Should you do a PhD? | PhD in theoretical physics at the University of Cambridge

Looking Glass Universe
22 Jan 202110:21
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe speaker shares their positive experience completing a PhD in quantum computing at Cambridge but advises caution for prospective PhD students. They recommend gaining work experience, carefully selecting a supportive supervisor, and choosing a university with a vibrant academic and social life. They also highlight the differences between the US and UK PhD systems, urging consideration of time commitment and career prospects in academia, as most PhD holders do not end up as academics.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 Consider a break between undergrad and pursuing a PhD to explore other interests and confirm your passion for research.
  • 🧠 Ensure you truly love the subject of your potential PhD to avoid common dropout scenarios.
  • 💡 Take a job or engage in research-related work to test whether you enjoy the research process before committing to a PhD.
  • 👩‍🏫 Look for a supportive and friendly supervisor; meet them in person and consult with their former students.
  • 🔬 Choose a university with an active research community and opportunities for collaboration.
  • 🌟 Seek a supervisor whose work you admire, as you'll likely work on similar topics.
  • 🏛️ Attend a university that offers extracurricular activities and a vibrant social scene to enrich your PhD experience.
  • 🎭 Engage in extracurricular activities to develop valuable skills and broaden your horizons.
  • 🌍 Consider the differences between the US and non-US PhD systems, including duration and work-life balance.
  • 🏆 Be aware of the limited academic job market and the potential for job insecurity even after completing a PhD.
  • 🤔 Weigh the benefits of a PhD for personal growth and the pursuit of academic career against the time and effort required.
Q & A

  • Why wouldn't the speaker recommend a PhD to many people?

    -The speaker believes that a PhD is something one should only pursue if they truly love it, as it's common for people to drop out of PhD programs when they realize they don't care as much about the subject as they initially thought.

  • What is the speaker's advice for someone considering a PhD?

    -The speaker advises to gain experience outside of academia, look for the right qualities in a supervisor, choose a university with a lot of activities, and consider other options before committing to a PhD in the US.

  • What is the significance of taking a break between undergraduate studies and a PhD?

    -A break allows individuals to explore their interests and determine whether they genuinely enjoy the field they might research. It can also help decide on the research topic and make one a stronger candidate for a PhD program.

  • How can one prepare for a PhD if they decide to take a break after undergraduate studies?

    -One can work a job, teach, or engage in research projects during the break. This helps to understand if the work is enjoyable and prepares one for the PhD by providing relevant experience.

  • What qualities should one look for in a supervisor when considering a PhD?

    -A supportive and friendly supervisor who is easy to get along with, has a collaborative group culture, and whose work the prospective student admires and is interested in.

  • Why is it important to choose a university with a lot happening?

    -A university with many extracurricular activities and events provides opportunities for personal growth, networking, and exploring hobbies and interests alongside the academic research.

  • What are some extracurricular activities the speaker engaged in during their PhD?

    -The speaker joined a science outreach group, taught in China, attended conferences, participated in rowing, and explored interests like stand-up comedy.

  • How does the length of a PhD program differ between the UK and the US?

    -In the UK, a PhD typically takes three to four years, while in the US it is at least five years, often extending to seven or more.

  • What are the challenges of pursuing a PhD in the US compared to other countries?

    -US PhD programs tend to be longer, potentially more grueling, and may offer less job security and stability after completion. The academic lifestyle in the US is often perceived as more demanding.

  • What is the speaker's final decision after completing their PhD?

    -The speaker decided to go into science communication full-time instead of pursuing an academic career, as they discovered a love for teaching and performing during their PhD.

  • What does the speaker suggest about the value of a PhD for future career prospects?

    -The speaker suggests that while a PhD provides valuable research skills and freedom to explore interests, it may not necessarily lead to a stable academic career, and one should consider whether the investment of time is worth it for their goals.

Outlines
00:00
🎓 Reflecting on the PhD Journey

The speaker shares their personal experience of completing a PhD in quantum computing at Cambridge University, highlighting the rewarding yet challenging nature of the endeavor. They express their reluctance to recommend a PhD to everyone, offering advice for those considering this path. The speaker suggests gaining experience outside academia, choosing a supportive supervisor, and selecting a vibrant university. They also discuss the importance of understanding the commitment involved in a PhD and the potential misalignment between the time investment and the academic career outcomes.

05:02
🤔 Contemplating a PhD? Consider These Factors

The speaker delves into the considerations one should make before embarking on a PhD. They emphasize the importance of having a genuine interest in the subject and the potential for burnout. The speaker advises against immediately following the academic path after undergrad and suggests exploring job opportunities or taking a break to understand one's true interests. They also stress the significance of research experience in determining the suitability of a PhD and the value of a supportive academic environment. The speaker shares their personal journey of discovering their passion for quantum foundations during a break from formal education.

10:04
🌟 Maximizing the PhD Experience

The speaker discusses the benefits of pursuing a PhD, particularly the freedom to explore one's interests and the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities. They argue that the value of a PhD extends beyond academic research, as it allows for personal growth and exploration of hobbies. The speaker shares their own experiences, including involvement in science outreach, teaching, and various other pursuits, which ultimately led them to choose a career in science communication over academia. They encourage potential PhD candidates to be open to exploring different paths and to make the most of the opportunities presented during their studies.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡PhD
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree that one can achieve in many fields. It involves original research and the submission of a substantial thesis or dissertation. In the video, the speaker discusses their personal experience with completing a PhD in quantum computing at the University of Cambridge, highlighting the challenges and considerations one should keep in mind when deciding to pursue a PhD.
💡Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a rapidly growing field that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations. It has the potential to solve complex problems that are currently intractable for classical computers. In the context of the video, the speaker's PhD was focused on quantum computing, which is a specialized area of study within computer science and physics.
💡Supervisor
In the context of a PhD program, a supervisor is a faculty member who guides and mentors the student throughout their research. They play a critical role in the student's academic and research development. The video emphasizes the importance of having a supportive and friendly supervisor who shares similar research interests.
💡Research
Research refers to the systematic investigation and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. In a PhD, research is the core activity where students contribute new knowledge to their field. The video highlights that research is distinct from studying, as it involves questioning and exploring without guidance, requiring a high level of curiosity and autonomy.
💡University Culture
University culture encompasses the social and academic environment of a university, including its values, traditions, and the opportunities it provides for students. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing a university with a vibrant culture that encourages extracurricular involvement and collaboration, as these aspects can significantly enhance the PhD experience.
💡Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are activities that students participate in outside of their academic studies. These can include clubs, sports, volunteering, and other forms of personal development. In the context of the video, the speaker advocates for engaging in extracurricular activities during a PhD to gain a broader range of experiences and skills.
💡Career Prospects
Career prospects refer to the potential opportunities for employment or advancement in a particular profession. In the video, the speaker discusses the reality that most PhD graduates do not end up in academic positions and highlights the importance of considering alternative career paths and the value of the skills gained from a PhD.
💡US vs UK PhD Systems
The US and UK PhD systems differ in duration, structure, and expectations. In the UK, a PhD typically takes three to four years and often follows a one to two-year master's program, while in the US, a PhD can take five to seven years or more. The video discusses these differences and encourages potential PhD students to consider the implications of committing to such a lengthy program.
💡Job Security
Job security refers to the stability and continuity of employment. In the context of academia, it is the assurance of having a long-term position, often associated with tenure. The video touches on the challenges of job security for academics, especially in the US, where adjunct positions are more common, leading to less stability and lower pay.
💡Postdocs
Postdoctoral positions, or postdocs, are temporary research roles that follow the completion of a PhD. They are typically used to gain further research experience and are often required for academic positions. The video discusses the reality of postdocs as two to three-year contract jobs that may involve frequent relocation, contributing to the instability of an academic career path.
💡Academic Lifestyle
The academic lifestyle refers to the work and life patterns of individuals in academia, which often involves research, teaching, and administrative duties. The video discusses the challenges of the academic lifestyle, including long hours, high workload, and the potential for burnout, especially in the US where the PhD and subsequent academic positions can be particularly demanding.
Highlights

The speaker has completed their PhD at Cambridge on quantum computing and had a great experience, but wouldn't recommend a PhD to many people.

The advice given is based on the speaker's personal experience and bias towards the UK system.

It's common for people to drop out of PhD programs because they realize it's not what they truly care about.

The speaker suggests trying a job before committing to a PhD to see if you really dislike it.

Taking a break between undergrad and graduate studies can help in deciding what you want to research.

The importance of choosing a supervisor who is supportive, friendly, and whose work you admire.

The value of a PhD comes from the freedom to research something you're passionate about and the opportunity to explore other interests.

Most PhD students don't become academics, and the skills learned may not be as useful in non-academic jobs.

The UK system allows for more reflection points during the PhD journey compared to the US system.

US PhD programs tend to be longer and more grueling compared to those in the UK and Australia.

The stereotype of US PhD students working extremely hard may limit personal time and opportunities.

Job security for academics in the US is reportedly poor, with a reliance on adjunct positions over full-time staff.

The speaker enjoyed their PhD but decided to pursue science communication full-time instead of academia.

The speaker participated in various extracurricular activities during their PhD, which added value to their experience.

The importance of considering the length and intensity of a PhD commitment before deciding to pursue one.

The speaker recommends hearing other people's opinions on doing a PhD before making a decision.

Transcripts

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