nesw4314

Hello, Thanks for the responses thus far. I want a PhD because I want to do research; academia is not the only place one can do research. I guess I'm still considering UCLA because it's much closer to the job and maybe there are jobs I don't know about that can be obtained with a degree in EEB outside of academia. For me, obtaining the PhD is a lifelong goal, but I'd find it nearly impossible to turn down this job paying this kinda money, not to mention this is a job I'd love to have coming out of a PhD program and yet I got the job with just a Master's. But the PhD isn't just about getting a dream job. I really want it and would regret it for the rest of my life if I don't pursue it. Not to mention I'd also find it impossible to turn down fellowship offers from either of these schools, let alone both schools. I guess I didn't assume I'd get into either.

Hello everyone, I need your help very much. I'm a 23 year old married guy with a baby on the way very soon. I've been offered a job as a research scientist at a company in very low cost area of California. They are offering me $85,000 base salary plus guaranteed 5 to 15% bonus each year ($90,000 - $97,000/year) and a $10,000 moving allowance check (I keep whatever I don't use for moving expenses). I have been admitted to the PhD program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA. They are offering me several fellowships amounting to $27,000/year for five years. UCLA is only 1 hr and 45 minutes away from job. My wife is in the hospitality industry and LA would be a great place for her to work. However, I am not sure what I would do with this degree outside of academia, and I'm not sure that I want to be in academia. I would have to TA in later years as well. I've been admitted to the PhD program in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at UC Berkeley. They are offering me a $28,000/year fellowship for four years (or $36,000/year with the parent grant if I receive it). I'd be able to choose whatever project I want here and the degree is much more applied, meaning I can go into academia if I want, but I can also work in industry upon completing it. Actually, the job I'd be taking is related to the type of research I'd be doing for my PhD and I wouldn't be adverse to staying at the job after completing my PhD. However, the four hour distance from the job would mean I'd have to make strategic once or twice per week visits to Berkeley to take classes/attend meetings. I'd see my wife and daughter less with this option. Because I am having a hard time choosing either of the three singly, I want to choose the full-time job and one of the schools and try to do both simultaneously. I will have a Master's degree from an Ivy League school this summer. Should I just not go to either school and focus on the job exclusively at this point? I really want a PhD and I will regret it for the rest of my life if I don't pursue it but I don't have it in me to turn down this job, which is a dream job of mine. PLEASE HELP ME!

University of Wisconsin-Madison (Entomology): 2/3-2/5

Anyone hear back from them yet about an interview, etc.?