A Ph.D. degree is the highest qualification in the academic world. Having a Ph.D. is a testimony to the fact that you have gained expertise in your field. It goes a long way to show your intellectual prowess.
Aside from the prestige one gets from being a Ph.D. holder, having this degree also shows that you have great analytical skills. These skills could set you apart for employment opportunities.
Do you really need a PhD?
A Ph.D. degree is an extremely tasking and challenging academic program. Before embarking on this journey, you should ask yourself: why do you want to do a PhD? If you are not planning to work in the academic world, you need to decide if you need to embark on the Ph.D. journey.
Knowing why you are taking the journey will prevent you from getting frustrated. Why get a PhD if you can get a good job without having to go through stress? When you have decided that you really need a Ph.D. degree, go for it.
What are the reasons to get a PhD?
There are many reasons people go for Ph.D. degrees. Some go because they love the prestige attached to it. Others go because they have a passion for their field and wish to challenge the status quo. A Ph.D. degree is useful in the following ways:
- Shows expertise
Unlike undergraduate and master’s degrees, a Ph.D. degree demands thorough research. Many people drop out of Ph.D. programs because of the workload and effort required. It is believed that anyone who can survive the ordeal has gained expertise. A person who can successfully graduate from a Ph.D. program would have developed many skills in research and analysis.
- Viability for academic positions
In the past, having a Ph.D. degree was necessary to gain positions in universities. These days, a Ph.D. degree may not necessarily be required at an entry-level position in a university.
To be a Graduate Assistant or Assistant Lecturer, one does not need a PhD However, before one can progress, there is a need for a Ph.D. degree. Ph.D. holders are also higher paid than non-PhD holders. Additionally, having a PhD degree creates more chances of getting a job at the university.
- Shows research ability
Do you have to write a thesis for a doctorate? Yes, you do! To earn a Ph.D. degree, you must have shown the ability to do some research by writing a thesis.
You cannot say you have completed your program if you have not written a thesis. The process of writing a thesis is usually arduous and tasking. However, if you were able to complete this task, you would have added a feather to your cap of research.
- Relevance in the research society
Do you need a PhD to do research? Maybe not! However, your research is more credible and carries more weight if you are a PhD degree holder. You are more likely to be referenced because you would be considered an authority in that field.
What is the purpose of a dissertation?
In every dissertation, there is a section that states the significance of the study. What is the purpose of the study? How will the study help society? Adding to the body of knowledge is usually the purpose of any research.
The research will end in the refuse dump if it adds nothing to the existing body of knowledge. On the other hand, relevant research can be referred to constantly by other researchers.
One major purpose of dissertation is to either consolidate or challenge an existing theory. It is not unusual for researchers to create new theories to back up their research. Some researchers, through their work, point out the loopholes in a previous claim. Of course, this is always backed up by intensive research. This is why PhD degree holders are considered experts.
Conclusion
A PhD research usually involves self-supervision and intrinsic motivation. You will face a lot of challenges and feel like giving up. However, having a reason to do the program will propel you not to give up. If you can keep pushing and achieve your goal, it will be worth your while.
