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Ph.D Employment?

Posted by Cliff on from the advanced-education-in-the-workforce dept.

Dr. Nik asks: "As a recent Ph.D graduate in EE, I am curious to know where other Ph.Ds are employed. More specifically, I would be interested in knowing if you have moved into careers other than academic. Have you veered from the path? Are you still working in the field, or have you completely changed direction?" A couple of months ago, Slashdot was polled for PhDs in IT. How well do other areas of the workforce compare when it comes to hiring Doctorates?

3 of 51 comments (clear)

  1. My doctorate is in Mechanical Engineering by NVH+Engr · · Score: 4, Informative

    I have never worked in academia and have never seriously considered it, other than as a part time adjunct faculty member. Industry has a strong need for PhD's; you have to look hard and be somewhat creative to find the opportunities but they are there.

  2. Thanks for the responses (this is Dr. Nik) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    To be more specific, I have specialised in the area of wireless systems designing high data rate systems (physical layer, radios, etc.). I also have experience in industry designing wireless products for a well-known company in North America. I am also currently employed in what many here would consider a low paying job (making wages that are below industry standard for those interested in knowing).

    My purpose in asking this question was to get an idea of what people with PhD's are doing these days.

    As one poster said.. shouldn't I have thought about this before doing a PhD? The answer is NO.
    I believe that the quest to understand oneself and what makes one tick never ends. A PhD is never "SET FOR LIFE". Just like anybody else, we simply look for what challenges us most. Money is never the reason for doing a PhD. No one in their right mind would think of a PhD as a licence to print money.

    thank you and I look forward to your responses.

    regards,
    Dr. Nik

  3. Thanks for your responses... by dr_nik · · Score: 2, Informative

    To be more specific, I have specialised in the area of wireless systems optimising high data rate systems at the physical layer. I also have experience in industry designing wireless products for a well-known company in North America. I am basically a 'radio-subsystem-guy'. I am also currently employed in what many here would consider a low paying job (making wages that are below industry standard for those interested in knowing). But I digress. My purpose in asking this question was to get an idea of what people with PhD's are doing these days. Is academia the preferred route these days or are EE's finding industry at the forefront of technology? As one poster said.. shouldn't I have thought about this before doing a PhD? The answer is NO. I did a PhD for the love of it, not because the market told me to do so. A PhD is never "SET FOR LIFE". Just like anybody else, we simply look for what challenges us most. Money is never the reason for doing a PhD. No one in their right mind would think of a PhD as a licence to print money. thank you and I look forward to your responses. regards, Dr. Nik