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

tomstickland

In theory shows the ability to spend a few years working on an intellectually demanding project. This is roughly what it does, though in my experience there are a lot of research projects that are a slight remix of previous work.

welshman10

What a waste of server space this thread is.

meher

studentphil wrote: »

I accept experience and hobbies might be more important than a PhD in some cases.

just noticed your post in Gingham's and Magyar's post and cannot believe we're indulging you here Phil - your OP in good faith If I'm wrong on this please would you say so by giving me an instance where experience and hobbies could replace a post held by researchers, post doctoral positions, research clinicians, guides to research students, academic posts and disciplines to mention a few. I'll accept your view it's reasonable argument for I'm a cynic about anyone being conferred with a doctorate degree without one publication to their credit which would have been if their research has a finding that's beneficial to the public or original to add to their learning field. I'd have much preferred if they were awarded the doctorate once they've proved themselves to be a brilliant researcher rather than in anticipation of proving it in future.

studentphil

So it is a very mixed bag on if a PhD will do you any good or not. It looks like unless you want a job that expressly wants a PhD then you are better saving your 20k.

studentphil

meher wrote: »

just noticed your post in Gingham's and Magyar's post and cannot believe we're indulging you here Phil - your OP in good faith If I'm wrong on this please would you say so by giving me an instance where experience and hobbies could replace a post held by researchers, post doctoral positions, research clinicians, guides to research students, academic posts and disciplines to mention a few. I'll accept your view it's reasonable argument for I'm a cynic about anyone being conferred with a doctorate degree without one publication to their credit which would have been if their research has a finding that's beneficial to the public or original to add to their learning field. I'd have much preferred if they were awarded the doctorate once they've proved themselves to be a brilliant researcher rather than in anticipation of proving it in future.

You do need a PhD in certain clinical positions where so high level knowledge is vital. I know some people with very high up jobs in science who do not have a PhD. And lots of people survive very nicely being lecturers without PhDs. So even in jobs that look as if a PhD is a must you can get away without one.

[Deleted User]

Simple rule - if you want a job doing research / academia - do a PhD
If you don't... don't

magyar

meher wrote: »

I'm a cynic about anyone being conferred with a doctorate degree without one publication to their credit which would have been if their research has a finding that's beneficial to the public or original to add to their learning field. I'd have much preferred if they were awarded the doctorate once they've proved themselves to be a brilliant researcher rather than in anticipation of proving it in future.

I think that's a perfectly reasonable point. In theory, there is no difference, as a PhD has to be examined and viva'd by an external examiner who should ensure that the work is novel, furthers the subject and ultimately worthy of the title. (The main difference between that and a paper is that there are usually several peer reviewers, not just one).

In practice, though, the external examiner is usually known to the student and they 'nurse' the less skilled candidates through.

Many PhDs are more structured nowadays and usually include
- transfer from MSc to PhD at the end of the first year, to practice writing reports and ensure quality
- presentation to at least one international conference
- writing at least one paper
- training in 'core skills' such as project management, finance, negotiation
- background learning, e.g. languages, IT

I certainly did all of these in mine (and that was over ten years ago) and certainly the 'core skills' learning was very useful later in life.

magyar

studentphil wrote: »

So it is a very mixed bag on if a PhD will do you any good or not. It looks like unless you want a job that expressly wants a PhD then you are better saving your 20k.

Rule 1 of research, Phil. Set out what you want to achieve, ask the questions that answer that question, then write it all down.

There is no rule 2 which says 'Ask the question, get the results and then attempt to use them to prove a completely different point'.

studentphil

Learning how to beat PhDers in a PhD dominated world is my objective. So far it is looking fairly doable as a PhD brings in the main skills you can get from else where.

magyar

studentphil wrote: »

Learning how to beat PhDers in a PhD dominated world is my objective. So far it is looking fairly doable as a PhD brings in the main skills you can get from else where.

PhD-dominated world? :rotfl: Oh, hang on... you've never left college... I see.

You can try all you like, Phil, but merely making statements with no evidence is not going to get you anywhere in life.