I'm so relieved to know that my reasons for applying are good ones! I love writing. I want to teach and have enjoyed when I've been a guest speaker or presented at conferences, and I want to be an expert on a specific topic. I'm feeling better about my interview for a doctoral program next week.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD These kinds of resources are invaluable to us, Dr. Fiesler. Although I am in the humanities, I find most advice is generally applicable across the board. Perhaps the one difference is the emphasis on lab-based (STEM) vs. archival (humanities) research.
THIS!!! I am graduating with my masters in a month and I am going to walk at graduation. I did not walk for my bachelors degree so when I got the email with details about graduation, regalia, tickets, parking…I cried the whole way to work. I felt like it was so much information and I didn’t have anyone to ask. I’m so appreciative of those who are opening the windows in academia. (Also my maiden name was Rios if that’s your surname as well)
Thank you for your sharing, Dr. Fiesler. I do not usually put comments on videos but I just want to share that I believe the decision / desire to do a PhD could hit people at different points of life. If it were me 10 years ago watching the video, I would opt for a Master instead of PhD if I (which I did). But as I have built up my professional experience and meeting managers, colleagues, mentors, now I have 2 of the good reasons mentioned in the video to pursue a PhD. I am trying to apply for a PhD this year and I have been getting imposter syndrome, feeling inferior to other successful applicants that I know. Your video has actually given me more confidence to continue this journey of application.
I feel the only way to know if you’re interested in research & getting a PhD is by doing it. Reach out to the professors and try a few projects, that’s how I knew I’d like to do a PhD :)
Yes, I totally agree! This is the #1 piece of advice I give to undergrads who say they might be interested in grad school. (Helps with your applications too!)
Thank you for this video! I am at the height of a 23 year career as an Early Childhood Educator and am nearing the end of my MEd program of which I am thoroughly enjoying. I returned to school late in my career because my kids are off furthering their education and I finally have the time. Even though I am nearing retirement age, I am inspired by my current studies to pursue my own research and make a positive impact in the field I have devoted my life to. I think I will continue my studies thanks to your wise counsel for I am in it for all the right reasons!
Would really love the title and I have 2 Masters degrees (1 is a general MS in Information Systems and the other is more focused in CyberSecurity) but after watching this I can see that even though I WANT a PhD I don't have good reasons FOR getting one. Was nice to hear all of it from someone who has lived it AND can put it clearly.
I’m a freshman in college and I’m really considering a PhD in Neuroscience or Evolutionary Psychology, thankfully my reasons are good, by your metrics at least. One of the main reasons is that I want to surround myself in the research literature because it’s fascinating and there’s some cutting edge stuff regarding the brain. I’d also love to communicate that knowledge to the general population, because so many people are interested in those fields but they don’t have access to the ivory towers of the university’s or it’s too difficult to understand. I definitely want to write a book but podcasts seem to be the new wave for communicating ideas. Thanks for the video!
This was a very helpful video, thanks so much for taking the time to make it. Honestly every single point you’ve mentioned about bad reasons to get a PhD are reasons I’ve considered. For my career path a PhD isn’t necessary but I’m glad I watched this video, definitely getting my masters instead.
Thank you for this video! About to finish my MA in May and was thinking about next steps. 💞 First of my generation and I want to make my family proud. But that’s not reason enough.
Hey. I was a little confused about my reason to apply for a Phd program but after watching this video i so relieved to know that i have all the right reason to go for a phd. Thanks a ton.😊
I love this video. I’m still working on my Bachelors, but have always dreamed of a PhD. However, you’ve made a very strong case for me to NOT pursue it. That’s not a bad thing. I feel like my Masters will be enough for what I want to do in life. But I would like to know how someone with a Masters can still contribute to human knowledge without a Doctorate. You mentioned getting to discover something new, rather than learning what someone already knows. How can I do the discovering without the letters behind my name?
I think the question is whether there are jobs in your field that include research that you can get with a Masters! It's not about the degree, it's about the job. :)
Thanks for this video. I have been working for government doing earth science research for six years. I have increasingly realized that to continue progressing and eventually run my own lab, I need a PhD. I do indeed love science and adding to human knowledge in my field. But unfortunately, I have anxiety issues and I'm daunted by the time commitment, sacrafices, and financial implications of starting grad school. Honest videos like yours at least help me think through things realisticaly.
Thanks for making this video. It was really helpful for me to figure out why I want to pursue PhD in my field. Also in your next video could you talk about the changes made in the application processes by universities for next fall due to pandemic specifically the STEM Ph.D. programs in the US. Thanks!
Thanks! Unfortunately I don't think I can really speak to that; I just don't know anything! Well, except that OUR application process as of right now will be just as it usually is. Good luck!!!
To show up my father who has one and always reminded me of this fact while looking down at me. Yea, it's complicated, it's family politics; the greatest motivator for most things.
I am not historically good in academics. But I still want a PhD because 1. I like the extra letters. 2. Researching something brand new is amazing. 3. I love the acedamic writing part. 4. I want to get a Nobel prize someday and clear the misconception that Nobel prize is only for prodigies. Will be applying for Phd in astrophysics or aerospace in 2023. Will try to get as much research experience till then.
If you are getting or going to take a PhD., programme, then you need to understand the following. 1- Do not expect to be hired. Therefore, gain your capital and start a business. 2- Be part of a research group and contribute via research that you do. 3- You are in the PhD. for many good reasons, one of them is the fact that you want to solve a current world problem or define a new dimension or even prove a new theory and, consequently, a new field of expertise is born out of your research. 4- Do not expect that if you are hired that your colleagues are going to like you. You will be challenged.
Thank you Casey. Honestly, many of the reasons you shared are all of the above for me in pursuing a PhD. I love to read, write, and research. I want to teach at the college & university level. I want to publish my work, attend academic conferences, inspire the next generation of change makers, shape policy, and yes, make some money doing it all! That's only fair right?
TIL that RU-vid cards don't show up properly for all viewing methods! If you're curious about the video with advice for PhD students that I'm pointing at near the start of the video, you're looking for: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Hh5b5wZzgBA.html Thanks for watching! Let me know what you think and what questions you have!
The thing is that I really like to research, to find answers to read about new ways, to help and contribute to society. I want to do a PhD on "AI in the medical field", I feel really passionate about it. But the thing is I hate writing, I hate presenting and I hate teaching. I would love to research and work but when it comes to the most important part of sharing that information I just hate everything about it. I really don't know what to do right now.
In some fields there are industry research jobs where teaching and writing are not part of the job, though you will of course have to do those things for you PhD.
Thanks a lot for all videos. Honestly, I was really shocked with your opinion as if the PhD won't develop your knowledge and thinking to better. There are a lot of consultation and design work that require PhD level. Yes, Most of the companies do not like hire PhDs and they have point. For a person who spent all his life in the university focusing only on his books and exams usually is lacking practical skills and experiences.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD First your videos are useful and I learned from them. Second, I felt you have kind of implied that. It might be good idea to conceal the real reasons then because most of bad reasons looks legit for me. If a lawyer or consultant engineer thinks PhD will up his business and market for them "prestige" what is wrong in that? The only way to become rich is to start hiring other people or invest in other assets.
@@HamidA-to8vy Nope, I definitely do not think that. Obviously a PhD does those things! And sure, if you want to get a PhD for the prestige, go ahead; but I don't recommend writing that in a statement of purpose.
I'm so glad and somehow relieved to know that I have all the right reasons to go for a PhD. I loved teaching at college so much. From my master's and the little bit of experience as a research fellow, I have clearly got an idea about how much of a hurdle course research in any shape or form is, and I still want to do it. Can you perhaps give some tips for those trying for a PhD after they have had a few years' break since college?
All my same advice pretty much applies! I think in various videos I'll mention considerations for people who aren't straight out of school (statement of purpose, asking for letters of rec, etc.)
I've never been able to relate to any other way to spend my time than doing research. The worst sounding thing to me would be to do a repetitive job that anyone can be trained to do, or to just repeat what others have done. So I guess I fit in with the last point. Is this something you should say on the application, that your passion is to do research...
ngl, one my reasons from "the minute to think" for a PhD was for prestige, but I hit 2 of the "good reasons" along with a few others. Still, it's kind of reinforcing that getting a MS is more for me. Still, thinking about doing PhD afterwards cause a lot can change in a couple years.
I'm wondering if it's a good idea to get a PHD in an arts and fashion related course. I have worked now for nearly 3 years in the industry, done a masters but the work life doesn't give me joy. I feel like a cog in the machine where in reality I love theoretical and written arts. I love to read, analyse, document, write and I want to bring reforms in how small scale business are run the fashion and textile sector in my country. I still don't know how will I be able to bring about a change.
I want to thank you for this video, and I also consider those reasons to be the most important ones. Personally, I do not like to write that much. It is kind of stressful and requires a lot of effort. Even if I am not that good at that, I am sure I want to keep researching because it is a reason for living. I love using my knowledge to find out. It is basically exciting. I want this to be my career, do you think it is a good way to get enrolled as a researcher in a research institution (apart from teaching)?
Is becoming more specialised in a particular field, and then feeding that experience back into another industry an acceptable reason to do a PhD? I’ve done my masters in neuroscience, and have had 4 years of research experience in the medical diagnostics industry, which was all chemistry based. I would love to do a PhD in Neuroscience, and then feed my experience back into the industry. Is this strong enough as a reason to do a PhD?
@@CaseyFieslerPhD Oh yes, a lot of them do, especially if you want to move further up the ladder. I realised while working in the industry, as much as I enjoyed my job, what kept me back was that my background wasn't specialised in Chemistry, my knowledge was limited. I did a bit of research into the industry with relation to R&D for neurological diseases, and there is huge promise in this field. However, they mostly look for PhD candidates. Love the content you've posted, it's so helpful!
I’m an architect and urban designer, thinking about doing a phd. The reason I’m considering is back then when I was studying in colleges, when I didn’t know how to do a design, I always checked out to relevant theories, then I felt enlightened, it always helped. Since then I got quite interested in architectural and urban design theories, wanted to do similar researches.
Sorry I am new to your channel so I will take a look and see if you've made a video on this topic but I found it interesting that you said you had a JD as well - did you practice law, and how did you ultimately decide against a career in law? I am violently vacillating back and forth between a PhD and law school haha
My general advice is go to law school if you want to be a lawyer. :) Being a lawyer is VERY different than being a researcher! I didn't realize until partway through that I did not want to be a lawyer, and by then it made sense to finish.
Thank you so much for the inspiring video! I’m wondering if you could talk about how to understand the reply from professors? I’ve contacted two potential professors and one of them relied to me very quickly by saying “ thank you and please submit your application and committees will decide this after getting your application” . My friend told me this is a mild “no” and I’m wondering if I should still m include this professor in my personal statement? Thank you
Yes, if you want to work with that professor you should absolutely still mention them. Just make sure you mention others as well. I'm not sure why that would be interpreted as suggesting you shouldn't apply. Individual professors don't make admissions decisions in emails. :)
What if I feel I’m weak in writing? I enjoy research, teaching, and even writing about topics I enjoy. But I feel my abilities are below a PhD level? Maybe it’s just imposter syndrome talking, but is it academically and socially acceptable to get help when writing academic papers? I would need feedback to make sure my writing is both laid out appropriately and grammatically correct.
Hi! This video was extremely helpful! I’m finding that I might want to pursue my PhD in psychology, because I don’t know if I can go the rest of my life without doing research and writing papers about the areas I’m interested in. However, another reason is that in my subfield of psychology, a PhD allows a ton of versatility to what you can do once you graduate-being a researcher, practitioner, professor, etc. in so many different types of settings-hospitals, schools, community clinics, academic settings, medical settings, etc. Would the versatility of the degree be a bad reason to pursue a PhD, if it also means there is higher money potential (but not guaranteed money potential)? Also, would single mother (who has a support system) be in over her head to pursue a PhD at the age of 27? Lastly, how many hours a week (and I know this varies) on average should a PhD student expect to work?
I can't answer any questions about Psychology as a field, nor about anything that might be possible for any particular person! There have been students in our program with children, and I certainly know that it's possible, but imagine it's challenging. (Not something I can speak to.) I also personally think that a PhD is a 40 hour per week job (assuming a teaching or research assistantship for funding) though I imagine some others might disagree with me. Though I'd consider any advisor who tells you it is more than that as a red flag.
This is really very helpful vdieo. I see that selecting what research topic to explore is also part of the big decision to make, do you have some tips about that?
Hi! Prof.Fiesler. Thank you for your valuable contents. I have watched this before now I am reviewing it again for my application this year (finger cross). I would like to ask a question about research interests. I think I have two research areas but they are quite different from each other (Computational Creativity and Online Community. Both are under HCI field though). I wonder how people deal with their different research interests as I have seen some scholars doing data science and online community at the same time. I remember seeing you doing online community and AI ethics as well. How did you manage to expand your interest and was that easy? I really like both of my research areas and hope to conduct research in both of them in the future ;) I guess it requires a lot of self-learning right?
My video on statements of purpose might be helpful here! But I don’t think those are separate interests. There are a lot of things at the intersection of the two, or you might also consider what both are an example of.
Thanks so much Prof. I am a recent graduate of Pharmacy. I am considering a PhD as well. Teaching is not really my thing. I just know I want to add to knowledge in the field of drug research and development. Please are those enough reasons?
Your videos help me a lot. I have teaching and research experience and I really want to do a phd. In your experience, how difficult is it for an international prospective student to get into grad school in the US?
How exactly do you reach out to random professors to get research experience? You just write and say.. can I help you with your project? I did write someone at Stanford who never wrote me back. What exactly do you do? I need research experience.
Are you currently at a university? If you're not, it can indeed be trickier, I talk about that a bit here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0zf9LVNipQ0.html
Got any advice for someone with very different subjects other than the subject they want to get their PhD in.....I got my BA in Physical Education and MS in Criminal Justice, but I want to get my PhD in History to build towards a career in research and archival work.....there are varying life reasons for why I got my other degrees, but I don't how to proceed
Not uncommon! Just make sure that in your statement of purpose you make a strong argument for the narrative from there to here and what you want to do now.
Careem or uber deriver earn more than a Phd. Also have freedom of job and timings. I am u r subscriber as well likes your content but the thing is that, I speaks straight pardon me for that
I also notice this is the second video you’ve left a wildly incorrect comment on today. It might take you a while to get through all of them if this is your goal. :)
I have done both so am i saying that, i have done teaching as well as done uber deriving with my own car, I used to do awkward things 😂😂😂. What i found after doing both experiments on my self is that doing self hiring jobs is way more better than doing professorship for somebody's els university or college. Secondly and shockingly i earn twice in uber. I am not trying to disgrace anybody ideas but i think we should work on self hiring jobs to have freedom. If somebody likes teaching he/she should start his own school
Pardon me professor i respect you and u r contents, But we should do experiments on our self and tell people abt the reality. If someone wants to earn money Phd is a very long way to achieve.
@zahidkhan5532 A correct statement then would be for you to say “I have a PhD and earned more money as an Uber driver than I did as a professor.” That is an accurate statement instead of a blanket statement that is incorrect when generalized to everyone.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD great, hey, I'm debating between a bachelors degree in science. One is Clinical Laboratory Science, and the second is Radiation Science, both hopefully leading towards a Masters in Cancer, Development and Regenerative Biology... which one would you choose?
That might be the truth, but it would be very foolish to write that in an application. (Also probably a really foolish life choice, but hey, that's on you.)
Hi Dr. Fiesler, I am your latest subscriber! I am glad I came across your video, Thanks for your Insights, I would like to reach you via email or phone number. Thank you.
You're welcome to email me, though be aware that I don't give individual advice on applications. I'd prefer you ask any questions you have here so others can benefit from the answers!
This is soooo honest!! Btw, regarding the stipend, here in India, the Govt pays a huge stipend for PhD fellows which is almost double the average public salary.
I just want to say thank you so much for making these videos. I’m doing my MS rn but I’m trying to decide if I want to go further, these videos are definitely helping me in that decision
Hi: I have got a whole year left towards my Master’s in Special Ed: Moderate to Severe (Intellectual Disabilities or ID) but am (seriously) entertaining the thought of pursuing a Ph.D; not sure which field. My undergrad work was in Human Development, and would like to teach it at alma mater (North Park University/Chicago) part time, maybe. However, I do have to get through this grueling work first, and was curious, thanks!
This is so helpful! I am terrified of where to start though - to chart out a definitive plan to return to academia. I love researching! I love writing! But I have debt and no job at the moment - I just burned out of corporate America. My undergrad degree is in Communication, but I'd like to pursue a PhD in Psych. I have ideas for dissertations, without a doubt. I was looking into completing some courses in the city I'm living in to beef up my resume. Luckily I'm living with family again after moving. Do you have any advice on next steps?
The rest of the videos on my phd applications playlist might help! There are a few about what makes a strong application, which I guess is kind of implicit advice on that.
