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PhD vs Job

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  • 11-06-2011 2:08pm
    #1
    2ygb4cmqetsjhx
    Closed Accounts Posts: 564 ✭✭✭


    Hi Guys.

    Bit of a tricky situation here where I have no idea really what to do. I'm just completing my Masters Thesis in Computer Science (well starting actually). I have been offered a fully funded PhD with DERI in Galway and also I have been offered a 5 year job in Munich working as a database and CRM consultant with a company called Riverland Reply. Starting Salary is 42k. Now I've lived in Munich before and would love to go back there. On the other hand I've always thought about doing a PhD. What are the possible implications of both!


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    #2
    Tom Dunne
    Registered Users Posts: 23,212 ✭✭✭✭Tom Dunne


    It depends on what you want to do.

    Do you want to stay in industry or go into academia?

    I have made the switch from industry (IT) to academia, and I will hopefully be starting a doctorate in September. I don't think a PhD would improve your job prospects, unless you got into the research arm of a company.


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    #3
    swordofislam
    Closed Accounts Posts: 643 ✭✭✭swordofislam


    If you like the idea of living in Germany a doctorate will massively improve your prospects there.


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    #4
    Surion
    Registered Users Posts: 239 ✭✭Surion


    Would totally recommend job unless working in research field. There is a cut-off point IMHO were education & experience diverge, with latter paying a much bigger dividend (not just lucrative), most especially in 'industry'.

    In interviewing at junior and mid-level positions I've seen highly academic applicants, with little applicable abilities. Kinda caught in catch 22. Unless I was specifically seeking a 'high knowledge base' - which of course there are many such fields seeking to fill roles.

    Experience pays more. Bottom line for me.


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    #5
    Tom Dunne
    Registered Users Posts: 23,212 ✭✭✭✭Tom Dunne


    I remember when I started lecturing a few years back, a senior lecturer said to me that you would never become rich in this job.

    Having worked in industry, I see the big money that can be made, especially in the field I worked in.

    However, personally, I much prefer academia in terms of quality of life.

    These are the things you need to think about.


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