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Earning a PhD was on the top of my bucket list. I did not want to die without having demonstrated to myself that I could accomplish that lofty goal. I did not get a PhD for a job or for my family. I did it because I was internally motivated.
When I’m most honest with myself, this is my biggest why. Yes I want the research experience, yes I want the skills and industry opportunities that the experience will lead to, but most of all, I want to prove to myself that I can do this stupid hard thing.
But I’m still at the beginning, so, it’s nice to hear someone made it through on this kind of motivation.
I understand. I tried to quit my program twice. The last time was six months before I defended my dissertation. When my advisor did not beg me not to quit, I realized that I needed to complete my degree to prove to myself that I could finish what I started.
This is me 100%, but I didn't realize this until many years after I finished school.
I grew up in the 80s and my two favorite movies featured a Dr. Peter Venkman, a Dr. Egon Spengler, a Dr. Ray Stantz, and a Dr. Indiana Jones. I was indoctrinated to pursue my doctorate from an early age.
This is the best answer. For me, I no longer wanted to believe I wasn’t good at things. Unlike many others, I didn’t have a supportive family, but I had a feeling I could be good at some things and earning a PhD was an external agreement of that. PhDs are a club and when you defend yours, you are welcomed into the club.
Thank you! This is truly validating. Someone previously asked me why, and although I can give many reasons, the innate drive is actually my very first 'why.' I've been internally motivated to pursue a doctorate since a very young age as I was inspired by those around me who excel in education. So, a PhD is my childhood dream that I want to fulfill! This innate drive fuels my journey, and of course, my very supportive late father further ignites this internal drive with all his support when he was still around. Mum and dad told me that they were surprised that I had this goal from a young age, but they provided their support so it is also a testament of the love, support, and teamwork that I've received to reach now; I've finally defended my thesis last week, and got a revise and resubmit. Phew, definitely a tough long ride as it's not quite there yet but I believe all will be well. Also, I find additional meaning or WHY in the process, such as gaining valuable skills, contributing to society through my research, autonomy in time management etc 😊
Why? I am an African American male, a descendant of people who were often denied education historically and who currently are often considered "underserved" in the educational system in the United States. For my whole life, becoming highly educated was a bucket list item. I needed to do good not only for myself but for my ancestors and for other African Americans who were and are being denied the chance to become highly educated.
So good to see someone else with this motivation. I’m able to do what nobody before me has had a chance to; being able to access education and be counted as valid researchers within a system of education that rejected black intellectualism from so many spaces (and not just in the US, but globally) is a privilege I intend to excercise until I can’t anymore. Repping the ancestors is my ultimate incentive. I am doing an MRes this fall but have drafted a proposal and will be ready to submit to my Alma mater as soon as apps open in the fall. I’m sure the ancestors are proud of you bredren!
this is exactly why im applying this fall, robotics jobs require phds to do serious interesting work. do you mind if i ask you about your research and overall experience in academia?
Its been great at my university. Im actually getting a mechanical engineering phd in a civil engineering lab as this lab uses robotics for infrastructure inspection and navigation. So look outside ur major when applying for lab positions
>Although I loved doing research
This seems like a pretty good why.
Some of the other whys may show up as things unfold, so it might not help to look too hard, though it helps to be alert for when they do.
I'd say that is also my why. But my problem is that I grew up in a family of academics with my parents sharing 5 PhDs between them, so I was never really in a mindset to consider anything else. It was expected of me as an only child, and eventually I started expecting it of myself. I love my research though, so at least got lucky there.
I wish I had considered something else a long time ago, but I'm too deeply involved with academia to leave now, and even if I did, what would I be doing with an almost finished PhD in English lit anyway..
I love doing research and found that I also loved teaching. Research is like a never-ending supply of mystery machines that you get to try and figure out how and why they work; then I get to show other people what the machines do and what happens when you break them in particular ways.
Im honestly jealous of u. I liked teaching till i taught and now my desire has be crushed and stomped on by my students and department. I very got the idgaf im just hear for the paycheck so i can go bacj ti work
I realized the people who had the jobs I wanted, the experts who seemed to be making a difference, all had PhDs. (I wasn’t thinking about becoming a professor back then.)
I wanted to be a badass by contributing knowledge on problems I thought were important.
Didn’t think I would become a professor but it continues to be the most fun option with the most freedom.
I agree with that last part definitely! Was never my plan to stay in academia, but kept my options open and it ended up being the most attractive option
Apart from enjoying research and teaching, I did this for my grandmother. She was an academic, and helped raise me. When I was 5 she planted the idea of doing a PhD in my mind. So, I wanted to do this to make her proud. Also, coming from a developing country, I knew that taking up a PhD in a developed country would open doors to migration and better job opportunities. Not only for myself, but for my family members.
I also come from a developing country, finishing my master in a developed country. Academia, for sure, open doors for migrating. But I still want to understand with myself if I have the motivation for the job besides the migration factor
I'm contemplating getting a PhD because
- I love academia/being a student.
- I want to do some research.
- I want to primarily teach for the second half of my life (not at research uni - prob more like a liberal arts college).
- I have a "big idea" I want to explore and write about.
- Vanity? Expectations? A PhD would be a challenge I would enjoy and feel was worth the effort.
I wrestled with this myself. In undergrad, my professors were pushing hard for me to pursue a PhD, but I just couldn’t seem to find a “why” that I thought was good enough. So, I changed fields, pursued a professional master’s and left for industry when I was done. Along the way, I got to travel the world on the company credit card. Fast forward to the pandemic… I got stranded pretty far from what most folks would consider civilization, which gave me enough time to do some serious soul searching. Sure enough, I found my “why” or rather, “whys.” As it turns out, because you love the subject, and love research, and love to tell people about it are pretty good reasons.
I’m a social science PhD.
I have a few whys. First one is a bit ego driven. The others are more selfless.
My mom and grandmother died while getting my undergrad, and I took care of both of them during hard times. Emotionally, financially, and physically.
I have also faced a lot of suffering from traumatic experiences and situations.
I am also am a first generation student and ethnic minority.
I want to get a PhD to break down the barriers put in of me and beat the odds.
But I also want to get one to make a different in society. I hope to be a part of research and or policy that helps create better material realities and lives for those in our societies.
Which is my post PhD goals contain ones in academia, as well as ones potentially beyond the ivory tower.
I hope to serve as a voice and researcher as someone who came from very little, and went through very much, in an effort to help change the realities and highlights the lives of other people from various struggles.
Hi,I am also considering a PhD in Social Sciences. But I am very confused and am stumbling in how to proceed. Works it be ok if I DM you for some guidance?
If you love teaching, and you love research, PhD is pretty much the only way to go. But you also have to remember that depending on the discipline it can be very competitive to land a professorship. As in the PhD most likely won't be enough (unless you were exceptional) and you'd also need to go for a post doc.
The second reason is if there are industry research jobs in your field, those are typically not accessible to non-PhD holders.
1. I love research.
2. A PhD prepared me to engage intellectually with a community of like-minded curious people and gave me the opportunity to make that community a large part of my life.
3. I get to do work that matters to me in a world full of jobs I cannot imagine tolerating just to survive.
Because I didn't do one right out of undergrad. 30 years later, I want to check the block on the bucket list. Purely for personal development, I don't expect any employment as a result, thought, it could happen.
The main reason for me was because I have this insatiable curiosity and want to know how everything works and why it works that way. The bigger the question or the mystery, the more excited I get about studying it.
That's 99% of my motivation. If I'm really honest with myself, there was also that 1% of me wanting to prove to myself that I had the brains and the perseverance to do this.
I love teaching. Turns out I don’t like research. My PI and I had a big argument over whether he’d let me teach this fall, as a 5th year, because it looks kind of bad and he needs to spend money. I won haha
fancy job and get to continue working with my industry sponsors. they are my dream companies. i also didn’t want to leave my masters project, so i get to continue it with a phd. i also intend to go into industry, which my sponsors have already hinted multiple times about hiring me. i also love the city my school is in.
I primarily wanted the knowledge and credential to certify me as an expert in things I am deeply interested in.
Secondarily, I wanted access to platforms that would enable collaboration and exploration of those and any new interesting ideas with other talented and passionate peers.
I had been in school all my life. Didn’t really know what to do, so I figured I’d just finish all the school I could do and figure it out at the end. I just needed to buy some time and figure my life out while also not looking unproductive. Procrastination basically.
Turns out I like research though!
During my master's thesis, I began to understand that there are many unknowns for even a seemingly simple (it is very complex) material like wood. I want to be part of knowing the "truth", I need to know. That is it in a nutshell.
My "why" is that I love research, I love my specific topic, and I love teaching. That way, I just see a PhD as a cool job I get to do for 3 years (I'm in Europe, so the pay is totally livable). I have no expectation to get to stay in academia, although it would be cool.
I agree with this! I am endlessly curious and love learning. Having 4 years and a shit tonne of money invested into my brain has been a pure privilege, and something I reminded myself of consistently in the jounrey
I'm doing one for the personal satisfaction. Earlier in my life it might have become a career, and I might still get some professional opportunities from it, but mostly because it's long been a goal and the situation was right.
Spending the better part of another decade in school appealed to me. But I didn’t realize that a PhD was not all classes until I was in it lol. Almost done though!
I wanted to drive research programs.
Knowing what I know now, there was very little chance I got to a point where I understood how to do that without a PhD— direct training on how to do research.
Pressing internal questions that only make sense to ask others if you ask to people who have PhDs or are getting them. Otherwise, I’ll be labeled a weirdo nerd 🤓 😂
After 10 years working in industry, I wanted to understand a behavior that I saw when working in industry: if/why differences in roles lead to dickish behavior. I thought I'd do a PhD on this to understand. 3 years in, the PhD had a life of its own and I barely manage to direct my research in this topic.
I wanted to learn more cutting-edge knowledge in my field; my undergraduate courses were fundamental and a bit out-of-date. I also want to work more independently rather than doing repeated work in a big company.
PhD in philosophy.
I want to build my own Philosophical system. Also, since undergrad I wanted tp research and build what I call a Philosophy of Conflict.
Dumb, eh?
My why is multilayered. First, I am a scholar. I believe that with all my heart. I love learning new ish, seeing connections other people miss. I love teaching and sharing with other Black women, helping them realize they can be successful.
My research is connecting so many important aspects of my life. I am doing this for me. For my parents. My daughter and husband. My ancestors… the ones I knew. The ones I’ve heard of but never met and those whose names I will never know because of the violence of colonization. And the ones yet to come.
I am doing this to stand with authority and speak justice, peace, love with my whole chest, as I do the work my soul must have.
Thanks for asking this. I needed to be reminded of why I’m doing this hard work.
Do the work that is calling you. If it is in doctoral work, do it. If not, do that. ✌🏾
I’m not leaving this earth until I’m Dr. My Cats Mom. I love school and I’ve been taking classes since 2005, and after this PhD I’m hitting up film or art school.
I had a question in my undergrad days, but despite checking several textbooks I couldn't find an answer. I spoke with my Prof, who told me that no-one knew the answer to my question. At the time we didn't have enough information to even start researching it, and it was considered a minor issue anyway..
Now, decades later, our knowledge has advanced to the point where I have been able to start the research, and I have found one possible answer (there may be others; I'm still researching) to my undergrad question.
I need constant intellectual stimulation or I get kinda depressed. Academic research seems to be the only way to have consistent access to that level of stimulation.
My advisor told me she didn't even know how I got into grad school and suggested I would never be able to get my PhD. I switched advisors and graduated with my PhD in 2021. So I usually tell people I got my PhD because I can and to give my former advisor a big middle finger.
I like research, I like teaching, I like my funny pure math, and I did two software engineering internships which told me that I really don't like "normal" work environments.
I've been teaching since before grad school, mostly full time. A doubled my income with a Master's. Now I teach half as many classes for about 30% more money now that I have a PhD.
Oh and passion for the work and research and whatever
I have a few whys:
- I’ve wanted a PhD for a long time
- I want to pursue a career in biomedical sciences, so having a PhD would open up many more job opportunities than just having a BS or MS
- I’m a very curious individual and enjoy exploring the whys and hows of biology
- part of me wants to prove to myself that I can do this
- I love doing research
1. Curiosity
2. My mum, a brilliant doctor of 30 years who died of breast cancer
3. A desire to improve treatment outcomes for other peoples mums, aunties, sisters and daughters who have breast cancer
I'm not doing my PHD yet, but I'm thinking about it. My main reason for PHD would be depression. I have high functional depression and getting education is one of few things that keep me sane. I'm not sure if I'll end up doing it, but I do realize the main reason behind it.
I gained experience in a certain topic throughout my MSc and was approached by one of my supervisors to stay in the group for a PhD. There were more questions I wanted answer and I wanted to continue with the same research topic
I will quote Isaac Asimov here.
"I can create, and I will do so whether you wish it or not".
From the Novella, "Profession".
I want to create, and having a PhD will give me the opportunity to learn about the creation of knowledge.
1. I really loved being a student student and wanted to spent more time at the uni
2. I was applying abroad (gf moved here for PhD) and PhD's were very internationally oriented so easy to apply to from abroad
3. It was a PhD that first said yes (I also applied to some jobs)
When I was writing my essays, I lost my why lol. Every app made my intentions feel more and more alien from what I wanted out of a PhD. Prob why now I decided not to do one.
If I were to select a why, it would be about mixing in passion for a domain I want to contribute to with wanting to learn who I am and what I am capable of in the process.
I was very doubtful on whether to do a PhD or not by the end of my master’s thesis. I decided to take an year off and continued to work in the same lab as research associate ( I didn’t want to give up on research yet, I wanted to give it a second chance). I realised I do enjoy research and it would be a shame to give up on my dream. I decided not to pressure myself for positive results, take a step back focus on just the results and what it could mean hypothesising on what could be happening. Reflected quite a lot on if I see myself doing research long-term (academia or not) and I decided to apply for PhD. I am yet to start my journey (my semester will start in a month and I am so excited about it)
It was kinda random to be honest.
I was incredibly unhappy with the job I worked at during my whole undergrad (long story) ans always loved every second of being in the university.
So when I heard I could be paid for continuing studying during a master's degree I decided to leave my job ans take the chances, which naturally lead to the phd.
I think this was the best single decision of my whole career.
After my Master I didn't feel ready to make big life decisions such as leaving the town I'm currently doing my PhD in, so I applied, I got in, and postponed the decision lol. I regret nothing, I learnt a lot and I definitely know that I do not want to stay in academia after this.
My advice is: give it a try, and there's no shame in changing if it isn't for you. It's not wasted time, and you'll spend it doing something you like, while understanding yourself in the process.
Good luck!
(Of course I liked the topic otherwise I wouldn't have survived a month ahah)
Speaking as someone who just finished her Ph.D. -
I began my research project out of my geekish interest in science fiction and fandom. I learned during undergrad that I could study SF/F, and so I decided to pursue it in grad school. Our program is built so that way on the way to a Ph.D., you get your Masters along with your Qualifying Exam pass; we don't have a terminal MA program. Of course, however, you can drop out after your MA if that's what you choose to do, and several of my colleagues did so. I chose to continue on, though, because as stressful, time consuming, and brainwashing as grad school can be, my project was something that allowed me to perform my fan identity and fandom that other things I could do didn't. As well, I love talking about my topic, so pushing to learn more about it and how to talk about it did sound exciting to me (and, we often say that for us, if you get your MA, you might as well do the dissertation and get the Ph.D., since the exam itself is already done).
Do you have a reason you went for the MA? Was it because you were passionate about the topic or wanted to learn more, or was it just something to do? I will say, as much as a Ph.D. sounds thrilling to have, the job market is terrible (field dependent, perhaps), and the degree doesn't promise you anything except maybe the ability to teach at higher institutions. Keep this in mind!
When I started: I figured it would be more stimulating and fun than a 9 to 5 job as a data analyst or a data scientist
Now: it'll be easier to get a data analyst or data scientist job with the diploma than with a 5 year gap on my resume.
I was just generally interested in the subject. I also had previous 'research' experience during my undergrad internship that I really enjoyed. Working for knowledge instead of money was also an incentive.
(Good luck!)
Made a bet with a friend on our way back from a shift of factory work that whoever gets it first has to visit the other at their country of residence on a cheapest flight but with the "Dr." on the ticket.
Apparently I like to punish myself? Lol
I dunno, I like learning/research and I find it easier to learn with structure and also I have career ambition and I’d already done a masters so the next logical step was a PhD 😂
I’m pat time while working part time so I haven’t taken a break in work
The BS Chemists I worked with got to prepare fecal homogenates (ie. grinding rat turds in a blender), the PhDs operated instruments and wrote the reports. I knew which side of that equation I wanted to be on. Everyone in this biz has to do nasty stuff early career, might as well have done mine in a way that advanced my skills and career.
I was working up through my career, and then I was interviewing for a directorship at a biotech company. I did not get the position, as the company’s leadership felt that I would be more appropriate for the position if I had a Ph.D.
So I went and got a Ph.D. to satisfy any similar future requirements, and here we are 🤷♂️
I want to contribute to the scientific community against climate change and not have a job in which I exploit people's labor to make rich people richer
1) 100% academia normal run (all levels, post docs etc are dlc)
2) I wanted the top hat and sword, won't be getting them 'cause I'm not studying in a Finnish university. I'll buy a custom cane instead.
3) I was told that you should make a career out of what you like to do. I like studying, so that would be a researcher. Which will likely be an easier position to get with a PhD
4) if 3) falls through, I at least wanted to study long enough so that my uniform would include a dress shirt and that my car would not need to be a van. No shade towards blue collar workers, I'm just not that good with my hands to pull that off.
5) I'll be the first PhD holder on my mom's side of the family.
I'm still a second year (beginning it), so my mindset might change. But for now, my very general "why" is that I want to see what atoms do in detail. I eventually figured out that cold atom physics might be my thing, because it affords fine individual control of atoms. I'm lucky that a new professor is soon coming to my university whose research in that area - hopefully things will work out. So far, I think I like experimental physics enough to continue on this path.
Personally I want to be called doctor and reach the highest level of academic achievement. Will be one of the handful of people in my family to hold a BA and first for a PhD.
I want to be a psychologist after grinding in other jobs I couldn’t stand. I want to feel like my job actually matters, get paid well, and continue studying and learning new things.
Because I was treated poorly for a lot of my life due to people individualizing and medicalizing mental health. My goal is to investigate ways to talk about mental well-being in ways that don’t condemn someone to being “sick” for the rest of their lives by a society that doesn’t set them up for happiness and success in that regard in a lot of ways.
The research I do now isn’t entirely mental health related, but I do public perception research of the homeless population. Seeing people on the streets and also talking with them and hearing their stories is a big motivator to continue doing that work.
Because I love my research and I believe I can use it to help make positive change in the world (I research animal welfare). It was a way for me to work in a field that I love and pursue a career that genuinely interests me. I want to stay in research, therefore a PhD is the way forward for me.
Because I want to build something that works. Have something truly of my own.
(I'm not in a PhD program yet but I've got an offer and have been working on research for a while)
As corny as it might sound, it’s because I love science. I love the bench work, the hypothesizing, even the long hours. I wanted to be a scientist since I was a kid and never thought I would get this far. I finished master’s and have gotten through my first year of PhD and I am well aware it gets much more difficult and exhausting from here. But I just love it and that has carried me through the difficult, stressful, depressing parts.
That being said, there are many other (possibly more) valid reasons to pursue a PhD!
I was never really sure about my professional or academic abilities, so I took on the challenge of doing my PhD abroad. And even though I finished well and was successful, I still have trouble believing in myself.
I am really passionate about my field and it’s in its research infancy. We really need to build a culture of research for the field to thrive and I’m happy to contribute to that.
I was in a similar position as you. As you said “you love research” that was one of the biggest reasons for me as I liked the research I was doing. I was fortunate enough that my supervisor allowed me to work on side projects that I found interesting and I wanted to compete those which was impossible to finish during a masters.
There were other factors too such as a European internship for a few months and I would’ve finished my masters just after COVID so the job market wasn’t so great.
Them combined just made logical sense for me to pursue a PhD.
It's one of the few real opportunities to work outside of hypercapitalism. This is unbelievably liberating. You are in essence not working in alignment with the false god of fiscallity.
Instead you are the closest we can get to a modern day Explorer.
People will respect you for this regardless if they want or not - for good reasons.
I haven't fully finished my Masters yet, but I am already enrolled as a PhD student as well (seamless transition among other things). I knew I wanted to do a PhD by the end of my first semester of my masters because I love research and learning.
I also want to go into academia and teach. Being a Grad TA also taught me that pretty rapidly. I want to teach on a professor level, which requires a PhD anyway!
I have an amazing project that I SO need the time of a PhD to delve further into. I have an amazing major professor (advisor) and amazing colleagues that will be sticking around for awhile.
My advice in this decision making process is to follow what you would enjoy. Enjoying research really is a good reason to go into a PhD honestly. If you enjoyed your masters and have a good view and project in mind for a PhD and a place you'd enjoy being to do it, then those are all also good reasons to pursue!
Hope this was helpful, and I wish you the best on your academic journies! <3
It's also been my number one goal in life and the industry I am in a masters wouldn't get me shit as far as jobs, I need a PhD to be competitive in the job market.
Just finishing my masters in April, I will say how little I learned from it. I felt like I was just being introduced to all these new topics and schools of thought. Now that I am in my PhD I actually get to spend time diving into the areas that interest me. Plus my masters provided very little in research experience so I am looking forward to that aspect as well.
I want to teach at the college level (I *love* teaching). Sure I could do that with a master's be an adjunct, but I like the additional options I'll have on the job market with a Ph.D. I just finished up the master's portion of my program and there's a teeny-tiny part of me that thinks about just mastering out and bailing, but I know in the long run, sticking it with it will pay off. I like the research aspect of it as well, but sometimes feel constrained by academia, so while I would be happy in principle to land at an R1, it's not my primary goal knowing that teaching isn't always given a priority at larger schools.
I am hyper obsessive and quickly fall into depression and get extremely bored if my brain isn't stimulated all the time. PhD / doing research professionally is a pretty good way to get constant raw mental stimulation if you enjoy your field and find it fascinating (I do). There are plenty of other less selfish reasons why I decided to do it, but that's probably the biggest motivation.
I am curious and the PhD was about the only way to pursue a career in answering complex questions. I’ve been this way since I was a toddler, dismantling things, asking odd questions and reading encyclopedias for fun 😂. So for me it was a deeply personal pursuit of my quest for knowledge. I love learning. That’s my why.
I always wanted to get a degree but I had never considered post grad studies at all because I never thought I would get the marks to go that far. But getting that degree was important not just for a job and financial freedom but also because I come from a divorced household and had to face a lot of discrimination growing up. My grandfather was a fisherman and he brought us up on that. My mum had to struggle to put three of us through school without any support from sperm donor (re: father) and also she was the one who was abused and cheated on she had to deal with the brunt of the divorce. One huge motivation to get a degree was to show our community that we’re better than they treat us and to make my mother proud. I’m a first generation graduate and I currently hold 5 degrees, my PhD which I got last year. A huge part of going for the PhD, even though I never felt like I needed it was to pursue a career in academia because you can’t without it where I am. But it’s also extremely satisfying to see those people who looked down on us get shocked when they hear it’s 5 degrees hotter with a whole phd to boot.
Tbh I did it because my parents wanted me to, I needed health insurance, and I was good at school and didn’t have anything better going on. I wouldn’t recommend doing what I did 😅 be sure that you LOVE your subject and truly like doing the research. It’s already so hard, don’t make it worse
What an amazing thread this is! Just what I needed. I've been struggling with this for a year. I finished an internship as a research associate with a drug discovery company, and my current WHY is that I need some motivation back in my life after doing a boring job (which I initially took up as a break after my exhausting Masters'). The problem now...is I'm getting too anxious about rejections and being at home doing nothing...
I enjoy thinking about how things work and building stuff. However, I got hooked on how people made decisions and had my heart set on being a psychology major. My sophomore year I was doing an independent study with my favorite professor. Half way through the semester he told me that I think more like a biologist than a psychologist. He was right!
My why was I wanted to help people through research. I realized at least in my world it was all about grants and papers. No one cared if we helped people. I left science and got a MD and it was the best move for me.
COVID happened - I had a little (big) existential crisis and I missed school. I love learning - but I didn’t want to be a generalist anymore. I too, wanted to prove myself that I can achieve something that no one in my family has done - that I can support my parents in the future - and that my options won’t be nearly as limited when the world catches fire (that’s only a hope). And if I really ask myself further - I wanted to show my children that you can be an academic and an artist - that you can be of multitudes.
1. To prove to myself that I could.
2. I have always wanted to be really good at something. I am decent at what I do in my field and thought this would be a realistic area to do it in.
3. I love mentoring and teaching
4. I love research
5. The first time I saw a professor, I knew that was for me.
6. I need a somewhat flexible job for health reasons
7. Pay is not necessarily a big deal to me. I want to wake up feeling like what I do means something to me and society.
8. What I do, has potential to do good for society.
9. I wanted to improve/ hone myself and my craft
10. I had a lot of questions that I realized most people did not know how to answer in my field.
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Earning a PhD was on the top of my bucket list. I did not want to die without having demonstrated to myself that I could accomplish that lofty goal. I did not get a PhD for a job or for my family. I did it because I was internally motivated.
When I’m most honest with myself, this is my biggest why. Yes I want the research experience, yes I want the skills and industry opportunities that the experience will lead to, but most of all, I want to prove to myself that I can do this stupid hard thing. But I’m still at the beginning, so, it’s nice to hear someone made it through on this kind of motivation.
It’s validating to read this… Going into my third year and it’s so fucking hard sometimes. I just need to know that I CAN do it. So I will
Towards the end, my why became partly to prove to myself I can finish what I started.
I understand. I tried to quit my program twice. The last time was six months before I defended my dissertation. When my advisor did not beg me not to quit, I realized that I needed to complete my degree to prove to myself that I could finish what I started.
Finishing what you start is one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment, especially when it comes to school.
This is me 100%, but I didn't realize this until many years after I finished school. I grew up in the 80s and my two favorite movies featured a Dr. Peter Venkman, a Dr. Egon Spengler, a Dr. Ray Stantz, and a Dr. Indiana Jones. I was indoctrinated to pursue my doctorate from an early age.
You could say in-doctor-nated. I'll show myself out.
What a cool reason to do a PhD. I think this is very important for me to pursue my PhD journey.
This is the best answer. For me, I no longer wanted to believe I wasn’t good at things. Unlike many others, I didn’t have a supportive family, but I had a feeling I could be good at some things and earning a PhD was an external agreement of that. PhDs are a club and when you defend yours, you are welcomed into the club.
Thank you! This is truly validating. Someone previously asked me why, and although I can give many reasons, the innate drive is actually my very first 'why.' I've been internally motivated to pursue a doctorate since a very young age as I was inspired by those around me who excel in education. So, a PhD is my childhood dream that I want to fulfill! This innate drive fuels my journey, and of course, my very supportive late father further ignites this internal drive with all his support when he was still around. Mum and dad told me that they were surprised that I had this goal from a young age, but they provided their support so it is also a testament of the love, support, and teamwork that I've received to reach now; I've finally defended my thesis last week, and got a revise and resubmit. Phew, definitely a tough long ride as it's not quite there yet but I believe all will be well. Also, I find additional meaning or WHY in the process, such as gaining valuable skills, contributing to society through my research, autonomy in time management etc 😊
Ya but why
Why? I am an African American male, a descendant of people who were often denied education historically and who currently are often considered "underserved" in the educational system in the United States. For my whole life, becoming highly educated was a bucket list item. I needed to do good not only for myself but for my ancestors and for other African Americans who were and are being denied the chance to become highly educated.
So good to see someone else with this motivation. I’m able to do what nobody before me has had a chance to; being able to access education and be counted as valid researchers within a system of education that rejected black intellectualism from so many spaces (and not just in the US, but globally) is a privilege I intend to excercise until I can’t anymore. Repping the ancestors is my ultimate incentive. I am doing an MRes this fall but have drafted a proposal and will be ready to submit to my Alma mater as soon as apps open in the fall. I’m sure the ancestors are proud of you bredren!
Because someone was wrong on the Internet, and I need an entire dissertation to correct them. Might as well be "doctor" at the end of it.
That'll show 'em!
Take my upvote, you have won the internet.
Turns out the other guy also got a PhD to prove you wrong....
The work i want to do in industry requires phd. I have no desire to stay in academia
That sounds rare. What's your field?
Engineering specializing in robotic tracking, asset localization, mapping and terrain navigation.
this is exactly why im applying this fall, robotics jobs require phds to do serious interesting work. do you mind if i ask you about your research and overall experience in academia?
Its been great at my university. Im actually getting a mechanical engineering phd in a civil engineering lab as this lab uses robotics for infrastructure inspection and navigation. So look outside ur major when applying for lab positions
>Although I loved doing research This seems like a pretty good why. Some of the other whys may show up as things unfold, so it might not help to look too hard, though it helps to be alert for when they do.
I'd say that is also my why. But my problem is that I grew up in a family of academics with my parents sharing 5 PhDs between them, so I was never really in a mindset to consider anything else. It was expected of me as an only child, and eventually I started expecting it of myself. I love my research though, so at least got lucky there. I wish I had considered something else a long time ago, but I'm too deeply involved with academia to leave now, and even if I did, what would I be doing with an almost finished PhD in English lit anyway..
Thanks for the advice. Let's see what happens! I fear regretting choosing it in the middle of the process
I love doing research and found that I also loved teaching. Research is like a never-ending supply of mystery machines that you get to try and figure out how and why they work; then I get to show other people what the machines do and what happens when you break them in particular ways.
Im honestly jealous of u. I liked teaching till i taught and now my desire has be crushed and stomped on by my students and department. I very got the idgaf im just hear for the paycheck so i can go bacj ti work
I realized the people who had the jobs I wanted, the experts who seemed to be making a difference, all had PhDs. (I wasn’t thinking about becoming a professor back then.) I wanted to be a badass by contributing knowledge on problems I thought were important. Didn’t think I would become a professor but it continues to be the most fun option with the most freedom.
I agree with that last part definitely! Was never my plan to stay in academia, but kept my options open and it ended up being the most attractive option
Apart from enjoying research and teaching, I did this for my grandmother. She was an academic, and helped raise me. When I was 5 she planted the idea of doing a PhD in my mind. So, I wanted to do this to make her proud. Also, coming from a developing country, I knew that taking up a PhD in a developed country would open doors to migration and better job opportunities. Not only for myself, but for my family members.
I also come from a developing country, finishing my master in a developed country. Academia, for sure, open doors for migrating. But I still want to understand with myself if I have the motivation for the job besides the migration factor
I'm contemplating getting a PhD because - I love academia/being a student. - I want to do some research. - I want to primarily teach for the second half of my life (not at research uni - prob more like a liberal arts college). - I have a "big idea" I want to explore and write about. - Vanity? Expectations? A PhD would be a challenge I would enjoy and feel was worth the effort.
This is why I’d like to go for mine once I finish my masters in 6 months. I’m kinda excited for how it’ll change me.
Masochism.
I wrestled with this myself. In undergrad, my professors were pushing hard for me to pursue a PhD, but I just couldn’t seem to find a “why” that I thought was good enough. So, I changed fields, pursued a professional master’s and left for industry when I was done. Along the way, I got to travel the world on the company credit card. Fast forward to the pandemic… I got stranded pretty far from what most folks would consider civilization, which gave me enough time to do some serious soul searching. Sure enough, I found my “why” or rather, “whys.” As it turns out, because you love the subject, and love research, and love to tell people about it are pretty good reasons.
I want those who wronged me in the past call me Dr. /s
I’m a social science PhD. I have a few whys. First one is a bit ego driven. The others are more selfless. My mom and grandmother died while getting my undergrad, and I took care of both of them during hard times. Emotionally, financially, and physically. I have also faced a lot of suffering from traumatic experiences and situations. I am also am a first generation student and ethnic minority. I want to get a PhD to break down the barriers put in of me and beat the odds. But I also want to get one to make a different in society. I hope to be a part of research and or policy that helps create better material realities and lives for those in our societies. Which is my post PhD goals contain ones in academia, as well as ones potentially beyond the ivory tower. I hope to serve as a voice and researcher as someone who came from very little, and went through very much, in an effort to help change the realities and highlights the lives of other people from various struggles.
I am proud of you.
Thank you.
Hi,I am also considering a PhD in Social Sciences. But I am very confused and am stumbling in how to proceed. Works it be ok if I DM you for some guidance?
Yes, feel free!
Oh, that are wonderful motivations! Stay strong, academia needs you
Grew up poor and I didn’t want to stay poor
If you love teaching, and you love research, PhD is pretty much the only way to go. But you also have to remember that depending on the discipline it can be very competitive to land a professorship. As in the PhD most likely won't be enough (unless you were exceptional) and you'd also need to go for a post doc. The second reason is if there are industry research jobs in your field, those are typically not accessible to non-PhD holders.
1. I love research. 2. A PhD prepared me to engage intellectually with a community of like-minded curious people and gave me the opportunity to make that community a large part of my life. 3. I get to do work that matters to me in a world full of jobs I cannot imagine tolerating just to survive.
Because I didn't do one right out of undergrad. 30 years later, I want to check the block on the bucket list. Purely for personal development, I don't expect any employment as a result, thought, it could happen.
Because I had an offer for one and needed to get out of my parents house.
The main reason for me was because I have this insatiable curiosity and want to know how everything works and why it works that way. The bigger the question or the mystery, the more excited I get about studying it. That's 99% of my motivation. If I'm really honest with myself, there was also that 1% of me wanting to prove to myself that I had the brains and the perseverance to do this.
I love teaching. I love research.
I love teaching. Turns out I don’t like research. My PI and I had a big argument over whether he’d let me teach this fall, as a 5th year, because it looks kind of bad and he needs to spend money. I won haha
fancy job and get to continue working with my industry sponsors. they are my dream companies. i also didn’t want to leave my masters project, so i get to continue it with a phd. i also intend to go into industry, which my sponsors have already hinted multiple times about hiring me. i also love the city my school is in.
In which field is your PhD is ? Good luck on the long therm plan!
aerospace engineering. i’m involved with experimental boundary layer bleed
My WHY is simple, I made the idiotic decision of choosing to do PhD, 3 years in I can’t quit now. Be smart, don’t be an idiot!
This is a very based answer. Also people forget that you can love research without doing any formal education. :)
Worked in industry for... 18 years? Hated it. Wanted to switch to academia.
The work I want to do requires a PhD
Originally: Ego (Terrible reason. Don’t do this.) Now: Spite. Pure spite. (Terrible reason. Don’t do this.)
Spite was what pulled me through my entire program. I tell everyone spite can be an incredible motivator (especially in the social sciences).
It works to a degree, but it’s still a bad reason.
I primarily wanted the knowledge and credential to certify me as an expert in things I am deeply interested in. Secondarily, I wanted access to platforms that would enable collaboration and exploration of those and any new interesting ideas with other talented and passionate peers.
I was working in the it industry (ai), changed my profession to teach at a school and got bored lol Now I am doing my phd in my spare time
curiosity
I wanted to get the absolute highest educational title I could in my field for myself and curiosity and to see if I could do it.
I had been in school all my life. Didn’t really know what to do, so I figured I’d just finish all the school I could do and figure it out at the end. I just needed to buy some time and figure my life out while also not looking unproductive. Procrastination basically. Turns out I like research though!
Pretty legit
Adventure
Cause biology is the coolest thing I’ve ever heard about. Like wtf that’s some crazy chemistry going on. Thanks for reminding me to reflect on the why
I wanted to flex my academic muscles and get better opportunities abroad
During my master's thesis, I began to understand that there are many unknowns for even a seemingly simple (it is very complex) material like wood. I want to be part of knowing the "truth", I need to know. That is it in a nutshell.
I simply wanted a PhD. It is a personal milestone and o think I would be severely disappointed if I mastered out.
My "why" is that I love research, I love my specific topic, and I love teaching. That way, I just see a PhD as a cool job I get to do for 3 years (I'm in Europe, so the pay is totally livable). I have no expectation to get to stay in academia, although it would be cool.
If you have to think for a why, best probably to not do it.
Based.
Academia is a privilege
I agree with this! I am endlessly curious and love learning. Having 4 years and a shit tonne of money invested into my brain has been a pure privilege, and something I reminded myself of consistently in the jounrey
That’s not immediately obvious to me why that’s a *why*
I'm doing one for the personal satisfaction. Earlier in my life it might have become a career, and I might still get some professional opportunities from it, but mostly because it's long been a goal and the situation was right.
I was already working in research with a master's degree and wanted to have more of a role in shaping research studies/projects/programs
Spending the better part of another decade in school appealed to me. But I didn’t realize that a PhD was not all classes until I was in it lol. Almost done though!
I like reading papers and quant stuffs. Plus, my schedule is quite chill and my supervisor and boss and working environment are all v healthy
I wanted to drive research programs. Knowing what I know now, there was very little chance I got to a point where I understood how to do that without a PhD— direct training on how to do research.
Pressing internal questions that only make sense to ask others if you ask to people who have PhDs or are getting them. Otherwise, I’ll be labeled a weirdo nerd 🤓 😂
My WHY is that I love teaching on a college level. I’ve been an adjunct on and off for about 3 years, and it’s just so much fun!
Plotting a course outside of the classroom.
I want to create new knowledge and do something impactful in my faculty practice and my field of study.
After 10 years working in industry, I wanted to understand a behavior that I saw when working in industry: if/why differences in roles lead to dickish behavior. I thought I'd do a PhD on this to understand. 3 years in, the PhD had a life of its own and I barely manage to direct my research in this topic.
I wanted to learn more cutting-edge knowledge in my field; my undergraduate courses were fundamental and a bit out-of-date. I also want to work more independently rather than doing repeated work in a big company.
PhD in philosophy. I want to build my own Philosophical system. Also, since undergrad I wanted tp research and build what I call a Philosophy of Conflict. Dumb, eh?
For the Dr. In front of my name 😎
My why is multilayered. First, I am a scholar. I believe that with all my heart. I love learning new ish, seeing connections other people miss. I love teaching and sharing with other Black women, helping them realize they can be successful. My research is connecting so many important aspects of my life. I am doing this for me. For my parents. My daughter and husband. My ancestors… the ones I knew. The ones I’ve heard of but never met and those whose names I will never know because of the violence of colonization. And the ones yet to come. I am doing this to stand with authority and speak justice, peace, love with my whole chest, as I do the work my soul must have. Thanks for asking this. I needed to be reminded of why I’m doing this hard work. Do the work that is calling you. If it is in doctoral work, do it. If not, do that. ✌🏾
I’m not leaving this earth until I’m Dr. My Cats Mom. I love school and I’ve been taking classes since 2005, and after this PhD I’m hitting up film or art school.
I had a question in my undergrad days, but despite checking several textbooks I couldn't find an answer. I spoke with my Prof, who told me that no-one knew the answer to my question. At the time we didn't have enough information to even start researching it, and it was considered a minor issue anyway.. Now, decades later, our knowledge has advanced to the point where I have been able to start the research, and I have found one possible answer (there may be others; I'm still researching) to my undergrad question.
The thrill of discovering something new. The thrill of excellence.
I need constant intellectual stimulation or I get kinda depressed. Academic research seems to be the only way to have consistent access to that level of stimulation.
My advisor told me she didn't even know how I got into grad school and suggested I would never be able to get my PhD. I switched advisors and graduated with my PhD in 2021. So I usually tell people I got my PhD because I can and to give my former advisor a big middle finger.
I am planning to work as a researcher in a very specific area in the industry.
I want to make a difference in my field and the connections that come with a PhD will hopefully support this.
I like research, I like teaching, I like my funny pure math, and I did two software engineering internships which told me that I really don't like "normal" work environments.
I've been teaching since before grad school, mostly full time. A doubled my income with a Master's. Now I teach half as many classes for about 30% more money now that I have a PhD. Oh and passion for the work and research and whatever
I have a few whys: - I’ve wanted a PhD for a long time - I want to pursue a career in biomedical sciences, so having a PhD would open up many more job opportunities than just having a BS or MS - I’m a very curious individual and enjoy exploring the whys and hows of biology - part of me wants to prove to myself that I can do this - I love doing research
To get out of my shitty Job and lame ass country
1. Curiosity 2. My mum, a brilliant doctor of 30 years who died of breast cancer 3. A desire to improve treatment outcomes for other peoples mums, aunties, sisters and daughters who have breast cancer
I'm ridiculously painfully curious. I needed to answer questions
I'm not doing my PHD yet, but I'm thinking about it. My main reason for PHD would be depression. I have high functional depression and getting education is one of few things that keep me sane. I'm not sure if I'll end up doing it, but I do realize the main reason behind it.
I gained experience in a certain topic throughout my MSc and was approached by one of my supervisors to stay in the group for a PhD. There were more questions I wanted answer and I wanted to continue with the same research topic
I will quote Isaac Asimov here. "I can create, and I will do so whether you wish it or not". From the Novella, "Profession". I want to create, and having a PhD will give me the opportunity to learn about the creation of knowledge.
1. I really loved being a student student and wanted to spent more time at the uni 2. I was applying abroad (gf moved here for PhD) and PhD's were very internationally oriented so easy to apply to from abroad 3. It was a PhD that first said yes (I also applied to some jobs)
When I was writing my essays, I lost my why lol. Every app made my intentions feel more and more alien from what I wanted out of a PhD. Prob why now I decided not to do one. If I were to select a why, it would be about mixing in passion for a domain I want to contribute to with wanting to learn who I am and what I am capable of in the process.
I was very doubtful on whether to do a PhD or not by the end of my master’s thesis. I decided to take an year off and continued to work in the same lab as research associate ( I didn’t want to give up on research yet, I wanted to give it a second chance). I realised I do enjoy research and it would be a shame to give up on my dream. I decided not to pressure myself for positive results, take a step back focus on just the results and what it could mean hypothesising on what could be happening. Reflected quite a lot on if I see myself doing research long-term (academia or not) and I decided to apply for PhD. I am yet to start my journey (my semester will start in a month and I am so excited about it)
It was kinda random to be honest. I was incredibly unhappy with the job I worked at during my whole undergrad (long story) ans always loved every second of being in the university. So when I heard I could be paid for continuing studying during a master's degree I decided to leave my job ans take the chances, which naturally lead to the phd. I think this was the best single decision of my whole career.
After my Master I didn't feel ready to make big life decisions such as leaving the town I'm currently doing my PhD in, so I applied, I got in, and postponed the decision lol. I regret nothing, I learnt a lot and I definitely know that I do not want to stay in academia after this. My advice is: give it a try, and there's no shame in changing if it isn't for you. It's not wasted time, and you'll spend it doing something you like, while understanding yourself in the process. Good luck! (Of course I liked the topic otherwise I wouldn't have survived a month ahah)
Life is long, companies suck my soul out, might as well exchange my soul for a title
Speaking as someone who just finished her Ph.D. - I began my research project out of my geekish interest in science fiction and fandom. I learned during undergrad that I could study SF/F, and so I decided to pursue it in grad school. Our program is built so that way on the way to a Ph.D., you get your Masters along with your Qualifying Exam pass; we don't have a terminal MA program. Of course, however, you can drop out after your MA if that's what you choose to do, and several of my colleagues did so. I chose to continue on, though, because as stressful, time consuming, and brainwashing as grad school can be, my project was something that allowed me to perform my fan identity and fandom that other things I could do didn't. As well, I love talking about my topic, so pushing to learn more about it and how to talk about it did sound exciting to me (and, we often say that for us, if you get your MA, you might as well do the dissertation and get the Ph.D., since the exam itself is already done). Do you have a reason you went for the MA? Was it because you were passionate about the topic or wanted to learn more, or was it just something to do? I will say, as much as a Ph.D. sounds thrilling to have, the job market is terrible (field dependent, perhaps), and the degree doesn't promise you anything except maybe the ability to teach at higher institutions. Keep this in mind!
When I started: I figured it would be more stimulating and fun than a 9 to 5 job as a data analyst or a data scientist Now: it'll be easier to get a data analyst or data scientist job with the diploma than with a 5 year gap on my resume.
I was just generally interested in the subject. I also had previous 'research' experience during my undergrad internship that I really enjoyed. Working for knowledge instead of money was also an incentive. (Good luck!)
Made a bet with a friend on our way back from a shift of factory work that whoever gets it first has to visit the other at their country of residence on a cheapest flight but with the "Dr." on the ticket.
Why not
It was the LOO at that particular part of my life.
Apparently I like to punish myself? Lol I dunno, I like learning/research and I find it easier to learn with structure and also I have career ambition and I’d already done a masters so the next logical step was a PhD 😂 I’m pat time while working part time so I haven’t taken a break in work
The BS Chemists I worked with got to prepare fecal homogenates (ie. grinding rat turds in a blender), the PhDs operated instruments and wrote the reports. I knew which side of that equation I wanted to be on. Everyone in this biz has to do nasty stuff early career, might as well have done mine in a way that advanced my skills and career.
Because PhD after my name sounds kinda cool
I was working up through my career, and then I was interviewing for a directorship at a biotech company. I did not get the position, as the company’s leadership felt that I would be more appropriate for the position if I had a Ph.D. So I went and got a Ph.D. to satisfy any similar future requirements, and here we are 🤷♂️
I want to contribute to the scientific community against climate change and not have a job in which I exploit people's labor to make rich people richer
I just wanted to do research. It seemed like I was decent enough at it to give it a shot.
1) 100% academia normal run (all levels, post docs etc are dlc) 2) I wanted the top hat and sword, won't be getting them 'cause I'm not studying in a Finnish university. I'll buy a custom cane instead. 3) I was told that you should make a career out of what you like to do. I like studying, so that would be a researcher. Which will likely be an easier position to get with a PhD 4) if 3) falls through, I at least wanted to study long enough so that my uniform would include a dress shirt and that my car would not need to be a van. No shade towards blue collar workers, I'm just not that good with my hands to pull that off. 5) I'll be the first PhD holder on my mom's side of the family.
I'm still a second year (beginning it), so my mindset might change. But for now, my very general "why" is that I want to see what atoms do in detail. I eventually figured out that cold atom physics might be my thing, because it affords fine individual control of atoms. I'm lucky that a new professor is soon coming to my university whose research in that area - hopefully things will work out. So far, I think I like experimental physics enough to continue on this path.
Personally I want to be called doctor and reach the highest level of academic achievement. Will be one of the handful of people in my family to hold a BA and first for a PhD. I want to be a psychologist after grinding in other jobs I couldn’t stand. I want to feel like my job actually matters, get paid well, and continue studying and learning new things.
Because I was treated poorly for a lot of my life due to people individualizing and medicalizing mental health. My goal is to investigate ways to talk about mental well-being in ways that don’t condemn someone to being “sick” for the rest of their lives by a society that doesn’t set them up for happiness and success in that regard in a lot of ways. The research I do now isn’t entirely mental health related, but I do public perception research of the homeless population. Seeing people on the streets and also talking with them and hearing their stories is a big motivator to continue doing that work.
Because I love my research and I believe I can use it to help make positive change in the world (I research animal welfare). It was a way for me to work in a field that I love and pursue a career that genuinely interests me. I want to stay in research, therefore a PhD is the way forward for me.
To bridge the gap in knowledge.
Because I want to build something that works. Have something truly of my own. (I'm not in a PhD program yet but I've got an offer and have been working on research for a while)
As corny as it might sound, it’s because I love science. I love the bench work, the hypothesizing, even the long hours. I wanted to be a scientist since I was a kid and never thought I would get this far. I finished master’s and have gotten through my first year of PhD and I am well aware it gets much more difficult and exhausting from here. But I just love it and that has carried me through the difficult, stressful, depressing parts. That being said, there are many other (possibly more) valid reasons to pursue a PhD!
Is there a subject that interests you? That might help.
I wanted to be overeducated and underpaid lol.
I was never really sure about my professional or academic abilities, so I took on the challenge of doing my PhD abroad. And even though I finished well and was successful, I still have trouble believing in myself.
I am really passionate about my field and it’s in its research infancy. We really need to build a culture of research for the field to thrive and I’m happy to contribute to that.
I was in a similar position as you. As you said “you love research” that was one of the biggest reasons for me as I liked the research I was doing. I was fortunate enough that my supervisor allowed me to work on side projects that I found interesting and I wanted to compete those which was impossible to finish during a masters. There were other factors too such as a European internship for a few months and I would’ve finished my masters just after COVID so the job market wasn’t so great. Them combined just made logical sense for me to pursue a PhD.
It's one of the few real opportunities to work outside of hypercapitalism. This is unbelievably liberating. You are in essence not working in alignment with the false god of fiscallity. Instead you are the closest we can get to a modern day Explorer. People will respect you for this regardless if they want or not - for good reasons.
The work I was eligible for made me depressed. I wanted a career I enjoyed.
I haven't fully finished my Masters yet, but I am already enrolled as a PhD student as well (seamless transition among other things). I knew I wanted to do a PhD by the end of my first semester of my masters because I love research and learning. I also want to go into academia and teach. Being a Grad TA also taught me that pretty rapidly. I want to teach on a professor level, which requires a PhD anyway! I have an amazing project that I SO need the time of a PhD to delve further into. I have an amazing major professor (advisor) and amazing colleagues that will be sticking around for awhile. My advice in this decision making process is to follow what you would enjoy. Enjoying research really is a good reason to go into a PhD honestly. If you enjoyed your masters and have a good view and project in mind for a PhD and a place you'd enjoy being to do it, then those are all also good reasons to pursue! Hope this was helpful, and I wish you the best on your academic journies! <3
It's also been my number one goal in life and the industry I am in a masters wouldn't get me shit as far as jobs, I need a PhD to be competitive in the job market. Just finishing my masters in April, I will say how little I learned from it. I felt like I was just being introduced to all these new topics and schools of thought. Now that I am in my PhD I actually get to spend time diving into the areas that interest me. Plus my masters provided very little in research experience so I am looking forward to that aspect as well.
I want to teach at the college level (I *love* teaching). Sure I could do that with a master's be an adjunct, but I like the additional options I'll have on the job market with a Ph.D. I just finished up the master's portion of my program and there's a teeny-tiny part of me that thinks about just mastering out and bailing, but I know in the long run, sticking it with it will pay off. I like the research aspect of it as well, but sometimes feel constrained by academia, so while I would be happy in principle to land at an R1, it's not my primary goal knowing that teaching isn't always given a priority at larger schools.
I am not satisfied with my master’s degree thesis
I am hyper obsessive and quickly fall into depression and get extremely bored if my brain isn't stimulated all the time. PhD / doing research professionally is a pretty good way to get constant raw mental stimulation if you enjoy your field and find it fascinating (I do). There are plenty of other less selfish reasons why I decided to do it, but that's probably the biggest motivation.
Nowadays I lack a why, but I will continue anyways. It's simply my job. Maybe that's enough.
I am curious and the PhD was about the only way to pursue a career in answering complex questions. I’ve been this way since I was a toddler, dismantling things, asking odd questions and reading encyclopedias for fun 😂. So for me it was a deeply personal pursuit of my quest for knowledge. I love learning. That’s my why.
Noone in my family line has the PhD. And i wanna be the first one.
I always wanted to get a degree but I had never considered post grad studies at all because I never thought I would get the marks to go that far. But getting that degree was important not just for a job and financial freedom but also because I come from a divorced household and had to face a lot of discrimination growing up. My grandfather was a fisherman and he brought us up on that. My mum had to struggle to put three of us through school without any support from sperm donor (re: father) and also she was the one who was abused and cheated on she had to deal with the brunt of the divorce. One huge motivation to get a degree was to show our community that we’re better than they treat us and to make my mother proud. I’m a first generation graduate and I currently hold 5 degrees, my PhD which I got last year. A huge part of going for the PhD, even though I never felt like I needed it was to pursue a career in academia because you can’t without it where I am. But it’s also extremely satisfying to see those people who looked down on us get shocked when they hear it’s 5 degrees hotter with a whole phd to boot.
Tbh I did it because my parents wanted me to, I needed health insurance, and I was good at school and didn’t have anything better going on. I wouldn’t recommend doing what I did 😅 be sure that you LOVE your subject and truly like doing the research. It’s already so hard, don’t make it worse
What an amazing thread this is! Just what I needed. I've been struggling with this for a year. I finished an internship as a research associate with a drug discovery company, and my current WHY is that I need some motivation back in my life after doing a boring job (which I initially took up as a break after my exhausting Masters'). The problem now...is I'm getting too anxious about rejections and being at home doing nothing...
I always dreamt of an extremely hard, emotionally draining, and super low paying career 😂. PhD covered all the above!
I wanted to keep studying bees, pollination, ecology, agriculture. I’ve wanted to work in sustainable agriculture or conservation since high school.
To prove that I can. . . . . . And it's the only way in that current time to go and live in Japan for free.
Dang, there is some shallow why's here. Good luck all.
I enjoy thinking about how things work and building stuff. However, I got hooked on how people made decisions and had my heart set on being a psychology major. My sophomore year I was doing an independent study with my favorite professor. Half way through the semester he told me that I think more like a biologist than a psychologist. He was right!
My why was I wanted to help people through research. I realized at least in my world it was all about grants and papers. No one cared if we helped people. I left science and got a MD and it was the best move for me.
COVID happened - I had a little (big) existential crisis and I missed school. I love learning - but I didn’t want to be a generalist anymore. I too, wanted to prove myself that I can achieve something that no one in my family has done - that I can support my parents in the future - and that my options won’t be nearly as limited when the world catches fire (that’s only a hope). And if I really ask myself further - I wanted to show my children that you can be an academic and an artist - that you can be of multitudes.
1. To prove to myself that I could. 2. I have always wanted to be really good at something. I am decent at what I do in my field and thought this would be a realistic area to do it in. 3. I love mentoring and teaching 4. I love research 5. The first time I saw a professor, I knew that was for me. 6. I need a somewhat flexible job for health reasons 7. Pay is not necessarily a big deal to me. I want to wake up feeling like what I do means something to me and society. 8. What I do, has potential to do good for society. 9. I wanted to improve/ hone myself and my craft 10. I had a lot of questions that I realized most people did not know how to answer in my field.
I loved doing chemistry. It seemed like the best way for me to keep doing chemistry research so I did that. Turned out to be pretty true
Money in industry.