SNU_Aero Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Let's say someone asks you "Why do you need a Ph.D?" Then, what is your answer? For me, even though there are a few reasons why I need it; however, I would like to answer that the very first thing that I have to obtain is the Ph.D. degree because I have wanted to become a professor. What about you? Could you please share it with me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avflinsch Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 So I have something to do after I retire. I am a full time employee of the university, I finished my undergrad there, currently finishing my Master's, by the time I finish the PhD, I will have 21 years in. 4 more years working after that for full retirement benefits, and then I plan on moving into teaching. But the real reason is 'because I want to'. rheya19 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurfew007 Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 The most basic reason is because it's something I want to do. Beyond that I want to go into academia in some form, either to teach, do research, or both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThousandsHardships Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 (edited) Because I want to be a professor. Because my field keeps me grounded and I can't imagine my life without it. Because doing a PhD in and of itself allows me to do everything that professors get to do (research, teaching, leadership opportunities akin to academic service), and be paid for it. If I only get 4-5 years of that, then so be it. It's still better than never getting to do it at all. And yes, I am admitting that the competition in academia means that I may never get the job I desire. I am also admitting that going into a PhD makes no guarantee that I am going to finish. But why look this far? Life is too short for regrets, and no regret would have compared to the one I'd have if I had let my inhibitions prevent me from applying. Because life away from the university is miserable. Edited March 2, 2017 by ThousandsHardships MathCat, Camel90 and BenLinus6 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellieotter Posted March 6, 2017 Share Posted March 6, 2017 Because I want to contribute to my field's research in my area of interest Because I've been dreaming about getting my PhD in psychology since I was 12 years old Because I want to give back by teaching students who are passionate about psychology Because if I decide that academia isn't for me, I will always have a possible "Plan B" which could be private practice/consulting in my area of interest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nichi Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 I want to do philosophy. This seems like the easiest way to get someone to pay me for it so I don't have to do some other job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiqui74 Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 "Because I hate myself." That usually shuts people up rheya19 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinaminoTeku Posted April 13, 2017 Share Posted April 13, 2017 Because I want people to call me doctor but I don't want to touch people. Jokes aside, I want to be a professor and I love researching. I also love learning about people and seeing what makes them tick xD rheya19 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoirFemme Posted April 18, 2017 Share Posted April 18, 2017 Honestly--the prestige. I work in the humanities and the big jobs (director, curator of X, etc) will hire a PhD over everyone else, and as a WOC it will help me push past biases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve3020 Posted April 18, 2017 Share Posted April 18, 2017 I suck at real life. Camel90 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK2 Posted April 18, 2017 Share Posted April 18, 2017 I love my topic and I think spending a few years - and then, hopefully and more broadly, a career - digging into it obsessively is the most worthwhile thing my particular interests and aptitudes are good for, both for my own life-satisfaction and in terms of doing something useful and substantial within my profession. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AP Posted April 18, 2017 Share Posted April 18, 2017 I don't *need* a PhD. It's just that the job that I want to do -research and teaching- requires a PhD. I'm a walking cliché. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueNahlchee Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 On 3/1/2017 at 10:49 PM, SNU_Aero said: Let's say someone asks you "Why do you need a Ph.D?" Then, what is your answer? For me, even though there are a few reasons why I need it; however, I would like to answer that the very first thing that I have to obtain is the Ph.D. degree because I have wanted to become a professor. What about you? Could you please share it with me? I want to become a professor as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmillar Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 I would eventually like to work the CDC/government route. With many jobs I'm looking at, MS is entry level and to move up you need a PhD. I've talked to several people that went in with MS degrees and said they regretted not getting a PhD before as there was no time to do it now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayim93 Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 I love to go for the PHD in Rhetoric and Composition specializing in Second Language Writing because I love studying other languages and I want to do research in determining what resources second language learners would like to see in the classroom and the Writing Lab. Plus, I want everyone to start calling me doctor haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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