 2 do 4 u and ur family just consult them first or again or watever but in the end i think u should answer 2 ur heart u should definitly pray about it 2
2007-07-05 19:16:07 · answer #4 · answered by Shantai 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
going for a PhD could be a great experience for you. there are so many people that would kill for this opportunity and you have it ...so go for it
2007-07-05 19:16:14 · answer #5 · answered by pixiebaby525 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋