Ph.Ds in IT - Good or Bad for a Career?

LordNimon asks: "I'm thinking about getting my Ph.D. (I currently have a Master's) in computer engineering. I've heard all sorts of stories about Ph.Ds being less likely to find a job than their less-educated counterparts, but not a lot of credible evidence. So, I was hoping to hear from Slashdot readers on their experience. Do you think getting a Ph.D. in CompSci or CompEng will improve or worsen my career outlook in the industry? Has anyone witnessed someone being turned down for a job because he had too much education? If you're a hiring manager, what is your opinion on someone who has a Ph.D. and is otherwise already qualified for the position?"

Comments

Depends on your experience

[JohnGrahamCumming]

My experience with having a PhD differed depending on which side of the
Atlantic I was on. When I was in the UK (where I got the qualification) I
definitely met resistance from some companies who asked me bluntly why I had
bothered to get a PhD if I wasn't going to do research, and seemed suspicious
that I might be too "academic" for their jobs. Only one company, ICI, was
positive about my doctorate stating that I would start at a higher pay grade
because of it.

In the US I've found that the PhD was a plus, people respect that you did
the work to get it and generally are interested by the topic I choose (security).
I have not had a negative reaction here.

In my current position where I hire people the more education the better, as
long as the person has the skills required for the job. So I have had to choose
between a person with a PhD who had just learnt C++ and a person with a Master's
who's spent 2 years coding in C++ then the Master's wins. What's going to be
important with your PhD is to demostrate that you have practical experience along
with the studies (could be through a summer job, for example).

John.

Re:Depends on your experience

[AwesomeJT]

I would vote for the two years of actual, practical workforce C++ than to more years of theory getting another degree. I still think getting an higher degree is a good goal, but folks shouldn't do it for the possible pay increase or other mythical promises. Other fields benefit more from the PhD than CS/CIS/MIS. Perhaps PhD in CE would be nice.

Of course, with the economy, it might be a good time to invest in your education. Either way, your going to be underpaid and/or overqualified. I know a few PhDs flipping hamburgers at McDonalds until they can get a "real job".

Anyways, the effect of the PhD or even Masters becomes less important with time, as your workplace experience increases. The lasting part of the degree is more of a sense of accomplishment and having enjoyed the process of obtaining such a degree.

I feel that way about my BS. It was nice to get my first job or so, but after that, the employers really didn't care as long as I had *some* type of degree. I never had anyone ask what grades I made in my CS course work. :-)

Re:well..

[Frymaster]

the key here is research. if you want more of a research position, a phd will go a looong way. if you are more into implementation, a masters might already be too much.