2 replies to this topic

[syperma]

Hello.

 

I have recently finished my masters in chemE in the UK and I'm thinking about my next steps. Part of my masters was a research project, which I enjoyed a lot.

Recently, my research project supervisor contacted me telling me there has been an opening for an industry sponsored PhD position, she believes I would be a good candidate. The field is numerical modelling, particularly CFD and particle DEM applied to formulation processes, such mixing and dispersion.

In the UK the job market seems ok but the pay isn't particularly good compared to other parts of Europe and espcially the US. I have made a few job aplications but I haven't got an offer lined up yet. I would consider a PhD largely for the career opportuities it would open for me in the long term (not limited to salary of course).

I did enjoy research during my masters project, and I could see myself continuing in that space. However I need to weigh up whether it's worth it for me or not. In the current chemE environment, how valuable is a PhD? How about the space of numerical modelling and simulation?

Being truly honest, I'm not sure I want to work as a process engineer or anything alike for my career. I'm currently exploring industries like finance or software engineering, two industries I have interest and some experience in. Pay is generally better compared to chemE in the UK (though I'm aware they are two very saturated industries). Salary is not the only thing I value in a career but it's a large part of it.

If I were to apply for the PhD position, would it only be beneficial to my career in roles related to the PhD research? If I'm not sure on what industry I want to work in, is a PhD too much of an investment? I will have a meeting with the PhD supervisor to ask some questions to get a better idea of the opportunity. I have worked with the research group during my masters so I know I'll be working with a good group during a PhD.

What do you guys think? Any advice on questions I should ask the supervsior would be appreciated too. Thanks in advance!

[Pilesar]

If you have interest in PhD then it sounds a good choice for you. There are fewer job openings for PhD but all you need is one job. The ChemE PhDs that I have worked with have been in college education, software tech support, software development, research, pilot plant operation, engineering management. CFD specialists have valuable marketable skills. Continuing school will delay the higher financial compensation from a real job, but your doctoral program should pay you enough to live. Lifetime financial compensation as a PhD may not be much greater than a competent engineer with a BS. Most industry will not pay more for a PhD engineer unless that is required for the role. If you were to choose to skip the PhD, would you regret it later? From what you write, I think you would wish you had taken that path.

[breizh]

Hi,

About PhD, make sure your supervisor is the right one to supervise your thesis, offering sufficient enough guidance.

No guarantee to find a job faster and or get a better salary.

My 2 cents

Breizh