Ask Deb: At a Crossroads of a Ph.D. Journey: Seeking Direction and Purpose
Hi Deb:
You recently helped me with my C.V., for which I am immensely thankful. As I prepare to defend my dissertation, I feel I’m at a crossroads. I’ve always struggled with low self-confidence. After spending the last 8 years in graduate school and finally completing my Ph.D. in chemical engineering, I am at a loss as to what I can do with my life.
Initially, I planned to be in academia. However, I no longer see that as a possibility. I love doing research, but I have only two first-author journal publications in 2.5 impact journals. I am bad at programming, and I only have a 3.7 GPA. I did not learn any new skills in these last 8 years. I did not improve my health, nor did I develop any new hobbies. I feel as though I’ve done nothing during this time, particularly during these last 6 years of Ph.D. research and teaching.
I have secured a postdoc position but do not know what to do after my postdoc year. I have no idea what I can do or what I should do. Please help.
Robert
Dear Robert:
Grad school and academia are not for the faint of heart. It entails rigorous study, original research, and a level of tenacity that few have. At the same time, the academic system makes people feel as if there is no other option, and it accustoms grad students to being exploited and treated poorly. Less than 1% of Ph.D.s go on to tenured faculty positions, and 60% of doctoral students do not have a paying job upon completing their degrees.
There is enormous value in getting your Ph.D.. Learning, testing yourself, and working hard to achieve something that matters to you is essential. A Ph.D. is a high-level achievement that is not handed out to just anyone. That being said, you should not live in fear and be pressured to stay in a system that does not have the means to compensate you fairly. You do not have to accept this.
You probably embarked upon your graduate studies because you wanted to do meaningful work and help make the world a better place to live. The academy is a broken system that underpays professors, exploits adjuncts, and is bereft of funding. It’s good that you recognize this now. I’ve worked with many people who haven’t come to this realization until after they’ve done years of postdoctoral work and have frustratingly applied to the few tenure-track roles that become available.
You say you have “only two” journal publications. That is an enormous accomplishment for a student, as is your GPA. You are selling yourself short. I get the sense that you don’t love writing and publishing as much as you do conducting the research itself. Academia is where you “publish or perish” and where your relevance and validity are constantly examined through the lens of your most recent publications. However, there are many jobs in industry that entail extensive, ongoing research without the additional requirement of publication. In other words, an entire world of research exists outside of academia. I suggest that you evaluate options in industry and expand your perspective beyond that of the academy. You’ve already done the hard work of earning your doctorate. You can apply it in sectors beyond that of academia.
Considering the current trends in industry, there is a growing demand for research and development professionals with a strong foundation in their respective fields. The private sector, particularly in technology, pharmaceuticals, and engineering, values the in-depth expertise that a Ph.D. holder brings. These industries are often looking for individuals who can drive innovation, provide insightful solutions to complex problems, and lead specialized teams, all skills honed during doctoral studies. Furthermore, industry roles often come with competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that have a tangible impact on society. While the academic world offers its own set of rewards and challenges, it’s worth considering the vast and varied opportunities that industry provides. You might find that it aligns more closely with your aspirations and the kind of impact you wish to make in your field.
All my best,
Deb