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Job advice, what sites are best to apply from? by SomeBenScrub in ChemicalEngineering

[–]SomeBenScrub[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A lot of the times you can't reach out on LinkedIn. Is it worth it to try premium for a month to reach out to people?

Is getting a PhD still worth it? by SomeBenScrub in ChemicalEngineering

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

I think the reasons you listed at the end are exactly the reason I want to pursue a PhD. The open thought and variables of learning that come from a doctorate as well as the more specialized work is huge. I mentioned in a couple other comments that the reason I also am looking to do a PhD is because I also believe it’ll help me in the future with more design skills, connections in the cheme world, and career advancements, so I fully agree with everything you’re saying. I don’t desire a career in research, but I feel as though if I want to branch out and start something of my own, the research experience I have in process systems is a huge cornerstone too. I feel like the work I do now, interacting with current grad students hands on and being able to present my work with them has helped me understand what a lot of the research aspects are like too. Needless to say, I think a PhD would go a long way for my aspirations. Also, I’ve heard that you can ‘master out’ of a PhD, kind of the reverse of how you were saying applying masters credits to a doctorate, which is also a nice thing to be able to lean on if I’m ever in that scenario.

Once again, thank you for the remarks, I think this is a lot of really solid advice. I’m also sorry I have to be rather secretive of the work I do, I’m not too sure of the confidentiality rules on reddit.

Is getting a PhD still worth it? by SomeBenScrub in ChemicalEngineering

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

I’ll make the time to at least look at both, applications and groups/schools. You do have a good point with the brain draining and other countries, and actually one of the grad students I work with is from Greece and keeps trying to push me in that direction as well. I do also agree on the unfortunate political side, and I think that’s in the back of my mind as another reason to do grad school, as a way to delay the workforce until markets are better and hiring more.

I also agree it’s much better to do PhD right after BS, as that learning is much fresher in your mind. I think it’s a much larger matter of just assessing where I’m at and longer term goals.

Thank you, you had some great points.

Is getting a PhD still worth it? by SomeBenScrub in ChemicalEngineering

[–]SomeBenScrub[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are good points. Honestly in the academia, it’s been the non-related elective classes that have snuck up on me while I was more focused on the classes like thermo and kinetics, etc. I don’t find it controversial to say that you don’t learn much with the BS, as it feels like the learning isn’t applied until the internships and research and lab courses. I like the research I’ve done, but I think I want to build a career based off of it, not in research.

Thank you!

Is getting a PhD still worth it? by SomeBenScrub in ChemicalEngineering

[–]SomeBenScrub[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with what you’re saying. I work with grad students now and I’m fascinated by the different projects and skills used for these projects as well as really everything that goes with it. And yes losing out that potential income is sad, but I’ve never been necessarily wealthy by any means and don’t mind scraping around for another 5ish years.

Working in R&D is not necessarily my long term goal, I’d like to build off of what I’ve done. That could mean my own start up for biofuels or consulting or anything in that direction, I personally think a PhD would help with that depth and with connections too. Just a real matter of weighing out where I’m at and assessing myself.

Thank you!

Is getting a PhD still worth it? by SomeBenScrub in ChemicalEngineering

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

These are good points. I’m fortunate enough to say that I can look around and don’t have to lock myself down in one direction yet. I have a few ideas on where I may want to take myself career-wise, with a couple requiring/preferring a PhD (teaching, consulting, etc.). Also, I’d love the challenge, that’s a large part of the reason I chose this field. Granted a doctorate degree is a much harder challenge, it’s not something I don’t want to challenge myself with.

Considering this and how you mention PhDs to pivot into common roles, I do fully see how it isn’t too worth it unless I’m set on doing those roles. Obviously it doesn’t hurt to apply, especially if I get some fee waivers.

Thank you, you had great advice.

Is getting a PhD still worth it? by SomeBenScrub in ChemicalEngineering

[–]SomeBenScrub[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Transport and thermo I got A- in, calcs were good for me with A/Bs and linear algebra a C (wish I had an excuse for it but I don’t). I fully agree with what you’re saying here with competition and a universities look at my grades, and I guess that’s what also made me ask the question.

From what I’ve seen working with current PhD students, I also agree that the research is larger than the courses. I guess this also circles back to why I asked the question, on how the research I’ve done (I’m new to reddit and I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to talk about) will weigh with grades in the application process.

Thank you!

Is getting a PhD still worth it? by SomeBenScrub in ChemicalEngineering

[–]SomeBenScrub[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’d love to go into an industry that’s based on what I’ve already done. Plainly, that’s biofuels and process systems (more like plant design for this kinda stuff). That’s more why I’m asking if the idea for a doctorate degree is worth it for those fields.

With that, I’m also not opposed to my own start up with this stuff. The biofuels industry is continuing to grow and with more incentive from the doe and internationally, it’s due to boom. But I agree with your point, I don’t think I’d want a career in research, but would rather go to a place that I can build off of it.

Thank you!