Is PhD really for me?

[Prague-ya]

Hi everyone,

I am so glad I found this forum! Thank you, thank you to whoever created it!

I am a CS and Accounting undergrad senior from a women's college! In fact, I am the only one graduating with a degree in CS from my college this year. You can imagine by now that my college is really small. I have never had any research experience. I have done a couple of internships. I did one in Silicon Valley last summer and I am going there full-time as soon as I graduate. The company specializes in making Accounting Software and I will be working as a Software Engineer. I have been thinking lately whether PhD is right for me: I enjoy exploring topics, contributing new ideas and problem solving. I have usually transformed my interests in making simple Android apps. Any suggestions for a newbie like me?

Thanks in advance!

[Pauli]

If you're indecisive about the PhD route, then it would be very risky to jump right into one. You could try experimenting with the Master's route and get a taste of PhD life. If you like it, then you can continue off into the PhD route at either the school you received your Master's in or at another university. Otherwise, that Master's degree is pretty valuable in its own right if you decide to opt for an industry job afterwards.

[victor.s.andrei]

If you're indecisive about the PhD route, then it would be very risky to jump right into one. You could try experimenting with the Master's route and get a taste of PhD life. If you like it, then you can continue off into the PhD route at either the school you received your Master's in or at another university. Otherwise, that Master's degree is pretty valuable in its own right if you decide to opt for an industry job afterwards.

What you said.