When you are younger and just out of undergrad might be good solely because of time commitment and no responsibility. However, it seems these are the ones who do not give their PhD choice sufficient thought and end up in a job that they don't even like. When you are older, you seem to be much better equipped to make an informed choice.
An interesting topic! I'm 53, married (no kids, just dogs!) have had a successful career in marketing and am in my 2nd year of my History PhD. I understand your argument re age, and younger may be better due to a lack of responsibilities, lifestyle etc. However, I would have to challenge the 'young is best' as the cohorts I've been a part of in post-grad (mostly those in their mid to late 20s) appear to have a lot more pressure on them. This comes not only from their peers, but from finances/student loans, rising rents, inadequate scholarship stipends, and career worries. Mature students (in age, not necessary in our behaviour :) ) have usually got themselves to a place where they can afford the time and mental energy to focus, are financially secure, probably own property, stable relationships, and workplace/work discipline experience. Would love to hear what other students, of all ages, think.
This is a really important perspective - thanks for sharing Helen! I agree with you that I had overlooked the fact that mature age students may have built up security and stability over their career to the point where they can focus on their PhD studies more effectively. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
@@Matlockization So, I am British, now living in New Zealand. I started my History degree in 2014 as an extramural student and worked while doing it. I then stopped work and did my Hons full-time at Uni, and my grades/GPA were such I was able to go straight to a three year research PhD without doing Masters. In all, it took 5 yrs to where I am now, halfway through PhD. Here in NZ I was able to get an interest free student loan for the undergrad and Hons. I have been awarded a scholarship to do my PhD.
I get my PhD in 3 years on 2021. I was 49 years old and I get it as a worker student (it means that I was working in the days and studying in the nights and weekends)
I agree with what you said, but I also feel that getting a Ph.D. without some relevant real work experience is worthless. This is from an accounting perspective, so maybe in STEM it does not apply.
I have three STEM degrees, including a Master's in Electrical Engineering. I'm retiring in the next year, and I plan on getting a Math Degree, hopefully a PhD. The kids are grown, there is no longer a 9-5, and now I can study easily and concentrate.
You have the most beautiful beard. It's so magnificent that I had to watch the video twice to actually understand what you said. I am starting my PhD at 28!
Actually........ other side of 40, in fact I'm 48 about to start is great. I think it is a great time, hardly any mortgage, kids grown, I can focus, I know how to project manage my time...... and I'm doing it because I want to without desperation of wanting an academic career. Which by the way for non STEM subjects is pretty much like gold dust. Please don't do a phd if you are in a social science and humanities field thinking you'll easily get an academic job. You won't in the UK - I know (I already work in a uni).
Don’t let ageism stop you from following your dreams! I know lots of moms that managed it. Older people that couldn’t do it when they were younger because they had to get a job and those that wanted to try something new like me!
54. Trying to get on a PhD program, after career in health. It’s hard going. Had pre-doc fellowship interview last week but didn’t get it. No dependent kids, stable circumstances, etc. To get an RA 10 month post took 98 job applications (15 appl for PhDs). I think it’s time to give up.
However, younger getting a PhD is most likely to make a huge mistake in getting the wrong one. Time brings experience and more clarity for sense of direction and maximizing it with a mature age individuals.
I think I barely stand chance to return to PhD. Covid-19 has utterly interrupted my plan. I am now working for a company that has nothing to do with my original PhD plan. Although salary is fair for now, I dont think it could be helpful or making my resume impressive to PhD admission offices....:(
Jobs don’t really matter. You just need to prove your passion for the field. I got into a PhD in engineering and I took this past year to take classes and work a part time night shift job (completely unrelated job) after finishing my masters. You can do it if you want! And there are a lot of opportunities for grad school even during the pandemic. I’m not sure what your field of interest is, but I’d assume there are still opportunities. And maybe instead of taking classes you can prove your passion through other means. Maybe projects you do on the side, or if your job actually has some relation to your field I’m sure it will help. Also, jobs in industry are very helpful for graduate school because you learn a lot of time management skills. These are things you can leverage to get into your program.
Oh so "No kids, partners, ageing parents to care for or mortgages to worry about " So an adult kid at home with mum and dad who look after your meals and bills... Yes I envy younger colleagues
There are part time PhDs talked about on this channel that might be a good option, but if you are full time then every program I have seen in the US will kick you out if they find out you are working somewhere else. The reason they give you a stipend is so that you can focus completely on your project.
@@justindie7543 Yes, it depends on the Uni and the conditions of your scholarship. Some prohibit working more than xx hrs, some prohibit working altogether.
