PhD

Beta2

Hi

I'm thinking about starting a PhD I just wondered is there anyone here who has done one in the past or is currently doing one.

I'm looking to find out more about the practicalities of doing one in a software engineering related discipline.

Basically how does it all pan out financially?
Is funding hard to secure?
What is they typical length of researching a PhD?
Do you get the opportunity to do the odd nixer?
Does anyone work say one day a week for a company with a related project?

Lots of questions, I know, but as I said I'm only thinking about it, I currently have an M.Sc. and I like the idea of doing a PhD but it may not be practical to spend the next three years broke. Car repayments, mortgages, esb, eircom, cable…………………….. (list goes on!!)

When I am finished what is the pay likely to be? would I have been better off gaining 3 more years industry experience?

Thank you in advance for any advice

B2

copacetic

check out the thread over on engineering that has just been discussing similar issues..

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054854216&page=3

Tom Dunne

Beta2 wrote:

Lots of questions, I know, but as I said I'm only thinking about it, I currently have an M.Sc. and I like the idea of doing a PhD

I am considering doing one too.

One piece of advice is do your homework. Did you have a project supervisor for your MSc? The reason I ask is that I had an excellent supervisor for my MSc. and he has given me some great direction and encouragement. It is vital to be able to talk to someone and get some answers from someone who has been through the mill already.

If you do one part-time, you will probably be talking at least 6 years.

zuutroy

Beta2 wrote:

Hi

I'm thinking about starting a PhD I just wondered is there anyone here who has done one in the past or is currently doing one.

I just finished one last year

I'm looking to find out more about the practicalities of doing one in a software engineering related discipline.

Basically how does it all pan out financially?

I got 1400 a month with no tax
Is funding hard to secure?

You'll most likely be applying for a position that has already been granted funding

What is they typical length of researching a PhD?

It took me 3 years...4 is more typical

Do you get the opportunity to do the odd nixer?

I taught in my old secondary school for a while

Does anyone work say one day a week for a company with a related project?

[I]Not common[/I]

Lots of questions, I know, but as I said I'm only thinking about it, I currently have an M.Sc. and I like the idea of doing a PhD but it may not be practical to spend the next three years broke. Car repayments, mortgages, esb, eircom, cable…………………….. (list goes on!!)

When I am finished what is the pay likely to be? would I have been better off gaining 3 more years industry experience?

I found it VERY difficult to get a job I was interested in. After doing a PhD you get very picky, after having it so easy for so long. (I hope I can get a lecturing job soon!) I'd also imagine it's more financially viable to gain industrial experience, though I'm told that holding a PhD will stand to you in the long run

Thank you in advance for any advice

Overall, if you can afford it, do it. I really enjoyed it, but it has had the effect of making the working world intolerable!

B2

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