The path to earning a Ph.D. can often feel like an obstacle course or a never-ending marathon of research, reading, and writing (so much writing!). Just when you think you’ll never see the light at the end of the academic tunnel, you defend your dissertation and your committee signs off on your degree. Congratulations, Doctor! Welcome to the club.
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Ph.D. is an abbreviation for the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor, more commonly known as Doctor of Philosophy. It is the highest possible degree that can be obtained, and the most recent US census indicates that about 1% of the population holds this degree. Having a Ph.D. is a distinction that indicates subject matter expertise, and it is a prerequisite for most faculty appointments at universities. But this information barely scratches the surface of what a Ph.D. really stands for.
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Imposter syndrome is the great dragon of academia, and a vicious foe that must be slain. One of the great paradoxes of academic life is that the more expertise you gain in your field, the less confidence you have in your intellectual abilities. Often starting very early in their Ph.D. program, many academics get a nagging feeling of inadequacy, one that tends to linger throughout their time in graduate school and beyond.
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When considering pursuing a Ph.D., which is the most rigorous intellectual endeavor you can embark upon, there is one question that often lingers: “Is a Ph.D. Worth It?” The answer is: “Yes, for some.” Or, “It can be, but it really depends on your situation.” Or even, “Perhaps, but make sure you’ve done your homework.”
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Few thoughts provoke as much anxiety for a newly-minted (or nearly-minted) Ph.D. as the prospect of not finding a job. After all the work and toil that goes into getting a Ph.D., it seems unthinkable that those efforts may not lead to employers clamoring for the opportunity to hire you. But it does happen, which is why it pays to put as much effort into establishing your career as you did into your degree.
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When thinking about any kind of academic publication, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind relates to peer review. While the practice is not well-understood outside of academic circles–because it doesn’t really need to be–it is highly valued within the academic community. A major goal of all academic publication endeavors is peer review, a scholarly seal of approval that most academics begin pursuing immediately after their dissertation.
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For many graduate-level degree seekers, the ultimate goal of earning a doctorate or a Ph.D. is a career in academia. While there are multiple career paths for people who earn these degrees, from government and the non-profit sector to careers in private industry, academia is also an attractive option. There are several types of academic career, and a common goal for most newly-minted Ph.D. holders is to secure a faculty appointment on the tenure track.
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