Is there any point in doing a PhD if...

[MastersHoping]

Hello all,

 

I was just wondering, is there any use in pursuing a PhD if one does not intend to go into academia? My parents really want me to get a PhD (don't worry I'm not making life choices based on their opinion and can make my own decisions but want to at least consider their input) but I'm not so sure.

 

My major is East Asian Studies, I am highly interested in modern Korean history/politics and human rights issues in general. Career-wise, I am interested in becoming a translator/interpreter/ someone who writes reports on these kinds of issues (the recently released report from the UN Commission of Inquiry about North Korea, for example, is the kind of work I'd be interested in doing, as well as translating reports like that).

 

Would it be a good idea to get a PhD, probably in modern history or political science or something along those lines, if this was the kind of path someone wanted to take in life?

Why or why not?

 

Thanks!

Edited February 25, 2014 by MastersHoping

[hj2012]

No.

 

If you're primarily interested in working for NGOs or an intergovernmental agency, a PhD will probably not help you. Moreover, you must also consider the opportunity cost of the time spent in school (as opposed to making connections in your field and moving up in the ranks). For this path, the "optimal" degree would likely be a professional IR MA.

 

If you're primarily interested in being a translator, be aware that the bar for this kind of work for places like the UN is very, very high. If your interest is, for example, in developing fluency in Korean, I would plan to spend at least 2 years living abroad in Korea. FWIW, I'm a heritage speaker currently living and working in Korea, and I have learned (the hard way! ) that acquiring the vocabulary and proficiency necessary to translate is no small feat.

 

Best of luck to you!

Edited February 25, 2014 by hj2012

[MastersHoping]

Thanks for your response! Very helpful. 

 

I am actually a heritage speaker of Chinese and have attained functional fluency in French (can read newspapers, watch TV, talk to people, etc) with no problem. But still far away from the ability needed for the U.N.

 

So cool that you're in Korea! What kind of work are you doing there and do you like it? I definitely want to visit this summer! 

[hj2012]

Cool! Chinese is a very useful language, I think, and will help you in your pursuits.

 

If you're committed to doing a Ph.D. for extra-career reasons (personal development, for example), you might consider the IR PhD programs at schools like JHU SAIS or Tufts Fletcher, since they are more geared toward public policy analysis/government work than entering the academy. However, I believe that a few years of prior work experience is standard for those entering career-oriented degree programs.

 

I initially came over to Korea on a Fulbright grant with an eye toward eventually work. However, my interests have shifted (as evidenced by the fact that I'm now applying to Literature programs ). I'm now teaching and doing some other work, mostly saving money before returning to school. I really enjoy being in Korea -- it's a fun place to live and work. I'd highly recommend taking the opportunity to stay for an extended period of time, either through a program like Fulbright or the plethora of Korean government scholarships available.

[IRToni]

My major is East Asian Studies, I am highly interested in modern Korean history/politics and human rights issues in general. Career-wise, I am interested in becoming a translator/interpreter/ someone who writes reports on these kinds of issues (the recently released report from the UN Commission of Inquiry about North Korea, for example, is the kind of work I'd be interested in doing, as well as translating reports like that).

 

Would it be a good idea to get a PhD, probably in modern history or political science or something along those lines, if this was the kind of path someone wanted to take in life?

Why or why not?

 

I would say that a US academic PhD program probably won't help you at all. Getting a M.A. in IR (for your interests, I would look especially at SAIS as a top-tier, and UCSD IR/PS as a 2nd tier program; though most good professional IR M.A. have people doing Korea), if you decide you want to go in the direction of NGO/UN work (substantive). If you want to do translating/interpreting, getting a M.A. in translation/conference interpretation, and spending some time in the country will be key.

 

These two fields are very different, though, so I would try and figure out which one you want to do first.

 

Getting a PhD can be useful for think tank work, but if you're sure you don't want to go into academia, going for an academic PhD in the US is not worth it, I think. You could look at more professionally-minded PhDs (SAIS, Fletcher, Georgetown, possibly UCSD IR/PS) that tend to be shorter, but require a Masters and work experience already, although I might try to make it work without a PhD first, and only get one if you feel yourself not being able to get ahead.

[katiegud]

Look at the people that have the jobs you want and see what degrees they have. A lot of jobs don't require a PhD, but might be more likely to hire someone that has one. 

[Crucial BBQ]

Hello all,

 

I was just wondering, is there any use in pursuing a PhD if one does not intend to go into academia? My parents really want me to get a PhD (don't worry I'm not making life choices based on their opinion and can make my own decisions but want to at least consider their input) but I'm not so sure.

 

My major is East Asian Studies, I am highly interested in modern Korean history/politics and human rights issues in general. Career-wise, I am interested in becoming a translator/interpreter/ someone who writes reports on these kinds of issues (the recently released report from the UN Commission of Inquiry about North Korea, for example, is the kind of work I'd be interested in doing, as well as translating reports like that).

 

Would it be a good idea to get a PhD, probably in modern history or political science or something along those lines, if this was the kind of path someone wanted to take in life?

Why or why not?

 

Thanks!

Well, Ph.D.s are also preparation for a career in research, so if you want to seriously be an "authority" of Korean history/politics a Ph.D. can work for you.  An authority on Korean history/politics can very well have a place within the U.N., but honestly that sort of expertise might serve you better elsewhere. 

[juilletmercredi]

Nope!  Build your language skills and get some experience in the host country (Korea, in this instance).  You might get an MA in East Asian studies, or human rights, or public policy (to do policy analysis), or a language program, or perhaps in international affairs or something related to that.  But a PhD is not necesary and will just take years away from time that you could be getting work experience and building language skills.

 

If you do go to get a grad degree (PhD or MA) check out the Boren Fellowships.  You do several months of formal language study and potentially research in exchange for a commitment to work with the federal government using those language skills.

 

https://www.borenawards.org/boren_fellowship

[MastersHoping]

Thanks for the advice everyone! Very helpful, merci!

 

I was looking up grad programs, and saw this:

http://jsis.washington.edu/phd

 

 

Our doctoral program combines a tutorial system with specific coursework to allow you to finish in 3-4 years. Our training will provide you with critical research skills, whether you are aiming for work in academia, government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, media, or the private sector.

 

This sounds like it's pretty suitable for my interests, plus it's relatively short! Also, University of Washington is one of the best places in the country for this kind of stuff. What do you guys think?

[IRToni]

Thanks for the advice everyone! Very helpful, merci!

 

I was looking up grad programs, and saw this:

http://jsis.washington.edu/phd

 

This is one of those international affairs/public policy PhDs I mentioned. Wasn't aware Jackson had one as well, though it does look interesting. Note that you need a Masters for this one, though!

[MastersHoping]

^yeah, the plan was to get a masters first ^__^ 

[MastersHoping]

Got into Georgetown for their Masters in Asian Studies and plan to go!