She Strengthens

Pursuing a PhD: A Personal Reflection on its Value

As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of the crucial career-defining moments that shape our lives. One such moment is deciding whether to pursue a post-graduate degree. For me, earning a PhD in a STEM field has been a transformative experience. In this article, I’ll share my personal assessment of its usefulness and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Following My Passion for Science

Growing up, I was fascinated by science. This passion led me to pursue a B.Sc. in biotechnology engineering in Mexico, where I’m from. Fortunately, I secured a scholarship, which allowed me to complete my degree debt-free. With my undergraduate degree in hand, I took the next step and enrolled in a PhD program in infection immunology in Germany. The program offered a generous scholarship, and I was drawn to the field of immunology.

The Industry Beckons

During my PhD, I wasn’t sure if I’d end up in academia or industry. However, after various experiences and mentorship from professors, I realized that industry was a better fit for me. I began searching for jobs requiring a PhD in biosciences. Although I acquired a range of techniques and methods during my PhD, my research topic wasn’t highly sought after in industry. This forced me to expand my job search to areas related to my undergraduate degree.

Landing a Fulfilling Job

The job search was challenging, with many rejections. Nevertheless, I secured a position as an associate scientist at a biopharmaceutical company while still in the final months of my PhD funding. This role has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m grateful to work on something I enjoy daily.

The Value of a PhD

Although I’m not currently working in the same field as my PhD, it equipped me with essential skills. I developed analytical thinking, learned to formulate research questions, design experiments, and manage projects independently. These skills have been invaluable in my current role.

Bracing Realities

Pursuing a PhD comes with its challenges. Here are some key takeaways:

• Academia is tough: The environment is competitive, and securing a permanent position is difficult. Salaries for post-docs and tenure-track professionals are often low, considering the long hours they work.
• Industry competition is high: With many PhD holders vying for the same jobs, it’s essential to develop diverse skills and network extensively.
• Networking is crucial: Attend conferences, symposia, and meetings to learn about your industry and connect with professionals. Don’t underestimate the value of networking opportunities, even with sales representatives.

In conclusion, my PhD journey has been a valuable experience, despite the challenges. By sharing my story, I hope to provide insights for those considering pursuing a post-graduate degree.