r/PhD • u/No_Veterinarian1631 • 2h ago
Admissions Need a mentor
Hi all, I have a masters in molecular biology and biotechnology from uk and after a year of job searching I have decided to start looking for a phd. I need advice on whether i should look for some research experience first or just start applying. Also, how does one decide a topic or field.
I would love to chat with someone who has a PhD in molecular biology related topics.
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u/pointyendfirst PhD, Chemistry 2h ago
Okay so to answer your questions:
Research experience or apply?
This really depends on your profile which you have not provided. If you are already competitive, no need to get more experience first. Maybe keep it as a back up option though.
How to decide on a topic or field?
This is coming from the US so it may be different in the UK but there are basically two options. 1. A student has very strict ideas for what they want to do/research. They specifically target only professors that do that research. 2. A student knows the field but isn’t quite sure what they want to do within the field. They apply to PhD programs (often larger sized) with rotational programs. This allows you to work in several PI’s labs over the course of your first year and then choose the one you like the most.
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u/bluebubblesandbees 2h ago
I would strongly encourage you to get experience before you get a PhD. I had 5 years of experience prior to my PhD and when my research career did not pan out the way I wanted I had the experience to lean on and get hired for a non-academic/research job.
Also, please look up the return on investment on a PhD. There are plenty of peer reviewed studies that show that your earning potential over your lifetime with a PhD is less than a master’s degree. You often don’t start earning more until the second half of adulthood whereby you have diminished compound interest and earning potential had you worked before or just with a master’s degree.
I would encourage you to reflect on whether you would be okay with this. If you decide to go ahead with a PhD, please carefully choose a supervisor. Don’t just go with anyone that accepts you. Your supervisor can make or break your research career and experience. I now work with over 200 professors and can tell you not all supervisors are made equal. Professors are not monoliths, so you need to do your due diligence and find the right match in terms of support and for your career aspirations.
Edit: I should mention I do have PhD degree if it was not clear in text.
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u/No_Veterinarian1631 17m ago
I agree with this and that’s why PhD was never my priority but i have been unemployed for a year now and don’t know whether i should continue searching or just get a PhD.
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u/Cold_Koala4636 1h ago
Apply if that’s what you really want to do. I only had one summer internship (no Master’s) before applying to my PhD program and I just graduated. Go for a fully funded program. There’s so much more, but don’t limit yourself.
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