Don't do a PhD | From a former MIT PhD

Summary

This video script explores the pros and cons of pursuing a PhD, emphasizing that it should not be a default career choice. It discusses the specialization and potential isolation of PhD research, the difficulty of transitioning into industry, and the importance of aligning the degree with career goals. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and advises viewers to consider their long-term ambitions carefully, highlighting four scenarios where a PhD might be beneficial: aspiring to be a university professor, obtaining a free master's degree, using it as a pathway to U.S. residency, or for industries valuing the 'Dr.' title. The script concludes by urging viewers to challenge the inertia of traditional education paths and make informed decisions.

Takeaways

• 🎓 A PhD is often pursued for the wrong reasons, such as a desire to avoid the corporate world or a lack of understanding of what a PhD entails.
• 🔍 The script suggests that a PhD is best suited for those who are certain about becoming researchers or university professors, as it represents the pinnacle of specialization in a niche field.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The speaker emphasizes that most PhD holders end up in fields different from their research, requiring re-education and adaptation, which can be challenging for both individuals and employers.
• 💡 The idea that a PhD teaches one how to think is countered with the argument that practical experience and learning on the job are more efficient ways to develop critical thinking skills.
• 💼 The speaker's own startup experience illustrates a preference for hiring candidates with direct experience over those who need to learn new skills after completing a PhD.
• 🧠 The cognitive peak for learning is suggested to be in late teens or early twenties, implying that spending 5-7 years on a PhD might not be the most effective use of one's prime learning years.
• 🤝 Social skills are highlighted as crucial for career success, and the script implies that these are often underdeveloped in the isolated environment of a PhD program.
• 🏆 There are exceptions where a PhD is beneficial, such as when it leads to a free master's degree, serves as a pathway to residency in a desirable country, or is required for specific high-level positions.
• 🌟 The video encourages viewers to watch other perspectives on the topic to avoid being influenced by the speaker's personal bias.
• 🛑 The inertia of continuing education without clear career goals is identified as a reason many people pursue a PhD by default, rather than making a conscious, informed decision.
• 🔄 The script concludes with advice to consider industry experience before committing to a PhD, as it can provide clarity on whether academic research is the right path.

Q & A

What is the general opinion expressed about pursuing a PhD in the video?

The video suggests that pursuing a PhD can be a poor decision for most people, as it may not necessarily benefit their careers and can lead to issues such as unemployment or underemployment in their chosen fields.

What does the speaker argue about the specialization during a PhD?

The speaker argues that a PhD involves becoming an expert in an extremely niche topic, which may not be in high demand in the job market, leading to potential difficulties in finding relevant employment.

What is the main point the speaker is making about the job prospects after completing a PhD?

The main point is that unless one becomes a university professor, they will likely need to find employment in a different field and re-educate themselves, which can be challenging given that most companies prefer candidates with direct experience.

Why does the speaker believe that doing a PhD might hinder the development of important career skills?

The speaker believes that during a PhD, individuals may become 'lone wolves' working on their own projects with little collaboration, missing out on the development of essential social and managerial skills that are crucial in most careers.

What is the speaker's view on the argument that a PhD teaches you how to think?

The speaker challenges this argument by stating that one does not need 30 years to learn how to think and that by the time one completes a PhD, they might be past their cognitive peak, making it less efficient than gaining experience in a career.

According to the video, what are some of the exceptions where doing a PhD might make sense?

The exceptions include having a clear goal of becoming a researcher or university professor, earning a free master's degree as part of a PhD program, using a PhD as a pathway to move to and reside in the US, and industries where having a PhD might be an advantage.

Why does the speaker suggest that some people might choose to do a PhD out of inertia?

The speaker suggests that inertia in education, where one continues from one stage to the next without questioning, might lead people to pursue a PhD without considering whether it aligns with their career goals or not.

What advice does the speaker give to those who are unsure about pursuing a PhD?

The speaker advises those who are unsure to not make a PhD their default option but to go into industry first. If they find they are not happy there, they can always return to academia for further education.

What is the speaker's opinion on the elitism in professorship applications?

The speaker believes there is a significant amount of elitism in professorship applications, with a preference for candidates from top-tier universities, which can make it difficult for those from less prestigious institutions.

What is the role of the sponsor 'brilliant.org' in the context of the video?

Brilliant.org is a platform for learning by doing, offering interactive lessons in various fields. The speaker recommends it as a place to learn practical skills, such as understanding probabilities, and mentions a sponsored course on the subject.

What is the final piece of advice the speaker gives regarding the decision to pursue a PhD?

The speaker advises viewers to watch other videos on the topic to avoid being overly biased by one person's opinion and to make an informed decision based on a variety of perspectives.