This may come as a surprise, but my professional advice to many has been: “You SAY you want a Ph.D., but you REALLY DON’T.”
Nine times out of ten, my advice has absolutely nothing to do with their aptitude, qualifications, or level of motivation.
Let Me Tell You A Story
A young lady that I met recently expressed sincere awe that I was so young and accomplished vis a vis my doctorate degree. She was enthralled, inspired, wanted to seek out graduate programs to apply to as soon as she got home. At some point during this spiel is when I typically interject into the “how great it is to have a Ph.D. monologue.”
“How do you feel about science and research?” I simply asked.
Well…. long story short, she wasn’t into research, and had no idea that a significant chunk of life during doctoral study included pouring over academic journals, high volume reading, conducting research, learning the ins and outs of statistical techniques, presenting research, and then writing up findings to be published in an academic journal. Rinse and repeat.
I watched her face turn green, and kindly advised that a Ph.D. was not the right career path for her. When she did discuss her career goals, she was infinitely turned on by the softer side of psychology, practicing therapeutic work with clients. A masters degree, emphasizing applied work, was more up her alley, and to look into mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, or even a masters in social work as a better fit for her career goals.
Prestige-Seekers Need Not Apply
Prestige. Boosting credibility. These are commonly expressed, and in-and-of-itself, really BAD REASONS to pursue a Ph.D., especially on your own dime.
Yet another friend of mine expressed an idea that having a title behind their name would boost their credibility in their chosen field. She was interested in relationship counseling and sex therapy, and yes, while a “title” may help sell books, it won’t help you actually enjoy the hours of research you’re about to embark on. Anything that feels like absolutely drudgery in pursuit of a degree is probably a clear indication that you’re on the wrong path.
Instead, what this doctor ordered is the winning combination of a masters degree, years of proven practice work experience, and a reputation that speaks for itself in your goal to get your philosophy and approach out to the masses.
The specific examples above apply squarely to the field of psychology. However, there is a larger point here. No matter what discipline you are currently interested in, a common thread among most academic Ph.D. programs is research. And research simply does not float everyone’s boat. And it’s OK.
Let me tell you – most graduate admissions committees do their fair share of work to head off the prestige-seekers at the pass (personal statement essay, anyone?). It’s not because they’re trying to prevent you from exercising your unalienable right to earn a Ph.D. You’re just not the BEST FIT candidate. At some point during your grad school education, you’ll probably come to the same realization.
Bottom line: If you’re not of the research-y, data- or evidence-driven, and slightly geeky persuasion, then you really do not want a Ph.D.
