Thinking about a Ph.D.? Read this

Doing a Ph.D. is a big decision, and it’s one that often comes with a lot of contemplation, and perhaps, even a little serendipity. For me, a life in academia wasn't initially on the radar. Law was my first choice, and it wasn't until a pivotal conversation with a professor, who suggested I explore forensic linguistics, that my trajectory shifted. That discussion opened a door to a new world of inquiry. The deeper I traversed down that path, the more compelling the journey became, fuelled by a constant drive—and indeed, some pressure—to see the research through to completion.

I was fortunate in many respects. My degrees were consecutive, allowing for an uninterrupted flow of study. I had no significant personal attachments that might have complicated the demanding schedule. Crucially, my doctoral studies were fully funded through a scholarship, alleviating a substantial financial burden. And perhaps most importantly, I maintained an open mind about location, willing to relocate wherever an academic position might be found.

This personal journey highlights that the path to a PhD is rarely linear or universally applicable. It's a deeply personal decision, influenced by myriad factors, from intrinsic motivation to external circumstances. That's why I've put together a concise infographic for anyone currently grappling with this significant life choice. It doesn't offer definitive answers, but rather a framework to help you navigate your own considerations.

If you look through this infographic and notice you have one from the "no" column, or less than three from the "yes" column, now is not the time to do a Ph.D.

Whatever you decide, don't get swayed by the rhetoric that a PhD is solely for "personal intellectual expansion" or any of the other marketing ploys universities use. The reality is, full-time academic positions are increasingly scarce, and institutions often spin elaborate narratives to attract applicants, essentially keeping their graduate programs financially viable. The decision to pursue a PhD should be entirely your own, driven by a level-headed assessment of your goals and the academic landscape, not by institutional narratives.