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m651

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  1. Hey everyone, I am curious what about geography lured you away from whatever field you may have been working in before. How did you make the decision to switch fields, and what factors were most significant in making that decision? As a bit of background, I am currently enrolled in a history PhD program, but am finding myself less and less passionate about the field as the years roll by. Geography is on the short list of other disciplines I think might be a better fit for me, but unfortunately the college I attended as an undergrad didn't have a geography department so my first hand experience is very limited. Thanks in advance for any insight you might have to share.
  2. Hey Everyone, I imagine this is a topic that may have been addressed elsewhere (so feel free to redirect me), but as the title above indicates I'm trying to decide whether to leave my program with an MA or continue on and finish the PhD. I have all the usual concerns associated with this decision (job prospects outside of academia with vs. without an PhD etc.) and would appreciate any feedback on these aspects, but I think for me the heart of the question centers on whether it makes sense to finish the PhD if I "like" but perhaps do not "love" history. I've been in my program for 2 years now and have completed everything asked of me with no major bumps in the road. The issue is that I've come to realize the research component of our profession is much more of a chore than a joy for me. When I entered the program I already knew I was more interested in teaching than in research, but recently this balance has become even more skewed. Is it worth it to stick it out for a few more years and hope for a job at a teaching oriented liberal arts college, or, given the state of the job market, does it make more sense to take my MA and find something else? Thanks in advance!
  3. m651

    OSU vs. Virginia

    Hi everyone, I'm interested in studying modern european history. Of that schools accepted me, I was most seriously considering Ohio State and Virginia. I visited both campuses and had a much more positive experience at OSU in terms of the city, the students (seemed happier, had some interests outside of endless readings and coursework), and the faculty (who seemed genuinely excited to have me there). The caveat here is that the professor who would be my advisor at Virginia is on leave, so I haven't had a chance to meet him, and he hasn't been particularly easy to get in touch with. My potential advisor at OSU on the other hand seems to be a great mentor figure, but not necessarily the most distinguished academic. In terms of funding, OSU offered me TA position with 4 years of guaranteed funding, with the possibility of a 5th year as well. Virginia offered me nothing. So the 15th rolled around and I signed and mailed my OSU acceptance form because it seemed to be the clear choice, despite the department at Virginia being ranked slightly higher, and my potential advisor at Virginia being somewhat of a star in his field. Then, on the 16th Virginia's graduate studies director wrote an email informing me that I was going to be offered a financial aid package after all. This package would take the form of a 3 year fellowship, with some TA work in years 2 and 3. It was also vaguely suggested that more department funding could be available after that, but only the first 3 years are guaranteed. So now I'm in a tough spot. I felt good about the people at OSU, as well as the city and campus. I'm having a hard time shaking the feeling though that I'm passing up a great last minute opportunity at Virginia, despite the lukewarm reception I received when I visited. If anyone could offer some additional insight into the situation that might move matters in one direction or the other, I would be extremely grateful.
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