I'm so relieved to know that my reasons for applying are good ones! I love writing. I want to teach and have enjoyed when I've been a guest speaker or presented at conferences, and I want to be an expert on a specific topic. I'm feeling better about my interview for a doctoral program next week.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD These kinds of resources are invaluable to us, Dr. Fiesler. Although I am in the humanities, I find most advice is generally applicable across the board. Perhaps the one difference is the emphasis on lab-based (STEM) vs. archival (humanities) research.
THIS!!! I am graduating with my masters in a month and I am going to walk at graduation. I did not walk for my bachelors degree so when I got the email with details about graduation, regalia, tickets, parking…I cried the whole way to work. I felt like it was so much information and I didn’t have anyone to ask. I’m so appreciative of those who are opening the windows in academia. (Also my maiden name was Rios if that’s your surname as well)
Thank you for your sharing, Dr. Fiesler. I do not usually put comments on videos but I just want to share that I believe the decision / desire to do a PhD could hit people at different points of life. If it were me 10 years ago watching the video, I would opt for a Master instead of PhD if I (which I did). But as I have built up my professional experience and meeting managers, colleagues, mentors, now I have 2 of the good reasons mentioned in the video to pursue a PhD. I am trying to apply for a PhD this year and I have been getting imposter syndrome, feeling inferior to other successful applicants that I know. Your video has actually given me more confidence to continue this journey of application.
Would really love the title and I have 2 Masters degrees (1 is a general MS in Information Systems and the other is more focused in CyberSecurity) but after watching this I can see that even though I WANT a PhD I don't have good reasons FOR getting one. Was nice to hear all of it from someone who has lived it AND can put it clearly.
Thank you for this video! I am at the height of a 23 year career as an Early Childhood Educator and am nearing the end of my MEd program of which I am thoroughly enjoying. I returned to school late in my career because my kids are off furthering their education and I finally have the time. Even though I am nearing retirement age, I am inspired by my current studies to pursue my own research and make a positive impact in the field I have devoted my life to. I think I will continue my studies thanks to your wise counsel for I am in it for all the right reasons!
I feel the only way to know if you’re interested in research & getting a PhD is by doing it. Reach out to the professors and try a few projects, that’s how I knew I’d like to do a PhD :)
Yes, I totally agree! This is the #1 piece of advice I give to undergrads who say they might be interested in grad school. (Helps with your applications too!)
I’m a freshman in college and I’m really considering a PhD in Neuroscience or Evolutionary Psychology, thankfully my reasons are good, by your metrics at least. One of the main reasons is that I want to surround myself in the research literature because it’s fascinating and there’s some cutting edge stuff regarding the brain. I’d also love to communicate that knowledge to the general population, because so many people are interested in those fields but they don’t have access to the ivory towers of the university’s or it’s too difficult to understand. I definitely want to write a book but podcasts seem to be the new wave for communicating ideas. Thanks for the video!
TIL that UA-cam cards don't show up properly for all viewing methods! If you're curious about the video with advice for PhD students that I'm pointing at near the start of the video, you're looking for: ua-cam.com/video/Hh5b5wZzgBA/v-deo.html Thanks for watching! Let me know what you think and what questions you have!
This was a very helpful video, thanks so much for taking the time to make it. Honestly every single point you’ve mentioned about bad reasons to get a PhD are reasons I’ve considered. For my career path a PhD isn’t necessary but I’m glad I watched this video, definitely getting my masters instead.
I want to pursue my PhD from Europe so searching some related videos here and there to getting a brief knowledge … And thanks 😅 I m happy that I am on a right path ❤❤❤
Hey. I was a little confused about my reason to apply for a Phd program but after watching this video i so relieved to know that i have all the right reason to go for a phd. Thanks a ton.😊
If you are getting or going to take a PhD., programme, then you need to understand the following. 1- Do not expect to be hired. Therefore, gain your capital and start a business. 2- Be part of a research group and contribute via research that you do. 3- You are in the PhD. for many good reasons, one of them is the fact that you want to solve a current world problem or define a new dimension or even prove a new theory and, consequently, a new field of expertise is born out of your research. 4- Do not expect that if you are hired that your colleagues are going to like you. You will be challenged.
I just want to say thank you so much for making these videos. I’m doing my MS rn but I’m trying to decide if I want to go further, these videos are definitely helping me in that decision
Thank you for this video! About to finish my MA in May and was thinking about next steps. 💞 First of my generation and I want to make my family proud. But that’s not reason enough.
This is soooo honest!! Btw, regarding the stipend, here in India, the Govt pays a huge stipend for PhD fellows which is almost double the average public salary.
Your online master in counsellings my life still isn't good enough with an advanced Bachelor of arts in psychology and philosophy. It becomes a narcissism. And you shouldn't have to. Or even be involved. Its when you are expose to various content and scriptures backwards, as an undergrad. Then process acute psychosis through transcending protocol, then psychotic depression and retrograde amnesia.
@@janellebailey107 Pretty much the careers I mentioned above. 😅 I am trying to figure out what will be the best route for me. Still not quite clear but I will keep researching .
I love this video. I’m still working on my Bachelors, but have always dreamed of a PhD. However, you’ve made a very strong case for me to NOT pursue it. That’s not a bad thing. I feel like my Masters will be enough for what I want to do in life. But I would like to know how someone with a Masters can still contribute to human knowledge without a Doctorate. You mentioned getting to discover something new, rather than learning what someone already knows. How can I do the discovering without the letters behind my name?
I think the question is whether there are jobs in your field that include research that you can get with a Masters! It's not about the degree, it's about the job. :)
Thanks for this video. I have been working for government doing earth science research for six years. I have increasingly realized that to continue progressing and eventually run my own lab, I need a PhD. I do indeed love science and adding to human knowledge in my field. But unfortunately, I have anxiety issues and I'm daunted by the time commitment, sacrafices, and financial implications of starting grad school. Honest videos like yours at least help me think through things realisticaly.
Thanks for making this video. It was really helpful for me to figure out why I want to pursue PhD in my field. Also in your next video could you talk about the changes made in the application processes by universities for next fall due to pandemic specifically the STEM Ph.D. programs in the US. Thanks!
Thanks! Unfortunately I don't think I can really speak to that; I just don't know anything! Well, except that OUR application process as of right now will be just as it usually is. Good luck!!!
I want to thank you for this video, and I also consider those reasons to be the most important ones. Personally, I do not like to write that much. It is kind of stressful and requires a lot of effort. Even if I am not that good at that, I am sure I want to keep researching because it is a reason for living. I love using my knowledge to find out. It is basically exciting. I want this to be my career, do you think it is a good way to get enrolled as a researcher in a research institution (apart from teaching)?
Hi: I have got a whole year left towards my Master’s in Special Ed: Moderate to Severe (Intellectual Disabilities or ID) but am (seriously) entertaining the thought of pursuing a Ph.D; not sure which field. My undergrad work was in Human Development, and would like to teach it at alma mater (North Park University/Chicago) part time, maybe. However, I do have to get through this grueling work first, and was curious, thanks!
I'm 28 and currently 3 days away from my interview and I only fit in the bad reasons categories mostly, aside from my passion for learning and communicating. What should I do after the interview if I don't feel completely prepared for it or my reasons aren't good enough? Amazing videos, love the charisma!
Here is my video on interviews! ua-cam.com/video/0t51IEfiSMg/v-deo.html As for what to do AFTER the interview... there's not really much to do but wait.
Thanks for referring me from tiktok! I’m very stuck, even after watching this video.. i want the history in research for my field (clinical mental health counseling) but i dont even know what the difference would be with or without a PhD since it’s important to simply have the LPC
Oh you're very welcome! Individuals are definitely in very different situations, and PhDs can also be really different in different fields. I recommend that you talk to someone in your field!
Thank you Casey. Honestly, many of the reasons you shared are all of the above for me in pursuing a PhD. I love to read, write, and research. I want to teach at the college & university level. I want to publish my work, attend academic conferences, inspire the next generation of change makers, shape policy, and yes, make some money doing it all! That's only fair right?
ngl, one my reasons from "the minute to think" for a PhD was for prestige, but I hit 2 of the "good reasons" along with a few others. Still, it's kind of reinforcing that getting a MS is more for me. Still, thinking about doing PhD afterwards cause a lot can change in a couple years.
I am not historically good in academics. But I still want a PhD because 1. I like the extra letters. 2. Researching something brand new is amazing. 3. I love the acedamic writing part. 4. I want to get a Nobel prize someday and clear the misconception that Nobel prize is only for prodigies. Will be applying for Phd in astrophysics or aerospace in 2023. Will try to get as much research experience till then.
This is really very helpful vdieo. I see that selecting what research topic to explore is also part of the big decision to make, do you have some tips about that?
Thank you so much! I don't know if I should pursue a PhD, but I find reasons to support my PhD choice. Unfortunately, all my reasons are included in your bad reasons. 😆 Thanks for your video, it helps me make the decision finally.
This is so helpful! I am terrified of where to start though - to chart out a definitive plan to return to academia. I love researching! I love writing! But I have debt and no job at the moment - I just burned out of corporate America. My undergrad degree is in Communication, but I'd like to pursue a PhD in Psych. I have ideas for dissertations, without a doubt. I was looking into completing some courses in the city I'm living in to beef up my resume. Luckily I'm living with family again after moving. Do you have any advice on next steps?
The rest of the videos on my phd applications playlist might help! There are a few about what makes a strong application, which I guess is kind of implicit advice on that.
The thing is that I really like to research, to find answers to read about new ways, to help and contribute to society. I want to do a PhD on "AI in the medical field", I feel really passionate about it. But the thing is I hate writing, I hate presenting and I hate teaching. I would love to research and work but when it comes to the most important part of sharing that information I just hate everything about it. I really don't know what to do right now.
In some fields there are industry research jobs where teaching and writing are not part of the job, though you will of course have to do those things for you PhD.
I'm wondering if it's a good idea to get a PHD in an arts and fashion related course. I have worked now for nearly 3 years in the industry, done a masters but the work life doesn't give me joy. I feel like a cog in the machine where in reality I love theoretical and written arts. I love to read, analyse, document, write and I want to bring reforms in how small scale business are run the fashion and textile sector in my country. I still don't know how will I be able to bring about a change.
To show up my father who has one and always reminded me of this fact while looking down at me. Yea, it's complicated, it's family politics; the greatest motivator for most things.
Thanks a lot for all videos. Honestly, I was really shocked with your opinion as if the PhD won't develop your knowledge and thinking to better. There are a lot of consultation and design work that require PhD level. Yes, Most of the companies do not like hire PhDs and they have point. For a person who spent all his life in the university focusing only on his books and exams usually is lacking practical skills and experiences.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD First your videos are useful and I learned from them. Second, I felt you have kind of implied that. It might be good idea to conceal the real reasons then because most of bad reasons looks legit for me. If a lawyer or consultant engineer thinks PhD will up his business and market for them "prestige" what is wrong in that? The only way to become rich is to start hiring other people or invest in other assets.
@@HamidA-to8vy Nope, I definitely do not think that. Obviously a PhD does those things! And sure, if you want to get a PhD for the prestige, go ahead; but I don't recommend writing that in a statement of purpose.
I'm so glad and somehow relieved to know that I have all the right reasons to go for a PhD. I loved teaching at college so much. From my master's and the little bit of experience as a research fellow, I have clearly got an idea about how much of a hurdle course research in any shape or form is, and I still want to do it. Can you perhaps give some tips for those trying for a PhD after they have had a few years' break since college?
All my same advice pretty much applies! I think in various videos I'll mention considerations for people who aren't straight out of school (statement of purpose, asking for letters of rec, etc.)
Hi! Prof.Fiesler. Thank you for your valuable contents. I have watched this before now I am reviewing it again for my application this year (finger cross). I would like to ask a question about research interests. I think I have two research areas but they are quite different from each other (Computational Creativity and Online Community. Both are under HCI field though). I wonder how people deal with their different research interests as I have seen some scholars doing data science and online community at the same time. I remember seeing you doing online community and AI ethics as well. How did you manage to expand your interest and was that easy? I really like both of my research areas and hope to conduct research in both of them in the future ;) I guess it requires a lot of self-learning right?
My video on statements of purpose might be helpful here! But I don’t think those are separate interests. There are a lot of things at the intersection of the two, or you might also consider what both are an example of.
I've never been able to relate to any other way to spend my time than doing research. The worst sounding thing to me would be to do a repetitive job that anyone can be trained to do, or to just repeat what others have done. So I guess I fit in with the last point. Is this something you should say on the application, that your passion is to do research...
Is becoming more specialised in a particular field, and then feeding that experience back into another industry an acceptable reason to do a PhD? I’ve done my masters in neuroscience, and have had 4 years of research experience in the medical diagnostics industry, which was all chemistry based. I would love to do a PhD in Neuroscience, and then feed my experience back into the industry. Is this strong enough as a reason to do a PhD?
@@CaseyFieslerPhD Oh yes, a lot of them do, especially if you want to move further up the ladder. I realised while working in the industry, as much as I enjoyed my job, what kept me back was that my background wasn't specialised in Chemistry, my knowledge was limited. I did a bit of research into the industry with relation to R&D for neurological diseases, and there is huge promise in this field. However, they mostly look for PhD candidates. Love the content you've posted, it's so helpful!
Thank you so much for the inspiring video! I’m wondering if you could talk about how to understand the reply from professors? I’ve contacted two potential professors and one of them relied to me very quickly by saying “ thank you and please submit your application and committees will decide this after getting your application” . My friend told me this is a mild “no” and I’m wondering if I should still m include this professor in my personal statement? Thank you
Yes, if you want to work with that professor you should absolutely still mention them. Just make sure you mention others as well. I'm not sure why that would be interpreted as suggesting you shouldn't apply. Individual professors don't make admissions decisions in emails. :)
Hi Prof, thanks for the great work! What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into PhD to build a career in research, but on a very specific topic, for eg 'entrepreneur motivations in the early growth phase of start-ups" or 'entrepreneur behavior' in general .What if they are unable to find a supervisor doing similar work? in that case, should they work under a supervisor having the 'closest match' to still get the research experience of a Ph.D. or pursue their topic independently irrespective of a PhD? thanks in advance. Understand it's mostly a personal choice kinda question but I just like to know your opinion. That thing you said about writing everything. so true !!
The PhD students who come to work with a particular advisor absolutely influence the direction of their work! For an *exact* topic it would be unusual to find someone doing precisely that already.
You can apply to work with professors who do research in entrepreneurial field and focus on start-up, there a lot of them. working with those professors will help you know a lot about the literature on entrepreneurship and start ups, and in your last few years of the phd, and after you graduate, you can do any research you want! even during your phd, can you pitch your idea to your advisor and they will guide you, and even reach out to people who can co-author papers with you!
What if I feel I’m weak in writing? I enjoy research, teaching, and even writing about topics I enjoy. But I feel my abilities are below a PhD level? Maybe it’s just imposter syndrome talking, but is it academically and socially acceptable to get help when writing academic papers? I would need feedback to make sure my writing is both laid out appropriately and grammatically correct.
Sorry I am new to your channel so I will take a look and see if you've made a video on this topic but I found it interesting that you said you had a JD as well - did you practice law, and how did you ultimately decide against a career in law? I am violently vacillating back and forth between a PhD and law school haha
My general advice is go to law school if you want to be a lawyer. :) Being a lawyer is VERY different than being a researcher! I didn't realize until partway through that I did not want to be a lawyer, and by then it made sense to finish.
This was very insightful! I am considering a Biology PHD or science education pHD. In regard to research and dissertation, are we able to pick what we want to research about?
This ticks all the boxes for me. I spent 10 years in corporate job - UX Design. I have a thirst towards deepening my knowledge and sharing it with the world - specifically with the upcoming generation of designers. Would my work-exp. become a negative mark in my application?
My son is putting together his SoP. He knows exactly the industrial job he wants (not traditional industrial research, but more like an internal think tank for big picture problem solving). He has talked to people and done lots of poking around on LinkedIn, and people doing what he wants to do have PhDs, so he wants to get a PhD so he can get that type of job. Would it work against him to present that a his major motivator in his SoP? Thanks.
I recommend sending him my video about statements of purpose, it may be useful! But I don't think there is a real answer to that question. It's probably very field/specialty dependent.
If I want to do my research on human trafficking/exploited individuals, but it is severely under researched and it doesn't look like there is a PhD program for this area of study, what should I do? It is super important, but academically still too new
That is a project/domain, not a field. You should be looking for programs in a field of study! And for identifying faculty advisors, if no one in the field is studying that exactly, ask yourself what it is an example of.
Hi! This video was extremely helpful! I’m finding that I might want to pursue my PhD in psychology, because I don’t know if I can go the rest of my life without doing research and writing papers about the areas I’m interested in. However, another reason is that in my subfield of psychology, a PhD allows a ton of versatility to what you can do once you graduate-being a researcher, practitioner, professor, etc. in so many different types of settings-hospitals, schools, community clinics, academic settings, medical settings, etc. Would the versatility of the degree be a bad reason to pursue a PhD, if it also means there is higher money potential (but not guaranteed money potential)? Also, would single mother (who has a support system) be in over her head to pursue a PhD at the age of 27? Lastly, how many hours a week (and I know this varies) on average should a PhD student expect to work?
I can't answer any questions about Psychology as a field, nor about anything that might be possible for any particular person! There have been students in our program with children, and I certainly know that it's possible, but imagine it's challenging. (Not something I can speak to.) I also personally think that a PhD is a 40 hour per week job (assuming a teaching or research assistantship for funding) though I imagine some others might disagree with me. Though I'd consider any advisor who tells you it is more than that as a red flag.
So....what if I have a mix of good and bad? My field is a lot of grunt work, but you get treated like you can't have an original idea or think for yourself unless you have a small library of published work to swing at naysayers....
I choose to do government or private service or Job as a research and work in a company(not a professor) during and after my phd . Is it good I do that?
On SOP, how can I expand on the professorship being a motive without too much emphasis on the “teaching” aspect? Or it is a good reason but not good enough to put on the SOP?
It's fine to mention that you enjoy teaching! But I don't recommend focusing on that unless you know that the program is one that focuses more on teaching training than research.
Your videos help me a lot. I have teaching and research experience and I really want to do a phd. In your experience, how difficult is it for an international prospective student to get into grad school in the US?
Got any advice for someone with very different subjects other than the subject they want to get their PhD in.....I got my BA in Physical Education and MS in Criminal Justice, but I want to get my PhD in History to build towards a career in research and archival work.....there are varying life reasons for why I got my other degrees, but I don't how to proceed
Not uncommon! Just make sure that in your statement of purpose you make a strong argument for the narrative from there to here and what you want to do now.
Hi Casey, I have graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical power engineering in Singapore. My research experience comes from the last six months of my university life doing power converter implementation for my final year project. I have no masters degree. Now I am about to apply for a PhD program with Newcastle University that allows me to work in an industry that develop and build Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries and at the same time pursue a PhD. The PhD program will be funded and I will receive a salary for my work. Does this means I will stand a better chance working in an industry after graduating with a PhD?
Thanks so much Prof. I am a recent graduate of Pharmacy. I am considering a PhD as well. Teaching is not really my thing. I just know I want to add to knowledge in the field of drug research and development. Please are those enough reasons?
I'm so relieved to know that my reasons for applying are good ones! I love writing. I want to teach and have enjoyed when I've been a guest speaker or presented at conferences, and I want to be an expert on a specific topic. I'm feeling better about my interview for a doctoral program next week.
Good luck to you!! :)
@@CaseyFieslerPhD I got in! Thank you so much for posting all of your videos to help others!
@@chewilliams3795 Could you share your experience with us!
@@chewilliams3795 congratulations! 😊 what are your career plans with a PhD?
@@chewilliams3795
Hellooooo..any updates?
Thank you for your insights. As a first generation student this is super helpful.
Oh I'm so glad! I absolutely had first gen students in mind in terms of who these videos could help. :)
@@CaseyFieslerPhD These kinds of resources are invaluable to us, Dr. Fiesler. Although I am in the humanities, I find most advice is generally applicable across the board. Perhaps the one difference is the emphasis on lab-based (STEM) vs. archival (humanities) research.
THIS!!! I am graduating with my masters in a month and I am going to walk at graduation. I did not walk for my bachelors degree so when I got the email with details about graduation, regalia, tickets, parking…I cried the whole way to work. I felt like it was so much information and I didn’t have anyone to ask. I’m so appreciative of those who are opening the windows in academia. (Also my maiden name was Rios if that’s your surname as well)
Thank you for your sharing, Dr. Fiesler. I do not usually put comments on videos but I just want to share that I believe the decision / desire to do a PhD could hit people at different points of life. If it were me 10 years ago watching the video, I would opt for a Master instead of PhD if I (which I did). But as I have built up my professional experience and meeting managers, colleagues, mentors, now I have 2 of the good reasons mentioned in the video to pursue a PhD. I am trying to apply for a PhD this year and I have been getting imposter syndrome, feeling inferior to other successful applicants that I know.
Your video has actually given me more confidence to continue this journey of application.
Would really love the title and I have 2 Masters degrees (1 is a general MS in Information Systems and the other is more focused in CyberSecurity) but after watching this I can see that even though I WANT a PhD I don't have good reasons FOR getting one. Was nice to hear all of it from someone who has lived it AND can put it clearly.
Thank you for this video! I am at the height of a 23 year career as an Early Childhood Educator and am nearing the end of my MEd program of which I am thoroughly enjoying. I returned to school late in my career because my kids are off furthering their education and I finally have the time. Even though I am nearing retirement age, I am inspired by my current studies to pursue my own research and make a positive impact in the field I have devoted my life to. I think I will continue my studies thanks to your wise counsel for I am in it for all the right reasons!
I feel the only way to know if you’re interested in research & getting a PhD is by doing it. Reach out to the professors and try a few projects, that’s how I knew I’d like to do a PhD :)
Yes, I totally agree! This is the #1 piece of advice I give to undergrads who say they might be interested in grad school. (Helps with your applications too!)
This was the most cheerful reckoning! Wishing luck to all the research and writing hungry individuals out there.
haha yeah whether this was encouraging or discouraging definitely depends on how you came into it :D
Hey Casey! I'm from Brazil. I'll aplly at the end of the year. Your videos help me a lot. Thank you! 🤓
I’m a freshman in college and I’m really considering a PhD in Neuroscience or Evolutionary Psychology, thankfully my reasons are good, by your metrics at least. One of the main reasons is that I want to surround myself in the research literature because it’s fascinating and there’s some cutting edge stuff regarding the brain. I’d also love to communicate that knowledge to the general population, because so many people are interested in those fields but they don’t have access to the ivory towers of the university’s or it’s too difficult to understand. I definitely want to write a book but podcasts seem to be the new wave for communicating ideas. Thanks for the video!
I have a video on public scholarship you might find interesting! ua-cam.com/video/GvkuEKGNWQo/v-deo.html
TIL that UA-cam cards don't show up properly for all viewing methods! If you're curious about the video with advice for PhD students that I'm pointing at near the start of the video, you're looking for: ua-cam.com/video/Hh5b5wZzgBA/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching! Let me know what you think and what questions you have!
Thank you! This is the best and most comprehensive vdo on internet. Preparing my PhD application now. X
This was a very helpful video, thanks so much for taking the time to make it. Honestly every single point you’ve mentioned about bad reasons to get a PhD are reasons I’ve considered. For my career path a PhD isn’t necessary but I’m glad I watched this video, definitely getting my masters instead.
One nice thing about this strategy is - you can always still decide to do a PhD after a masters if your goals or interests change!
I want to pursue my PhD from Europe so searching some related videos here and there to getting a brief knowledge … And thanks 😅 I m happy that I am on a right path ❤❤❤
My god, you are so fun to watch. Thank you so much for helping with a fun mood.
Thank you Casey! As a student now struggling to pursue a PhD or not, it helps a lot! ☺️
You're a cool professor! I hope I can meet a cool prospective supervisor and get accepted to the PhD program that I'm interested in
Oh thank you that's so nice!
Hey. I was a little confused about my reason to apply for a Phd program but after watching this video i so relieved to know that i have all the right reason to go for a phd. Thanks a ton.😊
If you are getting or going to take a PhD., programme, then you need to understand the following.
1- Do not expect to be hired. Therefore, gain your capital and start a business.
2- Be part of a research group and contribute via research that you do.
3- You are in the PhD. for many good reasons, one of them is the fact that you want to solve a current world problem or define a new dimension or even prove a new theory and, consequently, a new field of expertise is born out of your research.
4- Do not expect that if you are hired that your colleagues are going to like you. You will be challenged.
This was very helpful. Thank you.
I’m not quite finished with my bachelor’s, or even entirely sure what I want to do, but this is still very helpful! Thanks
I just want to say thank you so much for making these videos. I’m doing my MS rn but I’m trying to decide if I want to go further, these videos are definitely helping me in that decision
Hi Professor Casey. Your videos are insightful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
I'm a PhD student at Osaka University in Japan.
Thank you very much. I was well prepared for my interview and I will be sharing the good news soon
I just love that you have some of my favorite books behind you❤️
Thank you for this video! About to finish my MA in May and was thinking about next steps. 💞 First of my generation and I want to make my family proud. But that’s not reason enough.
An MA is something to be proud of too. :)
Thank you for your videos. They were really helpful. Now I am more excited to get a Ph.D. :D
I'm so glad, good luck!!
This is soooo honest!!
Btw, regarding the stipend, here in India, the Govt pays a huge stipend for PhD fellows which is almost double the average public salary.
What? Haha 32 k for JRF definitely more than average because people below the poverty line are more but does it really support you??
Is that supposed to be sarcasm?
Your online master in counsellings my life still isn't good enough with an advanced Bachelor of arts in psychology and philosophy. It becomes a narcissism. And you shouldn't have to. Or even be involved. Its when you are expose to various content and scriptures backwards, as an undergrad. Then process acute psychosis through transcending protocol, then psychotic depression and retrograde amnesia.
Thank you for making these videos! I'll will be applying for the 2022 deadline in the clinical psychology field. I find your videos very helpful.
Oh good I'm so glad! Good luck as you start the process.
Same here! I will be applying the similar field. Do you want to be a psychologist, therapist, or counselor?
@@karenzhang1020 clinical neuropsychologist. Wbu?
@@janellebailey107 Pretty much the careers I mentioned above. 😅 I am trying to figure out what will be the best route for me. Still not quite clear but I will keep researching .
I love this video. I’m still working on my Bachelors, but have always dreamed of a PhD. However, you’ve made a very strong case for me to NOT pursue it. That’s not a bad thing. I feel like my Masters will be enough for what I want to do in life. But I would like to know how someone with a Masters can still contribute to human knowledge without a Doctorate. You mentioned getting to discover something new, rather than learning what someone already knows. How can I do the discovering without the letters behind my name?
I think the question is whether there are jobs in your field that include research that you can get with a Masters! It's not about the degree, it's about the job. :)
The money from a phd has nothing to do with the Phd itself and everything to do with the experiences open after a phd.
Thank you for your content. Thank you for inspiring me
I can't stress how much I love your videos. I hope I get accepted this year but If I don't, I think you prepared me too well.
Oh I'm so glad! Good luck!!!
Thanks for this video. I have been working for government doing earth science research for six years. I have increasingly realized that to continue progressing and eventually run my own lab, I need a PhD. I do indeed love science and adding to human knowledge in my field. But unfortunately, I have anxiety issues and I'm daunted by the time commitment, sacrafices, and financial implications of starting grad school. Honest videos like yours at least help me think through things realisticaly.
Good luck!
Wishing you everything of the best!!! Love and light. Your honesty is so refreshing and makes me think you will do well in life
These are really helpful ideas, thank you!
You just scared the hell out of me with the part "Why you shouldn't get a PhD". My God you are good...
Thank you so much, your videos helped me a lot till now
Your videos are so helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for making this video. It was really helpful for me to figure out why I want to pursue PhD in my field. Also in your next video could you talk about the changes made in the application processes by universities for next fall due to pandemic specifically the STEM Ph.D. programs in the US. Thanks!
Thanks! Unfortunately I don't think I can really speak to that; I just don't know anything! Well, except that OUR application process as of right now will be just as it usually is. Good luck!!!
I’m a research professor and I make tons of money from external sources. Money is not an issue for a professor if you know how to find it.
It's about who you know n if you're qualified to be apart of a secret society type institution. The money is locked away tight.
This is wonderful for you but certainly represents a number of types of privilege.
I love your sense of humor!
aw thanks!
OmG I love her enthusiasm!
Very very very helpful!
You're amazing!! Thank you!!
Thanks for share with us!
I want to thank you for this video, and I also consider those reasons to be the most important ones. Personally, I do not like to write that much. It is kind of stressful and requires a lot of effort. Even if I am not that good at that, I am sure I want to keep researching because it is a reason for living. I love using my knowledge to find out. It is basically exciting. I want this to be my career, do you think it is a good way to get enrolled as a researcher in a research institution (apart from teaching)?
I'm not sure I understand your question! If you're asking if you have to have a PhD to be a researcher, not always.
Hi: I have got a whole year left towards my Master’s in Special Ed: Moderate to Severe (Intellectual Disabilities or ID) but am (seriously) entertaining the thought of pursuing a Ph.D; not sure which field. My undergrad work was in Human Development, and would like to teach it at alma mater (North Park University/Chicago) part time, maybe. However, I do have to get through this grueling work first, and was curious, thanks!
I'm 28 and currently 3 days away from my interview and I only fit in the bad reasons categories mostly, aside from my passion for learning and communicating. What should I do after the interview if I don't feel completely prepared for it or my reasons aren't good enough? Amazing videos, love the charisma!
Here is my video on interviews! ua-cam.com/video/0t51IEfiSMg/v-deo.html
As for what to do AFTER the interview... there's not really much to do but wait.
@fmafan095 Goodluck! in this year im 28 too, but i rejected from my PhD application,
@@haniefknight I got rejected a month ago as well sadly. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for referring me from tiktok! I’m very stuck, even after watching this video.. i want the history in research for my field (clinical mental health counseling) but i dont even know what the difference would be with or without a PhD since it’s important to simply have the LPC
Oh you're very welcome! Individuals are definitely in very different situations, and PhDs can also be really different in different fields. I recommend that you talk to someone in your field!
Thank you Casey. Honestly, many of the reasons you shared are all of the above for me in pursuing a PhD. I love to read, write, and research. I want to teach at the college & university level. I want to publish my work, attend academic conferences, inspire the next generation of change makers, shape policy, and yes, make some money doing it all! That's only fair right?
Ha totally. :) And often having a career that you enjoy makes up for making less money than you might in some other profession.
Thank you. Great video. Very helpful.
Your voice is very pleasant. I like your energy!
Thanks for the inputs great video
Yay, all of my reasons fell into the good reason category :D
ngl, one my reasons from "the minute to think" for a PhD was for prestige, but I hit 2 of the "good reasons" along with a few others. Still, it's kind of reinforcing that getting a MS is more for me. Still, thinking about doing PhD afterwards cause a lot can change in a couple years.
I am not historically good in academics. But I still want a PhD because 1. I like the extra letters. 2. Researching something brand new is amazing. 3. I love the acedamic writing part. 4. I want to get a Nobel prize someday and clear the misconception that Nobel prize is only for prodigies. Will be applying for Phd in astrophysics or aerospace in 2023. Will try to get as much research experience till then.
Don't put the first part in your application. :)
THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS IS SO HELPFUL
your job is incredible!
This is really very helpful vdieo. I see that selecting what research topic to explore is also part of the big decision to make, do you have some tips about that?
There's a book called Where Research Begins that you might find helpful.
Thank you so much! I don't know if I should pursue a PhD, but I find reasons to support my PhD choice. Unfortunately, all my reasons are included in your bad reasons. 😆 Thanks for your video, it helps me make the decision finally.
Good luck to you :)
Great content! you certainly pass for stand up comedy for me.
This is so helpful! I am terrified of where to start though - to chart out a definitive plan to return to academia. I love researching! I love writing! But I have debt and no job at the moment - I just burned out of corporate America. My undergrad degree is in Communication, but I'd like to pursue a PhD in Psych. I have ideas for dissertations, without a doubt. I was looking into completing some courses in the city I'm living in to beef up my resume. Luckily I'm living with family again after moving. Do you have any advice on next steps?
The rest of the videos on my phd applications playlist might help! There are a few about what makes a strong application, which I guess is kind of implicit advice on that.
The thing is that I really like to research, to find answers to read about new ways, to help and contribute to society. I want to do a PhD on "AI in the medical field", I feel really passionate about it. But the thing is I hate writing, I hate presenting and I hate teaching. I would love to research and work but when it comes to the most important part of sharing that information I just hate everything about it. I really don't know what to do right now.
In some fields there are industry research jobs where teaching and writing are not part of the job, though you will of course have to do those things for you PhD.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank youuu, that's the plan for now
Brilliant
I'm wondering if it's a good idea to get a PHD in an arts and fashion related course. I have worked now for nearly 3 years in the industry, done a masters but the work life doesn't give me joy. I feel like a cog in the machine where in reality I love theoretical and written arts. I love to read, analyse, document, write and I want to bring reforms in how small scale business are run the fashion and textile sector in my country. I still don't know how will I be able to bring about a change.
To show up my father who has one and always reminded me of this fact while looking down at me. Yea, it's complicated, it's family politics; the greatest motivator for most things.
Definitely do not write that in an application.
Not a great reason
I am 100% stealing reading ideas from your shelves, there are some nice choices there :P
Thanks a lot for all videos. Honestly, I was really shocked with your opinion as if the PhD won't develop your knowledge and thinking to better. There are a lot of consultation and design work that require PhD level. Yes, Most of the companies do not like hire PhDs and they have point. For a person who spent all his life in the university focusing only on his books and exams usually is lacking practical skills and experiences.
I confess, it's been a long time since I made this video, but did I really say that a PhD won't develop your knowledge and thinking?
@@CaseyFieslerPhD First your videos are useful and I learned from them. Second, I felt you have kind of implied that. It might be good idea to conceal the real reasons then because most of bad reasons looks legit for me. If a lawyer or consultant engineer thinks PhD will up his business and market for them "prestige" what is wrong in that? The only way to become rich is to start hiring other people or invest in other assets.
@@HamidA-to8vy Nope, I definitely do not think that. Obviously a PhD does those things! And sure, if you want to get a PhD for the prestige, go ahead; but I don't recommend writing that in a statement of purpose.
I'm so glad and somehow relieved to know that I have all the right reasons to go for a PhD. I loved teaching at college so much. From my master's and the little bit of experience as a research fellow, I have clearly got an idea about how much of a hurdle course research in any shape or form is, and I still want to do it. Can you perhaps give some tips for those trying for a PhD after they have had a few years' break since college?
All my same advice pretty much applies! I think in various videos I'll mention considerations for people who aren't straight out of school (statement of purpose, asking for letters of rec, etc.)
@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you. I'll definitely be watching more of your videos.
Hi! Prof.Fiesler. Thank you for your valuable contents. I have watched this before now I am reviewing it again for my application this year (finger cross).
I would like to ask a question about research interests.
I think I have two research areas but they are quite different from each other (Computational Creativity and Online Community. Both are under HCI field though). I wonder how people deal with their different research interests as I have seen some scholars doing data science and online community at the same time. I remember seeing you doing online community and AI ethics as well.
How did you manage to expand your interest and was that easy? I really like both of my research areas and hope to conduct research in both of them in the future ;) I guess it requires a lot of self-learning right?
My video on statements of purpose might be helpful here! But I don’t think those are separate interests. There are a lot of things at the intersection of the two, or you might also consider what both are an example of.
Thank you very much for this reply@@CaseyFieslerPhD
I've never been able to relate to any other way to spend my time than doing research. The worst sounding thing to me would be to do a repetitive job that anyone can be trained to do, or to just repeat what others have done. So I guess I fit in with the last point. Is this something you should say on the application, that your passion is to do research...
Sure! And I also have a video about statements of purpose.
Is becoming more specialised in a particular field, and then feeding that experience back into another industry an acceptable reason to do a PhD? I’ve done my masters in neuroscience, and have had 4 years of research experience in the medical diagnostics industry, which was all chemistry based. I would love to do a PhD in Neuroscience, and then feed my experience back into the industry. Is this strong enough as a reason to do a PhD?
You might consider whether the type of jobs that you want after require a PhD.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD Oh yes, a lot of them do, especially if you want to move further up the ladder. I realised while working in the industry, as much as I enjoyed my job, what kept me back was that my background wasn't specialised in Chemistry, my knowledge was limited. I did a bit of research into the industry with relation to R&D for neurological diseases, and there is huge promise in this field. However, they mostly look for PhD candidates. Love the content you've posted, it's so helpful!
Thank you so much for the inspiring video! I’m wondering if you could talk about how to understand the reply from professors? I’ve contacted two potential professors and one of them relied to me very quickly by saying “ thank you and please submit your application and committees will decide this after getting your application” . My friend told me this is a mild “no” and I’m wondering if I should still m include this professor in my personal statement? Thank you
Yes, if you want to work with that professor you should absolutely still mention them. Just make sure you mention others as well. I'm not sure why that would be interpreted as suggesting you shouldn't apply. Individual professors don't make admissions decisions in emails. :)
Hi Prof, thanks for the great work! What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into PhD to build a career in research, but on a very specific topic, for eg 'entrepreneur motivations in the early growth phase of start-ups" or 'entrepreneur behavior' in general .What if they are unable to find a supervisor doing similar work? in that case, should they work under a supervisor having the 'closest match' to still get the research experience of a Ph.D. or pursue their topic independently irrespective of a PhD? thanks in advance. Understand it's mostly a personal choice kinda question but I just like to know your opinion. That thing you said about writing everything. so true !!
The PhD students who come to work with a particular advisor absolutely influence the direction of their work! For an *exact* topic it would be unusual to find someone doing precisely that already.
You can apply to work with professors who do research in entrepreneurial field and focus on start-up, there a lot of them. working with those professors will help you know a lot about the literature on entrepreneurship and start ups, and in your last few years of the phd, and after you graduate, you can do any research you want! even during your phd, can you pitch your idea to your advisor and they will guide you, and even reach out to people who can co-author papers with you!
BRILIANT question!!! Thank you. In 2019 (for the whole year!!) I was struggling to answer myself on this very question
Hi Casey , thanks for advice and this video. What advice would you give to someone going for final round phd position with Professor and HR ?
I'm not sure I understand your question! But I do have a video about PhD interviews.
What if I feel I’m weak in writing? I enjoy research, teaching, and even writing about topics I enjoy. But I feel my abilities are below a PhD level? Maybe it’s just imposter syndrome talking, but is it academically and socially acceptable to get help when writing academic papers? I would need feedback to make sure my writing is both laid out appropriately and grammatically correct.
Writing papers is part of what you should be trained to do as a PhD student!
Sorry I am new to your channel so I will take a look and see if you've made a video on this topic but I found it interesting that you said you had a JD as well - did you practice law, and how did you ultimately decide against a career in law? I am violently vacillating back and forth between a PhD and law school haha
My general advice is go to law school if you want to be a lawyer. :) Being a lawyer is VERY different than being a researcher! I didn't realize until partway through that I did not want to be a lawyer, and by then it made sense to finish.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thanks so much!
Thank you!
Time is long,life is short.See the world ,see yourself.When you leave,what you left.
This was very insightful! I am considering a Biology PHD or science education pHD. In regard to research and dissertation, are we able to pick what we want to research about?
That would be a great question to ask of prospective programs!
I am not sure if it's 'prestige' but I notice that many positions ask for PhDs.
That’s not prestige, it’s an training requirement.
This ticks all the boxes for me. I spent 10 years in corporate job - UX Design. I have a thirst towards deepening my knowledge and sharing it with the world - specifically with the upcoming generation of designers. Would my work-exp. become a negative mark in my application?
I don't see why it would!
@@CaseyFieslerPhD wow. Thanks for the reply.
My son is putting together his SoP. He knows exactly the industrial job he wants (not traditional industrial research, but more like an internal think tank for big picture problem solving). He has talked to people and done lots of poking around on LinkedIn, and people doing what he wants to do have PhDs, so he wants to get a PhD so he can get that type of job. Would it work against him to present that a his major motivator in his SoP? Thanks.
I recommend sending him my video about statements of purpose, it may be useful! But I don't think there is a real answer to that question. It's probably very field/specialty dependent.
A PhD is one of the easiest and most straightforward ways to be called as an expert in a field though ?
It's been an obsession since I started college - just need direction- or pick a pretty academic color
I mean as much as I wish I had purple regalia (Northwestern and University of Washington haha) that's not a good way to pick a school. ;)
@@CaseyFieslerPhD NYU, too!
Very imperative
If I want to do my research on human trafficking/exploited individuals, but it is severely under researched and it doesn't look like there is a PhD program for this area of study, what should I do? It is super important, but academically still too new
That is a project/domain, not a field. You should be looking for programs in a field of study! And for identifying faculty advisors, if no one in the field is studying that exactly, ask yourself what it is an example of.
8:51 conveyed it all
Hi! This video was extremely helpful! I’m finding that I might want to pursue my PhD in psychology, because I don’t know if I can go the rest of my life without doing research and writing papers about the areas I’m interested in. However, another reason is that in my subfield of psychology, a PhD allows a ton of versatility to what you can do once you graduate-being a researcher, practitioner, professor, etc. in so many different types of settings-hospitals, schools, community clinics, academic settings, medical settings, etc. Would the versatility of the degree be a bad reason to pursue a PhD, if it also means there is higher money potential (but not guaranteed money potential)? Also, would single mother (who has a support system) be in over her head to pursue a PhD at the age of 27? Lastly, how many hours a week (and I know this varies) on average should a PhD student expect to work?
I can't answer any questions about Psychology as a field, nor about anything that might be possible for any particular person! There have been students in our program with children, and I certainly know that it's possible, but imagine it's challenging. (Not something I can speak to.) I also personally think that a PhD is a 40 hour per week job (assuming a teaching or research assistantship for funding) though I imagine some others might disagree with me. Though I'd consider any advisor who tells you it is more than that as a red flag.
So....what if I have a mix of good and bad? My field is a lot of grunt work, but you get treated like you can't have an original idea or think for yourself unless you have a small library of published work to swing at naysayers....
You don't have to have a PhD to publish!
I choose to do government or private service or Job as a research and work in a company(not a professor) during and after my phd . Is it good I do that?
I can't answer what kind of job would be good for you!
What if you already have a job and just doing PhD as a passion to learn?
If you're willing to quit your job to pursue a PhD, then I would hope it's more than that. Unless you're independently wealthy. :)
On SOP, how can I expand on the professorship being a motive without too much emphasis on the “teaching” aspect? Or it is a good reason but not good enough to put on the SOP?
It's fine to mention that you enjoy teaching! But I don't recommend focusing on that unless you know that the program is one that focuses more on teaching training than research.
I wish my supervisor would be like her.
Your videos help me a lot. I have teaching and research experience and I really want to do a phd. In your experience, how difficult is it for an international prospective student to get into grad school in the US?
Just from my personal experience, international applicants are treated the same as domestic applicants.
@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thank you very much for your answer! Can't wait for your next enlighting videos.
professor your glass is perfect match your handphone that’s cute
Yeah
Thank you.
Got any advice for someone with very different subjects other than the subject they want to get their PhD in.....I got my BA in Physical Education and MS in Criminal Justice, but I want to get my PhD in History to build towards a career in research and archival work.....there are varying life reasons for why I got my other degrees, but I don't how to proceed
Not uncommon! Just make sure that in your statement of purpose you make a strong argument for the narrative from there to here and what you want to do now.
I was holding my breath as every reason came up😵
Hi Casey,
I have graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical power engineering in Singapore. My research experience comes from the last six months of my university life doing power converter implementation for my final year project. I have no masters degree. Now I am about to apply for a PhD program with Newcastle University that allows me to work in an industry that develop and build Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries and at the same time pursue a PhD. The PhD program will be funded and I will receive a salary for my work. Does this means I will stand a better chance working in an industry after graduating with a PhD?
I think this is probably a question better suited for someone in your field!
Omg I felt personally attacked lmao. Thanks for the info though!
Thanks so much Prof. I am a recent graduate of Pharmacy. I am considering a PhD as well. Teaching is not really my thing. I just know I want to add to knowledge in the field of drug research and development. Please are those enough reasons?
If you want to go into R&D that probably requires a PhD!