How does a PhD make you a better worker than someone without one?

studentphil

So how does a PhD make you a better worker than someone without one?

Quasar

A PhD shows preparation:

- intellectual ability
- persistence and determination
- planning and executive abilities
- relevant knowledge

I think it's shameful that a University student as you are (allegedly), should even ask such a silly question.

studentphil

Quasar wrote: »

A PhD shows preparation:

- intellectual ability
- persistence and determination
- planning and executive abilities
- relevant knowledge

I think it's shameful that a University student as you are (allegedly), should even ask such a silly question.

But what are you going to get for your 20k in terms of getting a better job, how is it going to me you more employable?

Poppy9

Quasar wrote: »

A PhD shows preparation:

- intellectual ability
- persistence and determination
- planning and executive abilities
- relevant knowledge

.

or it could show a reluctance to leave a safe 'school' enviroment.

studentphil

Poppy9 wrote: »

or it could show a reluctance to leave a safe 'school' enviroment.

There could be some truth to that in a way that learning is safe.

nemo183

A PhD allows you to become "Doctor", instead of "Mr". Once you are "Doctor", 99% of the population will think you are a medical doctor.

If your name is Gillian McKeith, you can then get your own TV show, which is a handy way to flog a range of food supplements.

Best of all, if your name is Gillian McKeith, you can obtain your qualification by correspondence course from a non-accredited US University. Gosh, how clever one must be to obtain such a doctorate. Whilst you might think I'm not a great fan of this great doctor, just see how much others think of her:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/food/Story/0,,2011095,00.html

Savvy_Sue

studentphil wrote: »

So how does a PhD make you a better worker than someone without one?

Who said it does?

studentphil wrote: »

But what are you going to get for your 20k in terms of getting a better job, how is it going to me you more employable?

Getting a PhD will not make YOU more employable. The only thing that will do that is getting a job, and perhaps a life away from your computer screen.

studentphil

Monster_Deals wrote: »

Getting a PHD proves that you have the ability to work independently, you are a self-starter that can stick at getting a complex program of work completed and brought to a conclusion within a set timeframe.

For many responsible/worthwhile jobs employers need to have the confidence that they can employ and train somebody of the right calibre to work successfully without close supervision.

But surely a first degree gives you all those skills without the need for a PhD?

Quasar

A PhD involves a lot of research - research involves self-organisation and the acquisition of considerable knowledge relevant to a particular field. More knowledge, and the attendant ability to use it, require longer to assimilate and develop, hence more years of study and yes, well deserved recognition.

Or else, why give degrees at all? Why then should a BA or BSc be of advantage over A levels?

Honestly I can't believe we're having this conversation. I'd better find somewhere else to post.

I'm_With_Stupid

God almighty. Why does a GCSE in science not qualify you to be a rocket scientist? Because it's not of a high enough level. Why does a degree in human biology not qualify you to be a doctor? Because it's not of a high enough level. Seems pretty simple to me.

studentphil

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Who said it does?

Getting a PhD will not make YOU more employable. The only thing that will do that is getting a job, and perhaps a life away from your computer screen.

Sue, I am hoping to get a job with lots of people with PhDs as it happens. But I accept experience and hobbies might be more important than a PhD in some cases.