Need advice - To travel and gain expierience or do a PhD so I can become a lecturer

dickybird

Hey all,

I have recently completed a MSc in Construction Project Management after I completed a Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying from Napier University in Edinburgh which is a very reputable Uni.

I am planning on travelling next month and if I go I know myself that I wont be pursuing a PhD anytime in the near future. I plan on going to Oz for a couple of years and I realise that I would not be able to gain a position which is relevant to my degree as it is very hard as I am not a permenant resident there. I will more than likely gain a position such as larbouring on site or someting like that. After Oz I would be happy to go anywhere in the world to gain some valuable expierience which is relevant to my degree.

When I come back home I would love to gain a position in lecturing. At the moment I am currently in contact with two different Lecturers and I am meeting one next week to discuss my position. From looking at some posts I notice that a MSc and expierience would be sufficient to gain a position, but I know that the lecturer would tell me to pursue a PhD straight away. I am looking to lecture in a Institute of Technology and I am 23yrs old

So if you have advice/info it would be much appreciated??

Dionysus

dickybird wrote: »

Hey all,

I have recently completed a MSc in Construction Project Management after I completed a Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying from Napier University in Edinburgh which is a very reputable Uni.

I am planning on travelling next month and if I go I know myself that I wont be pursuing a PhD anytime in the near future. I plan on going to Oz for a couple of years and I realise that I would not be able to gain a position which is relevant to my degree as it is very hard as I am not a permenant resident there. I will more than likely gain a position such as larbouring on site or someting like that. After Oz I would be happy to go anywhere in the world to gain some valuable expierience which is relevant to my degree.

When I come back home I would love to gain a position in lecturing. At the moment I am currently in contact with two different Lecturers and I am meeting one next week to discuss my position. From looking at some posts I notice that a MSc and expierience would be sufficient to gain a position, but I know that the lecturer would tell me to pursue a PhD straight away. I am looking to lecture in a Institute of Technology and I am 23yrs old

So if you have advice/info it would be much appreciated??

Tread softly, for you tread on my dreams.


You should do the PhD if it's one of your goals in life. Before I started my undergrad I knew I had to do a PhD, to get to the very top of the education system, and when I got my degree I genuinely only went to my conferring because my parents appreciated it. Anyway, I did the PhD and as it happens I'm delighted I did it. It was hell at times, and wonderful at times. Nevertheless, I would do so much so, so differently if I were to start again. The very first thing I'd change would be my PhD subject, which I took on out of love rather than out of an evaluation of the lecturing job market.

Anyway, I could talk for Ireland on this subject. Have a look at this thread and you might get some idea:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055598884

avalon68

dickybird wrote: »

Hey all,
From looking at some posts I notice that a MSc and expierience would be sufficient to gain a position, but I know that the lecturer would tell me to pursue a PhD straight away.

There has been a push over the last few years to increase the numbers of PhD students in many areas, so while it may be sufficient to have an MSc and experience, you may well find yourself competing with people with PhDs and experience. Just something to keep in mind.

population

Would you not just do your studying now and get your qualifications out of the way before you travel? I travelled a fair bit myself and ended up putting certain things off as a result and it cost me a bit to get back on track education wise.

Just my two cents

Tom Dunne

dickybird wrote: »

So if you have advice/info it would be much appreciated??

Generally speaking, the more qualified you are, the better your chances of securing a lecturing position.

AMCD82

Tom Dunne wrote: »

Generally speaking, the more qualified you are, the better your chances of securing a lecturing position.

Thankfully such is the case

Hillel

Tom Dunne wrote: »

Generally speaking, the more qualified you are, the better your chances of securing a lecturing position.

Yes, a PhD is fast becoming an essential prerequisite to becoming a lecturer.
In fact, the number of PhD's on staff is one metric used to evaluate the overall effectiveness of third level institutes. (I speak from direct experience.)

@OP If you are serious about becoming a lecturer, I recommend that you go for the PhD.