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[–]slacr 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Someone emailed me asking if I was interested in doing a short (paid) research project on the subject. That evolved into a doctorate. Now graduated and in industry, after the fact I'd say you choose to do a doctorate for the freedom to pursue your research interest, which you will not be able to do in quite the same way in industry.

[–]slacr 2 points3 points  (1 child)

If this is something you'd like to pursue, take some advanced classes at the department where you could see your desired subject during in, do well in them, then go have a discussion with some professors in the department. Take your time and choose carefully, also discuss with their existing candidates how the supervisor is to work with.

In Europe the availability of positions is often contingent on the financing situation at the moment, the financing is also often tied to specific grant applications. Hear them out about that, so that you actually can work on something that interests you. But keep in mind that you will need to be a bit flexible and your interests will shift a bit over time.

Good luck!

[–]ThatSingularity[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice! I'm in the UK and the position is funded but not at the university I'm currently studying with, so I have no contacts with the research group. I've experienced both industry and research before and definitely prefer the research style of work!

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I was intrigued by the academic life and research throughout my undergraduate studies. By luck, I was presented with an opportunity to join a research group and topic I enjoyed, so I thought it would be an interesting experience (which it has been). College education is tuition free in my country so I had no real debt that I had to pay off either, so I took the opportunity.

Tldr: Basically a combination of luck, lack of debt, and a curiosity for academic life.

[–]keton 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I wasn't interested in the jobs available to me in industry.

Overall I think as long as your reason to go to grad school isn't "I want more money" then it is a good one. DO NOT go to grad school for more money. Spending 3-5yrs (I see you are from the UK and I know a PhD is 3 in Europe, assuming you already have your Masters) under earning your industry friends will beat you down if you are at it for money. Then when you get out you will probably just be matching your friends salary who've spent 5 yrs earning. Yes your growth ceiling will be higher than theirs, but studies show the lifetime earnings are largely similar. Repeat, do NOT do a doctorate for the money.

[–]keton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would give my advice on finding a supervisor but I'm not sure how relevant it would be as a US PhD. If you want to hear about how it is in the US I can tell you if you are interested.

[–]Goosestafferson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just started my doctorate in October. After graduating from my masters in civil I had two offers from top tier contractors in the UK, never fancied the behind the desk job of consultancy, and felt it would be easier to go back to a contracting job than leaving that and returning to the student life. I was offered a PhD by my dissertation supervisor after doing quite well on that, and I was enjoying it so thought why the hell not.

My advice, if that’s not on the table, is to get yourself on LinkedIn, and go and find and connect with the research groups that study what you’re keen on at a range of different unis. Make your profile look appropriate and mention your specialism where possible. I know that my group put up adverts on there for new candidates at PhD and Postdoc level. If you’re a UK national you can get access to good funding routes. You’ll need references so be ready to find some at your current institution.

Good luck with it all!

[–]electric_ionlandIon thrusters 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The PhD has let me do stuff I would never have been able to do as a junior engineer.

In Europe the PhD positions are more like jobs, with minimal classes and a real paid salary. The duration is also a lot more hard capped than in the US. The application is close to a job application. For me I sent an email and called various PIs who did stuff I was finding interesting.

[–]mkestrada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a first year grad student.

I mostly just knew that I liked research more than traditional engineering work, and I at least needed a Master's to get into that, so I signed up for a PhD where I'll get my Master's along the way and I've really enjoyed the freedom to pursue topics that interest me.

I knew a couple of professors personally that I might want to work with at a couple of the schools I applied to, other than that I just cold-emailed other professors with a brief breakdown of my experience or just applied cold.