phd for life experience

Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Experiential phd.

The future of research will be collaborative. Researchers across academic institutions, industry, government, and other organizations will team up to solve complex real-world problems. Researchers will require technical proficiency as well as the ability to work with others, form teams, manage projects, and more—skills that go beyond the classroom. At Northeastern University, every PhD student and postdoctoral research associate has opportunities to acquire experiences beyond traditional research. Exposure to and integration with our many partners through unique programs in authentic settings from laboratories to startup companies to nonprofit institutions leads to greater impact and broader career opportunities, both within and beyond academia.

The LEADERs Program is designed to enable researchers to develop professional skills through authentic career exploration opportunities at organizations in industry, government, and the nonprofit sector. Beyond the comfort zone of their own university research group, PhD students and postdoctoral research associates encounter new experiences that help shape their research perspective. They also bring fresh ideas and talent to their host organizations. Northeastern is one of the only universities in the world to offer students in all of its research-based doctoral-degree programs the option to learn and pursue research outside of their primary research group. These real-world placements are highly flexible and customizable, tailored to meet the needs of both Northeastern’s PhD students and postdoctoral research associates and our institutional partners.

The Industry PhD is a first-of-its kind research-based doctoral program for full-time master's-level employees.  Designed with input from external partners, employees pursue a research-based doctoral degree while maintaining their job and conducting research at the employer site. This enables employees to acquire new skills that will help them to advance in their careers and provides the organization with an opportunity to invest in their future leaders. By working closely with Northeastern faculty, employees will explore their research from a broader scientific perspective, enabling them to appreciate the research foundation of their day-to-day work and to pursue new areas of research for the company.

Experiential PhD opportunities offer robust benefits to both students and institutional partners. Students solve complex problems as part of their education and chart careers as future innovators. Our institutional partners receive many benefits as well, including:

A deeper engagement in rapidly evolving fields of research

Access to university facilities and senior faculty expertise

Opportunities for senior leadership to mentor and copublish with students and to serve on their dissertation committees

A chance to recruit emerging talent

Opportunities to partner with Northeastern, an entrepreneurial research university known for its innovative collaborations with academia, government, and industry

At Northeastern University, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers enjoy a uniquely broad range of immersive opportunities to expand critical inquiry, learn, perform original research, and chart a path to professional success. Experiential PhD opportunities enable PhD students to step outside the comfort zone of their campus research group where students can pursue challenging, creative, customized assignments within industry, government, or the nonprofit sector that inform and enhance their pursuit of a research doctorate. Experiential PhD gives postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to bring new skills to their positions at Northeastern.

This Graduate Certificate in Experiential PhD Leadership aims to:

•  Challenge students to address complex problems  through experience within the context of real-world needs and challenges faced by industry, government, or nonprofit-sector organizations, broadening students' view of stakeholders and impact, shaping the very questions they raise and answer.

•  Equip students for a lifetime with the cultural agility, creativity, and professional skills— public speaking and communications, meeting goals and expectations (e.g., project management for personal and professional purposes), teamwork, leadership, peer influence, leading from the middle—that they will need to translate their findings into impactful solutions.

•  Enrich every student’s research group and, ultimately, fields of expertise  by fostering a collaborative, entrepreneurial, innovative approach to knowledge creation that expands their network far beyond academia to include intellectual and professional mentors and collaborators.

This graduate certificate designed for PhD students across all of Northeastern’s research-based PhD programs provides students embarking on an experiential PhD, as well as postdoctoral researchers working in an area within one of Northeastern's research-based programs, with the preparation, project delivery, and guidance for contextual integration within the context of leadership development. All students pursuing this leadership certificate will be mentored by their sponsor supervisor and dissertation advisor(s).

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated. 

A grade of B or higher is required in each course.

Requirements

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

12 total semester hours required Minimum 3.000 GPA required

The Industry PhD is a first-of-its kind research-based doctoral program designed with input from external partners to provide a pathway for full-time master's-level employees. Designed with input from external partners, employees pursue a research-based doctoral degree while maintaining their job and conducting research at the employer site. This enables employees to acquire new skills that will help them to advance in their careers and provides the organization with an opportunity to invest in their future leaders. By working closely with Northeastern University faculty, employees will explore their research from a broader scientific perspective, enabling them to appreciate the research foundation of their day-to-day work and to pursue new areas of research for the company.

Experiential PhD programs offer robust benefits to both students and institutional partners. Students solve complex problems as part of their education and chart careers as future innovators. Our institutional partners receive many benefits as well, including:

The Industry PhD is applicable to any of our 35 doctoral programs. Applicants should follow the requirements of the program to which they are applying. In addition, the following Industry PhD terms apply.

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9 things you should consider before embarking on a PhD

June 23, 2021 | 15 min read

By Andy Greenspon

The ideal research program you envision is not what it appears to be

Editor's Note:  When Andy Greenspon wrote this article, he was a first-year student in Applied Physics at Harvard. Now he has completed his PhD. — Alison Bert, June 23, 2021

If you are planning to apply for a PhD program, you're probably getting advice from dozens of students, professors, administrators your parents and the Internet. Sometimes it's hard to know which advice to focus on and what will make the biggest difference in the long-run. So before you go back to daydreaming about the day you accept that Nobel Prize, here are nine things you should give serious thought to. One or more of these tips may save you from anguish and help you make better decisions as you embark on that path to a PhD.

1. Actively seek out information about PhD programs.

Depending on your undergraduate institution, there may be more or less support to guide you in selecting a PhD program – but there is generally much less than when you applied to college.

On the website of my physics department, I found a page written by one of my professors, which listed graduate school options in physics and engineering along with resources to consult. As far as I know, my career center did not send out much information about PhD programs. Only after applying to programs did I find out that my undergraduate website had a link providing general information applicable to most PhD programs. This is the kind of information that is available all over the Internet.

So don't wait for your career center or department to lay out a plan for you. Actively seek it out from your career center counselors, your professors, the Internet — and especially from alumni from your department who are in or graduated from your desired PhD program. First-hand experiences will almost always trump the knowledge you get second-hand.

2. A PhD program is not simply a continuation of your undergraduate program.

Many students don't internalize this idea until they have jumped head-first into a PhD program. The goal is not to complete an assigned set of courses as in an undergraduate program, but to develop significant and original research in your area of expertise. You will have required courses to take, especially if you do not have a master's degree yet, but these are designed merely to compliment your research and provide a broad and deep knowledge base to support you in your research endeavors.

At the end of your PhD program, you will be judged on your research, not on how well you did in your courses. Grades are not critical as long as you maintain the minimum GPA requirement, and you should not spend too much time on courses at the expense of research projects. Graduate courses tend to be designed to allow you to take away what you will find useful to your research more than to drill a rigid set of facts and techniques into your brain.

3. Take a break between your undergraduate education and a PhD program.

You are beginning your senior year of college, and your classmates are asking you if you are applying to graduate school. You think to yourself, "Well, I like studying this topic and the associated research, and I am going to need a PhD if I want to be a professor or do independent research, so I might as well get it done as soon as possible." But are you certain about the type of research you want to do? Do you know where you want to live for the next five years? Are you prepared to stay in an academic environment for nine years straight?

Many people burn out or end up trudging through their PhD program without a thought about what lies outside of or beyond it. A break of a year or two or even more may be necessary to gain perspective. If all you know is an academic environment, how can you compare it to anything else? Many people take a job for five or more years before going back to get their PhD. It is true though that the longer you stay out of school, the harder it is to go back to an academic environment with lower pay and a lack of set work hours. A one-year break will give you six months or so after graduation before PhD applications are due. A two-year gap might be ideal to provide time to identify your priorities in life and explore different areas of research without having school work or a thesis competing for your attention.

Getting research experience outside of a degree program can help focus your interests and give you a leg up on the competition when you finally decide to apply. It can also help you determine whether you will enjoy full-time research or if you might prefer an alternative career path that still incorporates science, for example, in policy, consulting or business — or a hybrid research job that combines scientific and non-scientific skills.

I will be forever grateful that I chose to do research in a non-academic environment for a year between my undergraduate and PhD programs. It gave me the chance to get a feel for doing nothing but research for a full year. Working at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in the Space Division, I was the manager of an optics lab, performing spectroscopic experiments on rocks and minerals placed in a vacuum chamber. While my boss determined the overall experimental design, I was able to make my own suggestions for experiments and use my own discretion in how to perform them. I presented this research at two national conferences as well — a first for me. I was also able to learn about other research being performed there, determine which projects excited me the most, and thus narrow down my criteria for a PhD program.

4. Your current area of study does not dictate what you have to study in graduate school.

You might be studying the function and regulation of membrane proteins or doing a computational analysis of the conductivity of different battery designs, but that doesn't mean your PhD project must revolve around similar projects. The transition between college or another research job to a PhD program is one of the main transitions in your life when it is perfectly acceptable to completely change research areas.

If you are doing computation, you may want to switch to lab-based work or vice versa. If you are working in biology but have always had an interest in photonics research, now is the time to try it out. You may find that you love the alternative research and devote your PhD to it, you might hate it and fall back on your previous area of study — or you may even discover a unique topic that incorporates both subjects.

One of the best aspects of the PhD program is that you can make the research your own. Remember, the answer to the question "Why are you doing this research?" should not be "Well, because it's what I've been working on for the past few years already."While my undergraduate research was in atomic physics, I easily transitioned into applied physics and materials science for my PhD program and was able to apply much of what I learned as an undergraduate to my current research. If you are moving from the sciences to a non-STEM field such as social sciences or humanities, this advice can still apply, though the transition is a bit more difficult and more of a permanent commitment.

5. Make sure the PhD program has a variety of research options, and learn about as many research groups as possible in your first year.

Even if you believe you are committed to one research area, you may find that five years of such work is not quite what you expected. As such, you should find a PhD program where the professors are not all working in the same narrowly focused research area. Make sure there are at least three professors working on an array of topics you could imagine yourself working on.

In many graduate programs, you are supposed to pick a research advisor before even starting. But such arrangements often do not work out, and you may be seeking a new advisor before you know it. That's why many programs give students one or two semesters to explore different research areas before choosing a permanent research advisor.

In your first year, you should explore the research of a diverse set of groups. After touring their labs, talking to the students, or sitting in on group meetings, you may find that this group is the right one for you.

In addition, consider the importance of who your research advisor will be. This will be the person you interact with regularly for five straight years and who will have a crucial influence on your research. Do you like their advising style? Does their personality mesh with yours? Can you get along? Of course, the research your advisor works on is critical, but if you have large disagreements at every meeting or do not get helpful advice on how to proceed with your research, you may not be able to succeed. At the very least, you must be able to handle your advisor's management of the lab and advising style if you are going to be productive in your work. The Harvard program I enrolled in has professors working on research spanning from nanophotonics to energy materials and biophysics, covering my wide range of interests. By spending time in labs and offices informally chatting with graduate students, I found an advisor whose personality and research interests meshed very well with me. Their genuine enthusiasm for this advisor and their excitement when talking about their research was the best input I could have received.

6. Location is more important than you think — but name recognition is not.

The first consideration in choosing a PhD program should be, "Is there research at this university that I am passionate about?" After all, you will have to study this topic in detail for four or more years. But when considering the location of a university, your first thought should not be, "I'm going to be in the lab all the time, so what does it matter if I'm by the beach, in a city, or in the middle of nowhere." Contrary to popular belief, you will have a life outside of the lab, and you will have to be able to live with it for four or more years. Unlike when you were an undergraduate, your social and extracurricular life will revolve less around the university community, so the environment of the surrounding area is important. Do you need a city atmosphere to be productive? Or is your ideal location surrounded by forests and mountains or by a beach? Is being close to your family important? Imagine what it will be like living in the area during the times you are not doing research; consider what activities will you do and how often will you want to visit family.

While many of the PhD programs that accepted me had research that truly excited me, the only place I could envision living for five or more years was Boston, as the city I grew up near and whose environment and culture I love, and to be close to my family.

While location is more important than you think, the reputation and prestige of the university is not. In graduate school, the reputation of the individual department you are joining — and sometimes even the specific research group you work in — are more important. There, you will develop research collaborations and professional connections that will be crucial during your program and beyond. When searching for a job after graduation, other scientists will look at your specific department, the people you have worked with and the research you have done.

At the Asgard Irish Pub in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Andy Greenspon talks with fellow graduate students from Harvard and MIT at an Ask for Evidence workshop organized by Sense About Science. He grew up near Boston and chose to go to graduate school there.

7. Those time management skills you developed in college? Develop them further.

After surviving college, you may think you have mastered the ability to squeeze in your coursework, extracurricular activities and even some sleep. In a PhD program, time management reaches a whole new level. You will not only have lectures to attend and homework to do. You will have to make time for your research, which will include spending extended periods of time in the lab, analyzing data, and scheduling time with other students to collaborate on research.

Also, you will most likely have to teach for a number of semesters, and you will want to attend any seminar that may be related to your research or that just peaks your interest. To top it all off, you will still want to do many of those extracurricular activities you did as an undergraduate. While in the abstract, it may seem simple enough to put this all into your calendar and stay organized, you will find quickly enough that the one hour you scheduled for a task might take two or three hours, putting you behind on everything else for the rest of the day or forcing you to cut other planned events. Be prepared for schedules to go awry, and be willing to sacrifice certain activities. For some, this might be sleep; for others, it might be an extracurricular activity or a few seminars they were hoping to attend. In short, don't panic when things don't go according to plan; anticipate possible delays and be ready to adapt.

8. Expect to learn research skills on the fly – or take advantage of the training your department or career center offers.

This may be the first time you will have to write fellowship or grant proposals, write scientific papers, attend conferences, present your research to others, or even peer-review scientific manuscripts. From my experience, very few college students or even PhD students receive formal training on how to perform any of these tasks. Usually people follow by example. But this is not always easy and can be quite aggravating sometimes. So seek out talks or interactive programs offered by your department or career center. The effort will be well worth it when you realize you've become quite adept at quickly and clearly explaining your research to others and at outlining scientific papers and grant proposals. Alternatively, ask a more experienced graduate student or your advisor for advice on these topics. In addition, be prepared for a learning curve when learning all the procedures and processes of the group you end up working in. There may be many new protocols to master, whether they involve synthesizing chemicals, growing bacterial cells, or aligning mirrors on an optical table. In addition, the group may use programming languages or data analysis software you are unfamiliar with. Don't get discouraged but plan to spend extra effort getting used to these procedures and systems. After working with them regularly, they will soon become second nature. When I first started my job at Johns Hopkins, I felt overwhelmed by all the intricacies of the experiment and definitely made a few mistakes, including breaking a number of optical elements. But by the end of my year there, I had written an updated protocol manual for the modifications I had made to the experimental procedures and was the "master" passing on my knowledge to the next person taking the job.

9. There are no real breaks.

In a stereotypical "9-to-5" job, when the workday is over or the weekend arrives, you can generally forget about your work. And a vacation provides an even longer respite. But in a PhD program, your schedule becomes "whenever you find time to get your work done." You might be in the lab during regular work hours or you might be working until 10 p.m. or later to finish an experiment. And the only time you might have available to analyze data might be at 1 a.m. Expect to work during part of the weekend, too. Graduate students do go on vacations but might still have to do some data analysis or a literature search while away.

As a PhD student, it might be hard to stop thinking about the next step in an experiment or that data sitting on your computer or that paper you were meaning to start. While I imagine some students can bifurcate their mind between graduate school life and everything else, that's quite hard for many of us to do. No matter what, my research lies somewhere in the back of my head. In short, your schedule is much more flexible as a PhD student, but as a result, you never truly take a break from your work.

While this may seem like a downer, remember that you should have passion for the research you work on (most of the time), so you should be excited to think up new experiments or different ways to consider that data you have collected. Even when I'm lying in bed about to fall asleep, I am sometimes ruminating about aspects of my experiment I could modify or what information I could do a literature search on to gain new insights. A PhD program is quite the commitment and rarely lives up to expectations – but it is well worth the time and effort you will spend for something that truly excites you.

Contributor

Andy greenspon.

Older PhDs student experiences – should you pursue a PhD later in life?

In today’s world, it’s not uncommon for individuals to change careers or pursue higher education later on in life.

For those considering a PhD program at an older age, there may be some hesitations and concerns about the experience.

• Will it be worth it?
• How difficult is it to balance academic responsibilities with other commitments such as family and work?
• What are the experiences of older PhD candidates?
• And many more questions…

In this article, we will explore the unique challenges and rewards of pursuing a PhD later in life, and share the insights and experiences of older PhD candidates.

Whether you’re considering a career change or simply seeking personal growth, read on to discover if pursuing a PhD is right for you.

Two specific case studies:

This case study explores the experiences of two mature PhD students, who despite their age, successfully navigated through their doctoral programs.

These students come from diverse backgrounds, having pursued their PhDs in Marketing and Computer Engineering. Their stories highlight the importance of determination, support systems, and practical experiences in achieving their academic goals.

Case 1: Marketing PhD Student at 48

Background:.

This student began their PhD journey at the age of 43, having accumulated 15 years of corporate experience, 5 years of teaching, and some consulting work. They decided to pursue a PhD after talking with their advisor during their master’s program.

Challenges:

One of the main challenges faced by this student was knowing when to stop working and take breaks. Managing workload and maintaining mental health were essential aspects of their PhD journey.

Key Factors for Success:

The student emphasized the importance of having a good advisor and a support network. Their prior experience in the corporate world helped them form interesting and relevant research questions. This also made them more relatable to students when teaching.

The student is now in the final stages of their PhD and has been offered a tenure-track assistant professor position at a university in New York.

Case 2: Computer Engineering PhD Student at 32

This student completed their PhD at the age of 32, having taken five years off after their master’s to work in the aerospace industry. They had always planned on getting a PhD and built significant experience in their field during their time off.

Working full-time while pursuing a PhD consumed most of their time, making it difficult to balance work, studies, and personal life. They acknowledged that having children would have added another layer of complexity to their situation.

The student’s success can be attributed to a fantastic advisor, a passionate research topic, and the ability to work from home. Their company’s financial support for their PhD program played a significant role in their decision to continue working full-time.

Having completed their PhD in three years, the student now plans to continue climbing the technical ladder within their company and aims to achieve a Technical Fellowship.

The experiences of these mature PhD students demonstrate the importance of determination, support systems, and real-world experience in successfully completing a doctoral program. Both students managed to overcome challenges and leverage their unique backgrounds to achieve their academic and professional goals.

If you want to know more about how to do a PhD at an older age you can check out my other articles:

• What is the PhD student average age? Too late for your doctorate?
• What is the average masters students age? Should you return to graduate school?
• Typical Graduate Student Age [Data for Average Age]
• Balancing PhD and family life – tips for balancing a busy life

Life Experience Helps with a doctoral degree 

Life experience can be a valuable asset when pursuing a PhD. The journey towards obtaining a doctoral degree can often be challenging and demanding, requiring dedication, hard work, and resilience.

Other benefits can include:

Iindividuals with life experience may have an advantage as they already possess a certain level of maturity, self-discipline, and time-management skills.

Life experience can bring a unique perspective and insight to research, as individuals may draw from their personal experiences to inform their research questions and design.

Moreover, being part of a cohort with diverse backgrounds and experiences can also enrich the doctoral experience, leading to greater learning and growth as a researcher.

You’re never too old to become a PhD student

Age is just a number, and this is especially true when it comes to academic pursuits. It is never too late to do a PhD, as academia welcomes learners of all ages. Long gone are the days when PhD candidates had to be in their early 20s to pursue this degree.

Nowadays, more and more people in their 30s or 40s are pursuing doctoral degrees, and many have even found great success after graduation.

Here are some potential advantages and drawbacks of doing a PhD later in life:

Advantages:

• Greater maturity: You have a better understanding of what you want to do and can focus on your goals.
• Real-world experience: You have a better understanding of real-world problems and can work on more relevant research.
• Stronger mental health: Having other commitments in your life can help you maintain a better work-life balance and prevent you from dwelling on research-related stress.
• Financial resources: You may have more financial resources at your disposal, which can be helpful during your PhD journey.
• Less need for validation: You’re likely pursuing the degree for genuine reasons rather than seeking status or validation.
• Better relationships with professors: You may find it easier to connect with your professors as peers and friends.
• Research relevance: Your research may be more relevant to managers because you’ve experienced management roles.
• Time constraints: You may not have as much time to enjoy the benefits of your PhD, especially if you plan to retire in your 60s.
• Additional life commitments: You may have more personal responsibilities, such as children, a spouse, or aging parents, which can make it more challenging to balance your PhD work.
• Potential need for relocation: You may have to move around for job opportunities, which could be difficult if you have a family or other commitments.
• Opportunity cost: Pursuing a PhD at this stage in life may come at the expense of other career opportunities or financial gains.
• Difficulty in obtaining tenure: You may not obtain tenure until your late 50s, which may be a drawback for some individuals.
• Not a financially sound decision: If you’re pursuing a PhD to make more money, the return on investment may not be as high as you expect.

Older PhD candidates often have a wealth of experience and knowledge that can only enhance their research and academic contributions.

So if you are considering pursuing a postgraduate degree, don’t let your age hold you back. It’s never too old to follow your academic dreams!

If you want to know more about how doing a PhD later in life you can check out my other articles:

Who is the oldest person to do a PhD? 

The oldest person to earn a PhD was a 95-year-old woman named Ingeborg Rapoport.

She was a Jewish-German physician who began her PhD studies in the 1930s but was unable to complete them due to the Nazi regime.

After a successful medical career, she decided to resume her studies in 2008 at the age of 94 at the University of Hamburg in Germany.

Her doctoral thesis focused on diphtheria and included research conducted in the 1930s, making her research especially significant.

In 2015, Rapoport successfully defended her thesis and earned her doctorate, becoming the oldest person in history to do so.

Her achievement received widespread recognition and admiration, and she demonstrated that age is just a number when it comes to academic achievement.

Wrapping up – doing a PhD later in life

In this article, we explore the unique challenges and rewards of pursuing a PhD later in life, drawing from the experiences of older PhD candidates.

Two case studies showcase the importance of determination, support systems, and practical experiences in successfully completing a doctoral program.

Life experience offers numerous benefits for older PhD students, such as a broader perspective, problem-solving skills, transferable skills, time management, an established professional network, emotional resilience, enhanced credibility, motivation and purpose, adaptability, and mentorship opportunities.

Age should not be a barrier to pursuing a PhD, as older candidates often bring valuable real-world experience and knowledge to their research.

Key advantages of pursuing a PhD in your 40s include greater maturity, real-world experience, stronger mental health, financial resources, less need for validation, better relationships with professors, and research relevance.

Drawbacks may include time constraints, additional life commitments, potential need for relocation, opportunity cost, difficulty in obtaining tenure, and lower return on investment.

The oldest person to earn a PhD was 95-year-old Ingeborg Rapoport, exemplifying that it’s never too late to follow your academic dreams.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Your roadmap to PhD success: freshman year advice for aspiring researchers

By JOHN CINTRON | August 19, 2024

COURTESY OF JOHN CINTRON

Cintron sitting at his workspace on the 9th floor lab, part of the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute.

First off, welcome to the Nest! As a freshman, you’re probably not even sure what you want to pursue yet or you might simply be feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities you can take with your life and career path. As someone who’s tried it all — Pre-Med, Economics, Consulting, Marketing, Filmmaking, Engineering and much more — I can safely say that acquiring a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the end goal that I intend to achieve.

To apply for a doctorate program, you need to maintain excellent grades and demonstrate your ability to manage a rigorous course load with other extracurricular and leadership activities. However, joining a lab (wet: manipulating liquids, biological matter and chemicals or dry: computational, physics and engineering) and beginning to work on actual research at university is arguably the most important thing you can do as a pre-PhD, pre-MD-PhD or even pre-med freshman. This will not be your average Chemistry lab experience as it will allow you opportunities to partake in independent research.

Independent research has been my greatest academic passion for as long as I can remember, from winning high school science fairs to participating in various forms of undergraduate research. As an undergraduate, I am motivated to pursue independent research in order to gain as much exposure and training as possible before beginning a Ph.D. program. I am interested in working in a research lab at Hopkins, not only because of how renowned the institution is for research, but also to make the most of my college education. 

Here’s what you need to do to get into a research lab as a freshman. Be ready to scour the internet; look around at all of the research labs Hopkins offers. Find what you think suits your current interests. Look into ForagerOne , an online platform designed specifically to connect undergraduate students with Faculty conducting research. You can look into department websites as well for faculty research profiles.You already made it here, which was the hardest part! Hopkins, being the nation’s oldest and best-funded research university, allows you access to labs that conduct cutting-edge research in their respective fields, so there is no shortage of opportunities.

​​Once you find a lab that resonates with you, reach out to the principal investigator (PI) of that lab by using your Hopkins email. Cold emails truly work best, as long as you keep it concise and make it known that you’re willing to commit to the research. You’ll end up meeting the PI or a post-doctoral researcher in the lab, which is where you can each lay out your expectations to one another (in terms of research, time commitment, recommendations, etc.) and see if the lab is a good fit for you. You’re going to want to start this process sooner rather than later!

Even if you end up realizing you don’t have a passion for or enjoy the lab you’re in as a freshman, that’s perfectly normal; you simply need experience. Many students switch labs for sophomore year and beyond!

Additionally, a research experience at Hopkins can be helpful to secure your dream summer research experience. My research experiences at Hopkins allowed me to realize my passion for working in the lab, even in the midst of my busy class schedule. I realized being a part of a summer research experience would allow me to put a 100% focus on my research and cultivate my interests further. 

You will not only be able to gain practical skills from your lab, but you can also ask for a letter of recommendation from your supervisor. Most REU programs value your letter of recommendation the most, so you need to make good impressions as a student researcher in your lab as early as possible, since applications have due dates around January/February.

This past summer, I was given the amazing opportunity to conduct research in the field of Neuroimmunology at the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard as a participant in the Broad Summer Research Program. I gained so many useful skills from this REU, including improving my scientific writing, quickly learning extensive information about my specific field of research, creating an engaging research poster and delivering effective scientific presentations. 

REUs allow you to use your summer to conduct meaningful research and expand your network. The wide array of skills I gained from participating in an REU will allow me to more thoroughly engage and contribute ideas in my research lab back at Hopkins!

Again, good luck as you begin your academic journey, and welcome to the Nest!

John Cintron is a sophomore from Fort Myers, Fla. majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He is a News Writer for The News-Letter.

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Pathway to the PhD Micro-credential

Pathway to the PhD—Preparing for Success is a cohort-based micro-credential developed to help early-stage PhD students uncover the essentials of success in their program, from writing abstracts to tracking progression through their programs to wellness and professional development. The micro-credential is offered in a hybrid format and managed via Brightspace with six in-person meetings. Currently, the Graduate School offers the  Pathway to the PhD—Preparing for Success  micro-credential to Presidential, Schomburg and Graduate School Fellows.

What will you learn?

Uncover the hidden curriculum of graduate school that you are just expected to know or learn on your own. In this micro-credential, you will learn how to:

• Choose an advisor and build your own team. 
• Get funding for your work.
• Stay on track throughout your PhD. 
• Publish and promote your work. 
• Navigate the job market.
• Participate in and attend conferences.

Upon completion of the micro-credential, you will gain the knowledge and skills that are essential for navigating every step of your PhD journey.

Who is eligible to participate?

This micro-credential is currently offered to University at Buffalo Presidential, Schomburg and Graduate School Fellows. 

Requirements

Upon registering for the micro-credential, participants will gain access to the micro-credential within the Brightspace learning management system. There are a total of eleven modules, which should be completed in sequential order.

Each module includes a video, assessment and an enhance your experience section. The enhance your experience section is optional but is highly recommended for you to get the most out of the micro-credential. Participants must watch the video and complete the corresponding assignment in order to move forward to the next module. To successfully earn the micro-credential, all eleven modules must be completed.

Module 1: Welcome to UB.

Module 2: Understanding Your Department and Jargon at UB.

Module 3:  Building Your Network.

Module 4:  Staying on Track and Tracking Progress.

Module 5:  Understanding and Finding Funding.

Module 6:  Writing at the Graduate Level and Publishing.

Module 7:  Teaching in Graduate School.

Module 8:  Promoting and Talking About Your Research.

Module 9:  Participating in and Attending Conferences.

Module 10:  Navigating the Job Market.

Module 11:  The Balancing Act of Graduate School.

Additional Requirements

The final evidence will be a written response to a series of prompts regarding the personal and professional topics covered in the micro-credential. Learners will be asked to select five to seven book chapters/modules that they found most useful and, for each, provide an overview of the specific aspects that were impactful and how they will apply their learning throughout their academic and/or professional careers. The reflective piece will incorporate the goals and plans in the Individual Development Plan (IDP) that they will work on after the micro-credential is completed.

For more information and to register, please email Elizabeth Colucci at [email protected] . 

Visit the Office of Micro-Credentials website to learn more about micro-credentials and digital badges.

Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Healthcare Leadership

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Sciences – Healthcare Leadership

Become a leader in allied health with a ph.d. in health sciences – healthcare leadership.

Are you an allied health professional seeking a terminal degree? If so, Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Sciences – Healthcare Leadership degree can help you pursue advanced roles in research, academia, clinical care, and healthcare leadership. Maybe you want to better serve your patients and clients, or perhaps you’re passionate about training up the next generation of health sciences students. Either way, our doctoral degree in health sciences can help you develop vital, marketable skills.

With our 100% online courses, you can complete your degree without putting your life on hold. Our faculty are experts in the field of allied health, so you can be confident that you are learning from industry leaders with real-world experience. Additionally, the healthcare leadership track for our Ph.D. in Health Sciences allows you to personalize your degree and select courses that fit your academic and career goals.

What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Healthcare Leadership Program?

• Healthcare delivery systems and evidence-based practices in health sciences
• Methods for implementing appropriate, culturally sensitive methods of healthcare delivery
• Quantitative and qualitative research techniques used in the field of health sciences

This program is broken down into 4 main parts: core health sciences courses, research classes, the healthcare leadership specialization, and dissertation courses. Within the core content, you can learn how to navigate various ethical issues and lead with integrity as an allied health professional. You’ll also explore topics related to risk management, teaching, and research methods in the field of health sciences.

In addition to taking research and statistics courses, you’ll complete an extensive dissertation process designed to help you contribute to the base of knowledge in your field. The general area of study has no set courses, so you’ll have the freedom to select classes that align with your interests and career goals or that best support your dissertation topic. With training from our seasoned faculty, you can learn how to teach at the college level and meet the complex needs of the healthcare community.

Potential Careers for Healthcare Leadership Ph.D. in Health Sciences Graduates

Depending on your previously obtained certifications and licenses, some of the roles you could pursue with this degree include:

• Healthcare administrator
• Healthcare communications specialist
• Medical assistant
• Public health worker

Benefits of Pursuing Your Online Doctorate in Health Sciences with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are  recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank among Niche.com’s  top 3 online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• You can complete this Ph.D. in Health Sciences – General program in as little as 3 years!
• Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
• Completing your Ph.D. gives you a terminal credential that shows employers you have reached the pinnacle of educational achievement in your field.
• You’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders in allied health from across the country.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more !

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Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

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Sep 16, 2024

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Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

• Affordability
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These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

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Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

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Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

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As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Nearly 80% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid. Virginia residents may qualify for additional aid — learn more !

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Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you pay only a portion of your balance up front. You submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay the remaining balance for your classes.

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Qualified military service members, veterans, and their spouses can receive up to 55% off their tuition rate for eligible programs!

Contact one of our Admissions Counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

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• PhD Student Life

In This Section

• Economics Track
• Judgment and Decision Making Track
• Politics and Institutions Track
• Science, Technology and Policy Studies Track
• Current Students
• Doctoral Student Handbook
• Dissertations & Job Placements
• Faculty & Research

The full doctoral student experience at Harvard is not just about outstanding academics. It’s also about the community you build, the connections you make, and the many ways for you to grow academically, professionally, and personally.

There are many student organizations and opportunities for you to make your doctoral program experience truly your own—and resources to support you along the way. Those below are just a few.

Kennedy PhD Student Association (KPSA)

The singular focus of KPSA, a student organization, is on building a supportive and healthy community for students enrolled in Harvard Kennedy School-affiliated doctoral programs. Among its responsibilities, KPSA organizes social events, promotes health and well being among doctoral students, and focuses on research development opportunities.

Diversity at Harvard

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) and Harvard is a community of students and scholars who represent different races, ethnicities, belief systems, nationalities, genders, and sexual orientations.  There are student groups and resources at Harvard Griffin GSAS and HKS alike that provide opportunities for you to become part of communities and help you thrive academically, develop professionally, and grow personally during your time at Harvard. 

Harvard Grad Women in Economics

Housed in the Department of Economics, the Harvard Grad Women in Economics student organization brings together Harvard’s female and non-binary graduate students to build community and work on important issues that affect women’s representation and inclusion in the economics field.

Supporting the Whole You

Harvard Griffin GSAS and Harvard provide a range of resources to support your academic, physical, social, and mental well being as you pursue your doctoral research. Several professional development programs are also available to prepare you for each step as you work toward your doctoral degree. 

Among the Harvard Griffin GSAS resources include those that are academically focused, particularly the Bureau of Study Counsel and the  Center for Writing and Communicating Ideas . But they also include family-minded resources such as the  Harvard Student Spouses and Partners Association and Care.com as well as those focused on your mental health and well being .   

Read more about the support programs available to you at  Harvard Griffin GSAS and HKS during your time at Harvard. 

Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

Maximize Your PhD Experience: 7 Tips for a Healthy Work-Life Balance

If PhD were a sport, it would be more comparable to a marathon than a sprint. A PhD tenure typically lasts at least three years, and often more. As a PhD student, most of you experience the pressure to put in long hours at work to increase productivity and keep up with ever-evolving research fields. As a result, you might often neglect both physical and emotional health, which is detrimental to your productivity and can even result in a burnout. However, more than just focusing on finishing projects one after the other, look at it as a PhD life experience. It is a fantastic opportunity to grow holistically as a person, follow lifelong interests, or find new perspectives to enrich one’s life. To stay productive and make your PhD experience a sustainable one , it is essential to carve out time for socializing, establishing a support network, and taking care of your well-being without feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few tips to maintain a healthy work-life balance and maximize your life experience during your PhD journey:

• Bring structure to your PhD like a regular job: The PhD experience often lacks a firm schedule or structure. Take charge and make your own work structure so you can work more efficiently – not constantly. Plan and organize your work to take time out for activities that interest you, e.g., sports, hobbies, exercise/meditation or just spending time with your friends. As long as you are working regularly each week, you can keep a few hours for social activities that add to your PhD life experience, both practically and mentally.
• Create a life outside of work: Although your lab group is like your family, it is beneficial for your mental health to be able to occasionally take a break from work and engage in non-academic pursuits that fascinate you. The PhD life experience comes with its own ups and downs , much like a roller-coaster ride. The ability to switch between work and other pursuits, which build your social network, is helpful when you need a backup plan or a way to relax.
• Take off on weekends and go for holidays: Your life experience during a PhD typically involves working for extended periods of time without a break, but it is essential to give yourself time to recharge your batteries so that you can begin afresh. Take some time off on the weekends to rejuvenate or figure out how you will spend the holidays, then return to your work refreshed.

• Socialize with your lab group and other colleagues: One great way to gain advice and assistance, both regarding your work and your life experience as a PhD student in general, is to talk about your study with colleagues or other members of your group. Not only does this social exchange help you better your research, it also helps you build long-lasting friendships.
• Attend and participate in departmental seminars and events: Attending seminars and events hosted by your department is the simplest method to get to know your coworkers and establish professional connections. Being present for talks and taking part in the subsequent discussion sessions often opens one’s eyes to new research possibilities and career opportunities, and this is especially true even when the subject matter is not your area of research. It is entirely up to you to decide which of the events you want to prioritize attending in order to keep your regular work schedule unaffected.
• Join student run clubs and societies: Make the most of student-run organizations and societies at your institute and university; it is a great way to expose yourself to a variety of new experiences and make connections with individuals who share your interests. There are several online organizations that have been developed specifically to assist young researchers in better managing their PhD life experience.
• Go to conferences and present your research: It can sound scary, in the beginning, but gets easier as you practice. Travelling to conferences and presenting your work to a broader research community can be a great confidence booster. It helps in professional networking which is key to maximize your life experience during the PhD journey . Add a few days off to the end of the trip, if possible, to make it a memorable event during your PhD experience!

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital for your physical and mental health when you are pursuing a doctoral degree. You will be in a better position to deal with challenges in your life if you are able to spend more time engaging in the activities you love. Making time for activities outside of work can also help you ignite your creative fire and come up with out-of-the-box ideas. As a result of all of this, not only will you become a more productive researcher but also one who is more dependable, healthier, and happier.

Related Posts

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Inductive vs. Deductive Research Approach

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Application Prep for Graduate Studies: How to write a PhD Personal Statement

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Not sure where to start when it comes to writing a PhD personal statement? We have put together a helpful article packed full of advice for writing your PhD personal statement (or cover letter), so you can approach the task with confidence. PhD personal statements are incredibly important bits of work, showing how suitable you are for studying within the department that you are applying to, so it’s wise to make sure you’ve done your absolute best – you only get to make your first impression once! Have a read of our useful PhD personal statement tips, make a cup of coffee, and start showing off your writing skills.

What is a PhD personal statement?

How do i write a phd personal statement, how should i structure a phd personal statement, what should i write in a phd personal statement, what style should i use for a phd personal statement, how should i check my phd personal statement, phd cover letter and personal statement tips.

When applying for a PhD course, you may have to submit a research proposal as well as a personal statement or cover letter.

The proposal details your research project (such as proposed methods, results and planned analysis) and why there is value in exploring it.

Your personal statement outlines why you are suitable for doctoral study. In addition, it should say why you’re interested in the specific PhD with that particular department and how your experiences can add to it.

Sometimes you only have to submit a proposal or a personal statement. If you have to submit both, be sure that they clearly cover these separate areas.

Your PhD application is very different from an application you may have made before through UCAS. It goes directly to the university and needs to be fully tailored to what the department is looking for. It’s similar to a job application.

If you haven’t already, get in touch with the PhD supervisors or other contacts within the department you want to work in. They regularly need PhD students to support their work, so they will probably be happy to help you with your application.

When planning what to write, read all relevant information about the course and any guidance from the university – for example, lists of desirable criteria, or a person specifications. You can use each criterion as a heading and make bullet points on what to write under each one.

• An introduction that outlines why you want to do the PhD
• Middle paragraphs that say how your interests and experiences make you right for doctoral study, and why the university department is a suitable fit for you
• A concluding paragraph that summarizes why you’re the best person for the course

Aim to explain how your skills and experience make you a suitable candidate for this particular PhD at this specific university.

• Why should you be completing research in this area?
• What are your strengths and achievements?
• What are your influences?
• Why is this university the right one for your project?
• Why do you want to work with this team?
• Make sure that you give evidence and not just state points, especially if the criteria are specific. What have you done to match the requirements?

You can discuss your wider achievements or extracurricular activities but try to keep it suited to the PhD. If you want, add information about gaps in your CV or any other issues that are relevant.

If you’re applying for a fellowship (a funded PhD), you should tailor your application to the funder. Spend enough time researching the fellowship so you talk about why it will be beneficial to you.

Aim to be concise in your writing. The university may set a limit on the word count, but if not, your personal statement should ideally be no longer than one side of A4. Be concise and make every word count.

Your statement should reflect the academic nature of the writing you’ll be doing in the PhD. For example, if your work is scientific, the people who will read your statement want to see that you can provide evidence and an explanation with each point you make.

For more information on how to write a personal statement, see our general postgraduate advice article.

Go to:  How to write a postgraduate personal statement

When writing your application, spend plenty of time rewriting sections to perfect it. A good idea is to spend 20 minutes editing for every hour you spend writing. If you can, sit in a different environment to edit than where you write from, as this will help keep your mind clear and fresh.

Develop a strong academic CV – this is what admissions tutors will usually look at before reading your personal statement. Use the CV to list your experiences, and don’t repeat the same information in your statement.

Start putting your application together early, even as early as a year before the PhD will begin. This will give you time to contact supervisors. Your applications may be due in December or January before you start, so you’ll need to set aside plenty of time if you’re applying for funding.

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What is the life of a phd student really like, published by steve tippins on june 9, 2020 june 9, 2020.

Last Updated on: 2nd February 2024, 05:11 am

Life of a PhD student? Hell. That about sums it up.

Okay, that’s not a very satisfying answer. Nor is it completely true. Life as a PhD student doesn’t always feel like hell. It does sometimes, but it’s also an exhilarating and rewarding time to explore your area of interest and grow into a true scholar. So what does the life of a PhD student really look like?

The life of a PhD student is somewhat varied depending on the field you’re going into. Generally speaking, no matter what program you’re in, it has two phases: coursework and dissertation.

Coursework Phase

Doctoral-level are courses that are a lot harder than undergraduate or even Master’s courses , but they are similar in structure: there’s a syllabus, due dates, other students in the class, etc. There are definitive semesters, quarters, or terms. In between terms, there’s really not much work to do. 

Of course, there are different expectations for PhD students than for undergrads. They are held to a far more rigorous standard in the work that they do. Class sizes are much smaller, and students are expected to participate in nuanced discussions. There is no sliding by unnoticed in a PhD program.

All that said, the coursework phase of the life of a PhD student is not altogether different than their previous educational experience, besides being more rigorous. It’s like school on steroids. 

Depending on the school, there may be a transition from classwork: comprehensive exams. This is basically, “study everything you’ve learned so that you can be ready for any question.” 

Dissertation Phase

The dissertation phase is a world in which there’s no syllabus, no classmates, and no real structure. You have your Chairperson and Committee to keep happy, but they’re not pushing you forward or expecting you to turn things in by a certain date. They’re just waiting for you to do what you have to do. 

Once you get to the dissertation stage, the concept of semesters and quarters goes away, and you’re working on your topic all the time.

Over 50% of doctoral candidates don’t finish their dissertations.

Many students find that not having due dates can make it difficult to work efficiently and make real progress on their dissertation . I speak more about how to effectively navigate this later on in this article.

I f you go into a program that has a large number of doctoral students, you’ll still be alone when you get to the dissertation stage, but you’ll have other people a similar stage. If you’re in a smaller program (for example, I was the only person in my PhD program), you may be all alone during the dissertation phase.

You’ll have to be able to move from the structured format of classes to the dissertation stage, where there’s very little structure and it can be lonely.

How Many Hours do PhD Students Work?

How many hours do PhD students work? Many PhD students have about 40 hours a week of reading and classwork, plus around 20 hours a week of assistantship or lab time. And that’s minimum. You may also be teaching while you’re doing your dissertation. I had two classes a semester, which ended up being 6 hours a week of class time, plus preparation and grading.   It’s easy to have a 60-80 hour week. In the life of a PhD student, the concept of “weekends” does not exist.

When you get to your dissertation, it’s easy to say “Oh, thank god I don’t have to do that anymore” and just stop. But don’t. You’ll need to put in the same hours on your dissertation if you want to finish within a reasonable timeframe (unless you’re deliberately making a choice to finish over a longer period of time).

Life of a PhD Student

Here, I’ll describe some of the common themes of the life of a PhD student, regardless of discipline. If you’re not yet enrolled in a PhD program, I highly recommend reading this to get an idea of the realities of what doctoral-level work looks like. If you’re already living the life of a PhD student, you will find some indispensable hints and advice for getting through with your mental health intact.

Being a Doctoral Student Is Not Like Being an Undergrad

Life as a PhD student is not the same as life as an undergrad. You’re there for the academic experience, not for anything else. Don’t expect to be able to join clubs and have time to socialize or go to football games. You may even find yourself feeling jealous of undergrads. 

But you’re there for a completely different purpose. You are the reason that the library is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. You are training to join the ranks of the world’s elite minds. 

You Can’t “Just Get By”

On the same note, the academic standards to which you’ll have to hold yourself change. As an undergraduate, you can get by easily with “what do I need to know,” and as a PhD student you ask, “what more can I learn?”

If you have the mentality of asking “what do I need to get by?” you shouldn’t be in a doctoral program. Because if you’re in a doctoral program, you’re going to end up as an expert. If your specific topic comes up in important policy decisions, you may be asked to be on an advisory panel. At some point, you will probably be asked to be an expert somewhere, and the advice you give will influence people’s lives. Society depends on you doing a good job in order to function well.

Doctoral programs are rigorous for a reason: only those who have a true passion and care for their subject area are afforded the power that a doctorate gives.

Writing a Dissertation Takes Over Your Life

Writing a dissertation is an immersive experience. It’s so much a part of the life of a PhD student that it’s hard to differentiate between when you’re working and not working. 

You also have to do things besides actually writing, and these things sometimes take a frustratingly long time. For example, making calls to institutions you are gathering data from, figuring out how to access or use software programs, or transcribing interviews. 

It doesn’t feel like you’re making progress on your dissertation because you haven’t written anything, so it can be easy to get discouraged. It’s important to account for the time spent doing this kind of thing so that you don’t feel like you’re failing when you have to spend entire days on it rather than writing.

I had a friend who spent an entire weekend trying to de-bug a program, and the problem ended up being a zero that had been replaced by an O. That kind of stuff happens all the time, and it’s often when students quit. Account for this ahead of time so that it’s just part of the deal.

It is hard to communicate to friends and family members about what you’re going through in this process. They may expect you to be the same person you were before you entered the program and have the same flexibility. This can put a lot of pressure on friendships and relationships.  

You see all these other people who seem like they’re doing amazing things. Going on vacation, having children, advancing their careers. It may feel like you’re missing out. The life of a PhD student is also extremely isolating. Your family may not understand what you’re going through. It’s important to take care of your mental and emotional health so that this doesn’t lead you to drop out.

No Time for Anything

Those people who go into a doctoral program and continue a job and have families have to understand that they’re going to have very little time for anything other than those three things during the program. There is often not even enough time for all three of those. Understand that your faculty will have expectations of you and rarely considers outside commitments or desires when evaluating whether you’ve met those expectations.

Much of the life of a PhD student is actually deferring life–or at least all of the facets of life outside of academia. It means following everybody else’s requirements until you graduate. 

Revisions, Revisions, Revisions

Being a PhD student means constant revising. That’s one of the reasons that people quit, because they don’t realize how much revising will be necessary. When students get a draft of their proposal back for revisions a fifth time, many consider that a failure, but that’s simply the nature of writing a dissertation.

People get angry because they think they’re failing or they think that professors are being hard on them. But having to do multiple revisions is the norm. You’re learning a new language (academic writing), and you’re conducting an extremely rigorous project.

In classes, professors may let things slide. But any professor worth their salt won’t let things slide in your dissertation. It’s a good place for a perfectionist.

Here are some common reasons why students struggle with the type of academic writing required in a dissertation:

• You feel like you’re repeating yourself a lot
• You have to make your argument very clear and slow
• You can’t assume any knowledge
• You have to be extraordinarily specific
• You have to be extremely consistent

A Warning for Doctoral Students

There are stories of faculty members who take advantage of doctoral students to pick up laundry, babysit children, or worse. However power can be abused, some people in positions of power will try to do it. While hopefully there has been enough conversation about this that it is declining, it is something to be aware of. Listen to other people and be careful. 

The academic system is set up for an uneven balance of power–even before you account for our societal power dynamics of gender and race.

While there is a worthy tradition of “paying your dues” in academia, this means paying your dues to the profession–through teaching, learning, and research–not paying dues to members of the profession.

All this said, there are times when it isn’t inappropriate for faculty members may ask you to do things outside of the realm of academia (you can feel free to accept or decline as you wish). When I was in my graduate program a faculty member asked if I could help him move one weekend. I helped him for an hour and a half, and he gave me $100. 

He was trying to be nice to me, and he certainly didn’t take advantage of the power dynamic. However, I was working as an assistant on a research project and getting paid $12/hr, and I jokingly chided him for paying me more for my brawn than my brains.

Final Thoughts

The life of a PhD student is not easy, but it is rewarding. Time and time again, I’ve seen the difference between students who complete their doctoral programs and those who don’t is whether they’re able to get enough support.

That’s why I started offering Dissertation Coaching Services . I help PhD students get through the dissertation phase of their doctoral programs, successfully defend them, and graduate with their degrees.

If you are interested in receiving support from a Dissertation Chair through weekly coaching sessions, feedback on your work, and accountability tools, book a free 30-minute consultation . As of this writing, I am nearing capacity, so please do so soon if you would like to participate.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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10 Online Colleges That Give Work & Life Experience Credit

Find your degree.

You know that you have a lot to gain and to learn when you decide to pursue a college degree, that’s why you’ve decided to take this incredible step into your future. But, what about everything you already know in your chosen field? This is where work and life experience credits come in!

Originally published: September 2018 Last Updated: February 2024

Dozens of colleges and universities across America have the answer. Many institutions of higher learning have committed to giving credit where credit is due.

They will allow you to receive literal credits for your relevant experience whether that is from professional experience, life experience, prior training or credentials related to your field, or training you received in the military.

When did the idea of work and life experience credits begin?

Since 1974, the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE) has existed to help students earn credits for formal training that happened outside of a traditional degree program.

They have partnered with a broad range of organizations and reviewed over 30,000 different programs in order to provide colleges and universities with course equivalency information. They evaluate standardized tests, work training programs, and more.

Colleges and universities across the country trust the council to determine if credits should be bestowed upon students. There are plenty of helpful resources and more information about the service on the ACE website.

How can I prove my work and life experience?

There are a variety of ways that you can earn credit for what you already know by demonstrating competency in specific areas. So, if you have all of the knowledge and skills that a course seeks to teach you, you may be able to receive credit by showing your proficiency instead of completing the course.

One way that schools do this is by offering different standardized tests. These tests usually have an associated fee, but some students may be able to get those fees waived based on financial need. These exams include:

• Challenge Exams: You would take the equivalent of an end-of-course exam and receive credit if you pass. You will have to contact individual schools to determine if this is an option for you.
• CLEPs: The College-Level Examination Program allows students to take a set of exams in specific content areas to test out of some classes. You can search the CLEP website to see if your school accepts these exams.
• DSSTs: DANTES Subject Standardized Tests are the option for students who have learned outside of an academic setting to prove that they are proficient in a particular subject. There are more than 30 of these exams currently available, which are all recommended by ACE. Close to 2,000 schools accept these credits.

After testing, are there other ways to demonstrate my work and life experience in my field of study?

Apart from sitting for an exam, you can potentially earn college credit for professional licenses or certificates, workforce training, and military training. This is done through the creation of a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Portfolio.

This portfolio should contain information regarding all of your workplace or military training, any licensure, certifications, or diplomas you may have received, and any civic activities, volunteer service, or similar ventures.

You should include supporting documents, any competency-based exam results, as well as plenty of writing that details what you know, how you learned it, and how you can demonstrate that knowledge.

Earning credit for your life or work experience doesn’t have to be difficult. The resources published by the ACE and the academic advisors at the schools you’re considering can show you how to get college credit for work experience. Additionally, many schools have a PLA Portfolio course that you are required to take, which will walk you through this process in great detail.

The benefits of going through this seemingly daunting process should not be overlooked. First of all, you deserve to have your skills recognized. Schools that offer credit for life experience can be a great choice for senior citizens who want to earn an affordable degree .

These programs can also help you earn a degree quickly. While there are a variety of fees that you may encounter by submitting a PLA or taking the aforementioned exams, they are saving you money in the long run. The average cost per credit hour in the United States is just a few dollars short of $600. Every course that you get credit for this way is a significant savings.

If this is something that you’re interested in doing, the ten schools on this list are a great place to start. Each of these schools awards credit for work and life experience. All were ranked according to the following.

Methodology

This article explores the top ten online colleges that give credit for work or life experience. In order to create this ranking, we began by curating a list of schools that met the following criteria:

• features at least one distance education degree program;
• allows students to earn credit for their past experience;
• is based in the United States;
• is properly accredited;
• is not a for-profit institution.

Once we had a complete list, we used our standard ranking factors of the Freshman Retention and Graduation Rate. These two percentages were added together to obtain a final score (out of a possible 200) for each school.

The schools that received the highest score are presented here, with the highest-scoring school coming in first place. In the event that any two institutions receive the same final score, they are presented in alphabetical order.

The data presented to you in this ranking came directly from the schools’ websites whenever it was available. Additional information was gathered from U.S. News & World Report and the National Center for Education Statistics.

As a disclaimer, OnlineCollegePlan doesn’t grant any institutions more favorable treatment. All of the schools are held to the same rigorous standards, and we openly provide our methodology so that you can understand how we came to these conclusions. Due to incomplete information, there may be a number of schools that are not represented here that otherwise may have ranked.

If none of the schools in this ranking seem like a good fit for you, you may want to check out our article featuring the Top 100 Best Online Colleges .

Tuition Disclaimer: All stated tuition values are based on a student’s in-state residency only and are subject to change.

Linfield is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and currently only offers bachelor’s degrees. Linfield offers a total of 72 different majors and minors to a student body of less than 2,000.

The college offers students credit for life experience through examinations with either CLEP or course finals. ACE-approved work-related credits are also accepted, and the college also provides portfolio examinations for those whose experience cannot be categorized.

Linfield College accepts up to 30 credits for past experience, listing standard sources as well as travel, personal interest, family, and life experience. This is a very welcoming policy, which is part of what makes this college the best online option for students seeking credit for experience.

Coupled with the exceptional educational quality that comes from a highly personalized environment, this is an impressive school. Majors offered online include:

• Business Information Systems
• Computer Information Systems
• Global Studies
• International Business
• Project Management

There are six minors and 18 certificates to customize your learning further. Linfield offers interesting certificates, such as Wine Management, and a Yoga Instructor program.

Online programs at Colorado State University are reasonably popular given the size of the university’s student body. More than a tenth of those students are studying entirely online through the Colorado State University Global campus which offers a variety of undergraduate degree completion programs, graduate degrees, certificates, and other continuing education opportunities.

The university accepts up to 90 transfer credits for some of its programs which is an excellent option for those of you who have completed some of your degree already.

In addition to that, the university also accepts credit from Advanced Placement testing at the high school level, college courses you completed during dual enrollment in high school, International Baccalaureate credits, CLEP testing, and more.

There are 20 online programs offered at DeSales University, including a selection of accelerated bachelor’s degrees and professional certificates. Online classes at DeSales are presented asynchronously, and the courses are condensed into six- and eight-week sessions depending on which class it is. There are 11 start dates throughout the year.

These programs are provided through what the university calls the ACCESS program which has garnered recognition several times throughout the past 40 years since it was established. You have the option to take classes in this accelerated format, or you can also take them on a more traditional schedule.

If something happens and you need to take time off to take care of other obligations, you can pick right back up where you left off. 75 transfer credits are accepted, and you can earn credit for your experience in several ways. DSSTs, CLEPs, and more are all accepted. You also have ample access to financial aid and academic support services while enrolled.

Wisconsin Lutheran College offers one online degree program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. As the college continues to grow, its offerings to distance-learning students will grow with it.

This degree program is provided in an accelerated format, allowing it to be completed in as little as 20 months of full-time study. There is a generous transfer policy that you could benefit from if you have any prior college experience.

If not, Wisconsin Lutheran College does accept up to 45 credits from other sources such as previous life and work experience. You can apply any CLEP test results to your degree, and you can also submit a portfolio.

Demonstrating competency in specific areas through a variety of ways will allow you to earn credit, as will any other learning experience you received in a professional setting.

Westfield State University is made up of the following:

• College of Education, Health, and Human Services
• College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• College of Graduate and Continuing Education
• College of Mathematics and Sciences

There are six online degrees offered at the bachelor’s level:

• Business Management
• Criminal Justice
• Liberal Studies

The university has been recognized for the quality of its online programs in the past. Classes are offered all year, which may help you to complete your degree faster. Westfield accepts credit through the presentation of a Prior-Learning Portfolio.

You have the opportunity to earn credit for CLEP testing, internships, and can also demonstrate your proficiency in other ways.

Central Michigan University offers 53 total online degree programs. In addition to that, you can also explore your options with more than 20 certificate programs, professional development courses, and personal enrichment courses.

There are options for accelerated format programs that allow you to complete part of your master’s degree courses while you’re working on your bachelor’s degree. The majority of classes are asynchronous, and there are very few on-campus requirements across its entire repertoire.

Students of the CMU Global Campus can earn credit for prior learning. Prior Learning credit is awarded for work, training, and life experience at CMU. What sets the university apart is that it relies on competencies.

So, even if your knowledge doesn’t pertain to a specific course offered, you can still potentially have your knowledge recognized as a credit. In order to receive this credit, students would submit a PLA portfolio for review.

Online programs are offered at Walsh University; however, they are not very popular among the current student body. There are more than ten majors that can be completed in online and accelerated formats. Courses last just five- or eight-weeks and they are self-paced. Some programs can be finished in just over a year of full-time study.

The undergraduate programs accept up to 92 transfer credits, including those from prior learning. Majors include business, communication, a BSN, and more. If none of the offered majors suit your needs, you can also create your own major; Walsh University is one of the very few schools with this option for online students.

There are also four different graduate degrees you can earn online, with a further ten areas of interest to choose from. Walsh University welcomes credits from CLEP testing, work training or experience, and even life experience when students can adequately demonstrate their competency in their portfolios.

Albertus Magnus College has some of the most flexible online programs for students. There are online programs that are taken entirely via the web, and there are what AMC calls Flex programs. The Flex programs allow those students who are close enough to the school to take classes at the brick-and-mortar campus if they are interested in doing so.

There are accelerated degree programs that feature eight-week courses. The setup of these programs allows you to earn as much as 30 credits in just one year, and you can do that online or on-campus. The college is more than committed to enabling you to enroll in a program that is convenient, efficient, and meets all of your needs.

Prior learning credits can be earned from CLEP, DANTES exams, challenge exams, and by submitting a portfolio. Students are eligible for financial aid whether they are full- or part-time, and the college provides access to internships, experiential learning, career services, and more.

The University of Memphis has operated a Division of Professional and Continuing Education since the 1970s. Over time, in order to expand options for nontraditional students, the University of Memphis Global was created. This division offers more than 60 online programs that are fully online, don’t require any visits to campus, and feature predominantly asynchronous courses.

These programs are very flexible, making them an excellent opportunity to attend a highly respected university and receive a quality education that meets all of your needs. U of M offers prior learning credit through a PLA Portfolio because as it boasts, it understands that learning can happen anywhere.

Almost every course in the undergraduate curriculum allows for challenging exams. You can also earn CLEP, DSST, AP, and IB credit. Professional training and licensing are also considered.

There are more than 40 online degree programs to choose from through Eastern Kentucky University’s EKU Online division. Some of the fields offered include business, criminal justice, education, nursing, psychology, social work, and more.

There are six start dates throughout the year, and all of the courses are taught by the same faculty as their on-campus counterparts. EKU Online takes great care to make sure that its programs fit into the lives of busy students no matter what they have going on, so many of the courses are asynchronous. In addition, there are generous financial aid opportunities available.

Credit for life and work experience is formally recognized by the university as long as students are actively enrolled and seeking a degree. EKU currently accepts military training and CLEP examination credits as long as there is an equivalent course offered at the university.

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I wasted six years of my life getting a PhD degree. What should I do, and how will I survive?

I struggled with low self confidence throughout my bachelors, masters and PhD in chemical engineering. After spending two years in Masters and six years in getting a PhD degree, I am lost at what I can do with my life.

Initially, my plan was to be in academia. Though I love doing research, I don't see that as a possibility anymore.

I did not do well in my PhD. I have only two first-author journal publications in ~2.5 impact factor journals. I did not acquire significant skills. I am bad at programming, and I have a 3.7 GPA. I did not learn to drive or learn any foreign language. I did not improve my health or developed a new hobby. I even did not spend time on having a relationship. In short, I have done nothing over the past six years.

My PhD supervisor has given me a postdoc position. And I feel extremely inadequate. I feel that I won't be able to do anything after my postdoc year, and I will just be a burden and disappointment to my parents.

I am an international student living in the US.

I don't know what I should do. What should I do?

• career-path
• academic-life
• early-career
• emotional-responses

• 190 I think your only issue is one of self esteem. I suggest you find a counsellor and discuss where you are and how you feel. Don't let imposter syndrome lead to depression. Your advisor can give you professional advice, but you should also seek personal advice. The future is brighter than you think. –  Buffy Commented Dec 7, 2019 at 16:30
• 7 Is the work fun though? –  smcs Commented Dec 9, 2019 at 9:52
• 1 Is there anything in your past that is unresolved? I suspect your low self confidence stems from something else and not the PhD itself. For example you mention lack of relationship, so I suspect you have a non-existent sex life. Are you exercising and eating right? All of those things need to be in order for you to be happy doing a PhD. Otherwise all you'll have is a PhD which is empty and meaningless. –  sashang Commented Dec 9, 2019 at 23:45
• 3 ‘I have only two publications …’ to me, who has a grand total of zero from both the PhD project that fell short of its desired outcome and my first two years of postdoc in which the ‘basically already finished, just this’ project turned out almost impossible, this is quite a violet slap in the face. –  Jan Commented Dec 10, 2019 at 2:33
• 1 Seek counselling! The problems you describe have very little to do with academia, but very much with you. This website cannot provide adequate counselling in that regard (although some of the answers of course hit very relevant points). –  user2705196 Commented Dec 10, 2019 at 18:21

9 Answers 9

It looks to me like you did not do so badly as you think. Two publications and 3.7 GPA are not so bad. It might depend on the field, it might not be the best ever, but I have seen much worse. If your supervisor offered you a postdoc position after having you for 6 years as a PhD student, it means that they consider your work useful.

You might be suffering from impostor syndrome . Do read the question and the answers in that link and see if you identify.

If you are not sure now, you have plenty of time during your postdoc year to decide whether you want to continue in academia or get a job in industry. The pros and cons of both options have been discussed extensively, as a quick Google search for "industry vs academia" shows. I personally agree with this source .

And, in most cases, the answer to "I have wasted X years of my life because I did not do Y and Z" is "do not look at the past and do Y and Z now". Especially when, as in your case, Y and Z can be done at any stage in your career life, such as learning languages, programming or driving.

• 27 Also, the field is chemistry, where the PhD is basically required for an entry level position in industry, so that is certainly not a waste of time. –  Simon Richter Commented Dec 8, 2019 at 13:29
• 13 @SimonRichter Actually, the field is engineering (chemical engineering) where a BSc is enough for entry level jobs industry. –  Cell Commented Dec 8, 2019 at 16:52
• 2 Get a job in industry. The great part is, that at the end of the project/delivery/month, work is done and completed. At least for me, I never considered the results in science 'done'; also pace is probably faster, so you will get getting quite a few achievements under your belt quickly (since you are smart). –  lalala Commented Dec 8, 2019 at 19:03
• 3 @Cell Where I've worked, a PhD is automatically hired into a position that it would take ~5 years to get promoted to from entry-level with BSc, and the PhD can offer more job opportunities and security in the right industry. If OP goes into industry, the last six years could be well worth it! –  Sam Commented Dec 8, 2019 at 19:45
• 1 @Sam That's nice, but I never said getting a PhD is a bad idea. I was only correcting the previous poster. With that being said, unless you plan on doing novel research, a PhD may make you overqualified for many jobs that can be done by a BASc, or MEng. You also didn't say what your field is. –  Cell Commented Dec 8, 2019 at 20:20

To be honest, I'm tempted to agree with Buffy. It sounds like the biggest issue you have might actually be the one you identified at the start of your post - low self-confidence. Studying for a PhD, and working in academia in general, has a tendency to have that effect on people - you're far from alone.

If I were you, I'd be tempted to take stock of my overall life situation at this point, perhaps with some input from the people around me, and try to get an objective view of how things really are - they may not actually be as bad as you think.

For example, here are some plus points:

You finished a PhD. That's already a huge deal - lots of people don't even start a PhD, and of those who do, a proportion never finish. Of those who finish, lots of people feel like they didn't change the world with their PhD, and that's fine - most people don't, and that's not required. You've got the rest of your life to worry about that, if you want to, and it's not required even then. It's ok to just live and be happy sometimes.

You've got a postdoc position lined up, if you want to stay in academia. Your supervisor wants you to stay, which means you probably did something right during your PhD. Maybe your PhD didn't actually go as badly as you think.

If you've just finished your PhD, it's quite likely (in the absence of other evidence to the contrary, which I don't have) that you're still relatively young. That means you've got time on your side - there's still a whole lot of life ahead of you in which to do all the things you want to do (learning to drive, learning a foreign language, improving your health, developing your hobbies, having a relationship, ...). It sounds like you're unhappy that you haven't been doing those things, which means you'd probably be happier if you started doing them. Pick one and go start on it right now - hopefully you'll feel better (it's generally worked for me, when I've been feeling down). Starting on one of them sounds like much more fun than carrying on feeling fed up about not doing them, at any rate.

Best of luck!

p.s. For what it's worth, the fact that you've got a list of things you wish you'd been doing, and are unhappy that you haven't been doing them, is a good sign - there's an easy fix for that, which is go do some of them. That's much better than not having a list of things, and sitting there having existential angst and wondering whether life is pointless :)

• The postdoc is with my PhD advisor. I don't think that's an achievement. Probably my advisor felt pity on me and gave me the position. –  Abhik Tandon Commented Dec 8, 2019 at 0:57
• 45 @AbhikTandon: Bear in mind that your advisor has something to lose from keeping you if you're truly not delivering (there's an opportunity cost - they could look for someone better). If they're keeping you, it's safe to assume you're at least above bar. Some advisors are kind, but few are so kind that they'll use their scarce funding to renew someone who has no possibility of being useful to them in any way. Advisors who pity you buy you a beer, gently tell you the truth, and help you find a job elsewhere; they don't generally commit £30k or more just to cheer you up. –  Stuart Golodetz Commented Dec 8, 2019 at 1:45
• 4 @AbhikTandon Do consider that a PostDoc position often involves mentoring or teaching junior students, grading work, running tutorials, et cetera. Given that your PhD advisor is judged and graded not just on their research, but also on their teaching methods/standards, it's a role they quite literally cannot afford to give out of pity. You not being "up to standard" would put their job on the line! (That said, finding a hobby - preferably something more physically active than mentally, such as a martial art, to contrast with work - for a couple of evenings a week is a good idea.) –  Chronocidal Commented Dec 9, 2019 at 8:41
• the highest possible academic degree that one can achieve
• a job in the field
• a life in a developed country

You're faring really well.

This is not to say that what you're feeling isn't real. It is real, and there is a problem. It's just that the problem is not what you have, but who you are. What you have is a highly successful life, at the same time, you are depressed and miserable.

You don't need more things, you have it all. No Nature publication will take you out of your dark place. You need to learn to enjoy life and accept yourself.

I know the last sentence is useless in itself, because it only tells you what you need, but not how to do it. Unfortunately, that's about as far as a stranger on the internet can get you. Speak to friends, speak to a psychologist, speak to anyone willing to listen, speak to yourself and try to figure out where does this need for accomplishments comes from, so you can move on.

• Technically I believe a DSc is a higher academic degree - but that usually comes at the end of a distinguished academic degree. –  Martin Bonner supports Monica Commented Dec 10, 2019 at 16:06
• 1 @MartinBonnersupportsMonica DSc is not universally higher than PhD. In some countries DSc is just what a PhD in biology/physics is called, while in other countries DSc is just honorary, while other countries don't use PhD at all and have only DSc, which are seen as the equivalent of PhD, in countries that have PhD. –  Andrei Commented Dec 10, 2019 at 17:51

You need to talk to someone – be that a counsellor (as @Buffy has suggested in the comments), a family member, a friend, or even (depending on your relationship) your supervisor. It does sound like a good part (if not most!) of the problem you describe may stem from impostor syndrome, and if that's the case, then it will be crucial to have others as a sounding board, to help put things into perspective. I have never known anyone in academia who didn't struggle at some point, somehow. Academia is tough, research is hard and failures are inevitable.

You mention you love doing research. Considering that you have also successfully turned that research into publications, it rather sounds like you do have what it takes to succeed. (Again, to put things into perspective, in my field it is normal for PhD students to graduate with 0–1 publications, and the impact factor of what's considered the leading journal is about 2.3. Different fields are different, yes. But you have definitely not failed.)

The other things you mention seem more minor to me. You say you are bad at programming. But you can always improve – programming, if anything, is one of those things where practice makes perfect. You mention you have neglected your health, hobbies and interpersonal relationships. But this is not uncommon: these things happen to many people who pursue a PhD, in various ways, and it is not too late to do something about them now. You say you have done nothing over the past 6 years. This cannot be literally true (you have earned a PhD, an enormous undertaking), but even if it were, the thing to do now would be to start doing those things you have neglected in the past.

But please do consider talking to someone. Having to verbalize your own thoughts and feelings is an excellent way of beginning to understand your thoughts and feelings, and of starting to see a solution.

Get your frame of reference right.

Achieving a PhD puts you in the 5% highest educated part of the population. That's quite significant. But you're comparing yourself to the smartest people in your direct environment - an environment set up try to get together all the smartest people.

If you don't manage to be in the top 1%, surely being in the top 5% is still something to feel pretty happy with?

They are marathon runners on arrival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSZlSaPJAdQ

Do they look well? Can you imagine, how bad feeling could it be, being there, after 42km of running?

But believe me: it is uncomparably better to be there, than for us, watching them on the youtube .

Don't do any irrecoverable mistake now! Wait, at least some months, more ideally some years! Take some longer leave, if you can (probably you can), and do nothing! Only think.

For example, now you can learn to drive. Ask anybody having a driving license, but no Phd, would they switch to the other.

I know what it's like to feel like you "haven't been living" for years. Six years of my life disappeared by my being extremely sick.

I have 5 years of unemployment in my résumé, an unfinished PhD, a tiny professional network, and ongoing health problems which make many things impossible. But I'm living again.

Some people have been in prison for 10 years. Some have escaped war-torn countries. Some have recovered from drugs or alcoholism. It's very hard when you suddenly awaken from a world of constraints into a world of choices, seemingly at a huge disadvantage from others within it. (I am not saying you've got it easier than they do. I'm saying you have this in common.)

Some of them go on to do amazing things. They have a moment that will define their life, and they work and work and work and work to a level that others can't imagine, and do something great for the benefit of their fellow man.

Others are just happy to be alive, happy to have gotten away from a bad place. Nothing wrong with that.

The most important thing in life is not success or respect or glory. It is to make choices that keep you out of misery. Anything more is a bonus.

But asking the question you're asking proves you are ready to change your life.

Maybe you could go to your home country or a country in poverty, where your skills and knowledge could make a bigger difference. Remember you don't need to use your degree at all; you could enter a completely different field. It's better to do it by choice than by necessity. Doing a variety of menial jobs of different sorts can be really enriching, since you see life from so many angles.

Doing a PhD doesn't just teach you about your topic; it teaches you about being thorough, exploring the state of the art, problem-solving, organisational skills, and so on. These make you very valuable if you use them well.

I know what I want to create. And I know what's stopping me is not my 6 missing years; it's my unwillingness to confront my weaknesses (like networking and time management.) Now I'm confronting these things, and I'm surprised at my success.

Go get 'em.

Two first-authored papers is not bad, I seen a lot of people getting phd for way less and still being full of themselves. You are doing good.

You don't think you did well during your PhD, but you stuck with it anyways. That sounds like a lot of PhD students. But, it also sounds like students that stuck with something, b/c their parents were back-seat driving their futures.

As others have said, your self-esteem issues stem from something. Something makes you feel inadequate all the time, and makes you compare yourself to others all the time.

Usually, that starts from overbearing parents constantly comparing you to other kids, chastising you for not being as good as some top-tier, stellar performer in your same grade or field, etc.

My dad did that to me my whole life. I was expected to get good grades. When I got them, I didn't get a "good job!" or anything. But, if I got bad grades, I got punished. As I got older, my dad would constantly compare me and my siblings against each other and to other kids his coworkers had. "So-n-so's kid is doing XYZ." (to insinuate it's better then what I was planning on doing, or was doing).

Even when I was an adult, my dad was trying to back-seat drive my career with "advice" that wasn't so much him trying to do what was best for me, but what was best for my career. He never took me, as a person, into consideration when giving advice.

What I realized over time (chatting with my dad extensively) was that he made decisions in his career... he gave up moving up the ladder or managerial positions, because he decided to start a family. He took a back-seat position at his job where he kept his head down and kept his mouth shut so he could keep earning an income and not rock the boat while supporting his family. He made one major career shift up the ladder to get more money, and in retrospect it was an awful decision that uprooted the family and set in motion events that pretty much tore the family apart.

What I realized as I got older was that he was trying to coach me to have the career he wished he could have; he was trying to guide his dream job vicariously through me.

He would push it in ways by either telling me exactly things he thought I should do, or package it as "I was chatting with kids at the gym and giving them advice, and this one kids doing XYZ" (again, to insinuate this "one kid" was doing something better then I was).

I got sick of it.

So, I stopped chatting with him about work, school, etc. When he'd ask or press, I simply told him that I was only going to speak with him like a member of the family, not someone I was seeking career counseling from.

I eventually had a blow-up with him, because I was tired of him trying to back-seat drive my life while I was watching his life implode around him with issues he wasn't staying on top of during a situation that basically forced me to take control of his responsibilities when he ended up in the hospital.

What I learned was ... just ignore him.

In 20 years time, my dad won't be around any more. But, god-willing.. I will.

In 20 years time, will I be happy if I had followed my dad's advice and done this and that? No. I'd be miserable, because he was pushing me to go in directions that were making me miserable.

So, why bother listening to him? Why bother trying to please him?

In 20 years time I can follow his advice and be miserable while he's dead, or I can ignore it and be happy while he's also dead.

Ultimately, I have to figure out what makes me happy, though.

But, when you have someone constantly telling you that you're not doing good enough, you need to do better, you're not doing as well as so-n-so over there, you should be heading in a certain direction, you need to do it all before a certain BS time limit... you know what, you eventually turn into a hot mess that thinks very little of yourself b/c you constantly have a devil on your shoulder that never thinks what you're doing is good enough.

Tell that person (or those people) to go screw off.

Since you're international.. and you're in a STEM field.. and you went through a PhD even though it sounds like you didn't really want to .. I'm going to assume you're Indian.

You need to have a moment of clarity where you decide to be your own person and stop having your family tell you what you need to do and where you need to go in life.

That can be hard if your family is paying the bills.

But, I may be making assumptions, but your story sounds almost identical to a ton of other folks I rubbed elbows with in college... all of them Indian. They were taking STEM when really they wanted to do liberal arts or whatever they were passionate about. Their family pushed them into an "lucrative career", b/c it's all about the money and status with them.

I had a couple of Indian folks tell me they had a massive weight lifted off their shoulders when they told their family to stuff themselves. They were dating people locally, and one was wanting to marry the girl he was dating. One guy dropped his STEM and went into art which is what he really wanted to do (and he was an AMAZING artist).

Ultimately, you have to figure out what makes you happy, and stop listening to folks constantly running you down and telling you you're not good enough.

I rented a room from a gay couple, and one of the guys had a degree in aeronautic engineering. You know what he did for a living? He was the director of a high school band. His parents pushed him to do engineering, b/c he was in the closet and just kept his nose down and did what they said. When he finally got older, he got tired of them, and came out of the closet and pursued what really made him happy: music.

People have to have that moment.

So, you're asking how you'll survive over here? I think you really need to ask yourself what will make you happy. And, you need to start ignoring folks that are running you down.

With a PhD in Chemistry, you don't have to be a great programmer. There are companies that will hire you to figure out some chemistry, and team you up with Comp Sci or Info Sys folks that will do all the coding and stuff for reports, data science, etc.

If you don't like what you have a PhD in, then go figure out what you do like. Maybe you like working on motorcycles or scuba diving or whatever.. find a way to make a career out of it.

It's better to live a modest life that makes you happy, even at the expense of others, then to be rich and f'ing miserable b/c you decided to make everyone else happy.. usually folks that won't be alive in 20 years time.. which just leaves you miserable while they're dead.

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PhD Career Exploration Fellow Spotlight: Elana Pyfrom

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Hosted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Research

This summer, we will be featuring blog posts written by PhD students who participated in Career Services’ Career Exploration Fellowship (CEF), a program that helps doctoral candidates explore their career interests through networking opportunities with advanced degree professionals. Click  here  to learn more about CEF.

Describe your experience working with your host.  

During my 5 th year as a Cell & Molecular Biology PhD Candidate, I was a CEF fellow mentored by Dr. Elisia Clark from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. I learned about her role as Associate Director within the Research Tools Division. In her role, Dr. Clark functions almost like an academic or industry PI, interacting with researchers across the field to determine which reagents, animal models, or new assays may be most beneficial to the Parkinson’s research community, then employs others to generate them for broad and free use. I learned so much from Dr. Clark in her sharing about her experiences in academic and nonprofit science. She also connected me with multiple scientists in her field and recommended numerous organizations I should consider for future employment based on my research interests. I appreciate Dr. Clark’s support of my career endeavors and thoroughly enjoyed my CEF experience with her. 

What did you learn from this opportunity (about yourself, potential career fields, the job search, etc.)?  

I learned a lot about positions in nonprofit science, which taught me a lot about myself as well. I know I enjoy hands-on benchwork and learned about non-bench positions that I believe I would excel in. I realized that the research-heavy work (not at the bench) still sounded appealing to me; I should be more open-minded about what types of positions or organizations would allow me to ask creative questions and push subject knowledge further, perhaps without doing bench experiments myself or in my own lab. These positions may be difficult to find or know about, so I also learned where to look for them or how to identify from job descriptions whether the emphasis of a nonprofit scientist role would be research-based or another type of responsibility.  

How did your CEF experience benefit your future career plans?  

My CEF experience made me more confident about which careers I see myself being interested in and excelling in after I complete my PhD. Some of the scientists I spoke with during informational interviews had clinical or industry experience, in addition to academic and nonprofit science. Hearing about their interests and discussing my research interests and experiences in science with Dr. Clark helped me strengthen my motivations for pursuing research-based positions after my PhD. I also feel more confident about the timing of applying and which types of institutions share my mission and approach to science. 

What was the most valuable part of your CEF experience?  

This experience offered me my first interactions with scientists working in nonprofit organizations. Previously, I was unaware of roles within nonprofit science that involved research without hands-on benchwork. The roles I am more familiar with primarily have grant managing or C-suite responsibilities, so I benefitted from informational interviews with multiple scientists in the Discovery & Translational Research Division at MJFF and at other organizations. It was reassuring to hear about the diversity of career trajectories that led to the same institution or research team. Through this CEF experience, I identified which responsibilities of scientists within nonprofit fields appeal to me most. 

Top reason PhD students should apply to the CEF program?

I learned so much from my mentor about the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, how and when she made decisions to leave academic science, and how to effectively interview during informational interviews. I enjoyed meeting Penn students who are at similar career stages in thinking about types of positions to apply to and learning from those already applying to jobs. I am considering a scientific career with future options including research in or outside of academia, so my CEF experience helps me feel more confident about my decisions for whichever direction I take next. 

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Trump rally shooter Thomas Crooks: Neighbors, classmates, employer speak

A 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania fired multiple shots at former President Donald Trump at a rally on Saturday evening.

A bullet grazed the presumptive Republican presidential nominee's upper right ear , leaving him bloodied but not seriously injured. One rally attendee was killed in the gunfire and two others were "critically injured," authorities later said.

Here's what we know:

Who is the shooter at the rally?

The FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the person behind the assassination attempt. Agency officials released little additional information, saying its investigation remains active and ongoing. They did not indicate what Crooks' motive might have been.

Crooks worked at a nearby nursing home. An administrator there told USA TODAY that the company was shocked to learn of the shooting and that Crooks had passed a background check for his job.

What did Thomas Crooks do at the crime scene?

During the shooting Saturday, Trump's right ear was injured, seconds before he was whisked off stage by Secret Service personnel.  One man attending the rally was killed  and two others were injured; Crooks was then killed by Secret Service agents , authorities said.

FBI special agent Kevin Rojek said on a call with media Sunday afternoon that authorities found "a suspicious device" when they searched the shooter's vehicle. Bomb technicians inspected the device and rendered it safe. 

"I'm not in a position to provide any expertise on the specific components of any potential bombs or suspicious packages," Rojek added. 

Rojek said law enforcement is sending the rifle and Crooks' cell phone, along with other evidence, to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia "for processing and exploitation."

"We're in the process of searching his phone," Rojek said.

Maps and graphics: What happened in the Trump assassination attempt

What is Crooks' background?

Crooks is registered to vote as a Republican in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, according to county voter records. His voter registration status has been active since 2021.

Federal Election Commission records show that in January 2021, Crooks made a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project, a group working to increase voter turnout for Democrats.

Born Sept. 20, 2003, Crooks does not have a criminal record in Pennsylvania, nor has he been sued there, according to state court records. There is no record of him in federal court databases, either.

Where did Thomas Crooks work?

Crooks worked as a dietary aid, a job that generally involves food preparation, at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, less than a mile from his home. In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Sunday, Marcie Grimm, the facility's administrator, said she was "shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement."

"Thomas Matthew Crooks performed his job without concern and his background check was clean," Grimm said. "We are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials at this time. Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further on any specifics. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Former President Trump and the victims impacted by this terrible tragedy. We condemn all acts of violence."

The facility is owned by Kennett Square, Pennsylvania-based Genesis Healthcare. A job posting from the company for a dietary aid in the Pittsburgh area puts the pay at $16 an hour.

Thomas Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania

Crooks' home address is listed in Bethel Park, a suburb in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, voter records show. That three-bedroom brick house has been owned since 1998 by Matthew and Mary Crooks, who appear to be his parents. Telephone calls to the couple were not returned overnight.

Near the Crooks home, Dean Sierka, 52, said he had known Crooks and his parents for years, as neighbors separated by only a few houses. Sierka’s daughter attended school with Crooks from elementary school through Bethel Park High School, and said she remembers him as quiet and shy.

Dean and his daughter said they would see Crooks at least once a week, often when Crooks was walking to work.

“You wouldn’t have expected this,” Dean Sierka said. “The parents and the family are all really nice people.”

At Bethel Park High School

Thomas Crooks graduated two years ago from Bethel Park High School, the Bethel Park School District confirmed. He was included in a 2022 local news article about recipients of a National Math & Science Initiative Star Award at the public high school, which enrolls about 1,300 students.

Jason Kohler attended Bethel Park High School with Crooks and said he remembers the 20-year-old sat alone at lunch and was “bullied almost every day.” Kids picked on Crooks for wearing camouflage to class and his quiet demeanor, Kohler, 21, said.

Since hearing Crooks has been named as the shooter, Kohler has been speaking with classmates who knew him, most of whom are stunned by the news.“It’s really hard to comprehend,” he said.

Sean Eckert said he went to school with Crooks from 5th through 12th grade. He said Crooks always went by “Tom.“

They shared classes together in elementary and middle school. Eckert said Crooks, though "fairly smart," was quiet and rarely spoke up.

Eckert said Crooks did not seem to have many friends. He didn't recall Crooks being playing any sports, being involved in any clubs or student groups or going to popular campus events. He often wore hunting clothes, so Eckert assumed he hunted.

No one in Eckert's group text from high school seemed to know Crooks very well, he said. They were shocked that someone from their town had done this. They were even more surprised that it was Tom Crooks.

Nursing aide turned sniper: Thomas Crooks' mysterious plot to kill Trump

The gaming-oriented online site Discord said Sunday that it had found an account that appeared to be linked to the shooting suspect. The site removed the account, which “was rarely utilized, has not been used in months, and we have found no evidence that it was used to plan this incident, promote violence, or discuss his political views,“ according to a statement from a Discord spokesperson, adding that the company will coordinate closely with law enforcement.

Crooks was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, a shooting club about 8 miles from his home. It is a sprawling complex of 180 acres with rifle, pistol and archery ranges, an area for dog training and a clubhouse, according to the club website.An attorney for the club, Robert Bootay III, confirmed Crooks' membership in an email to USA TODAY, but would not offer additional details.

Where is Bethel Park, Pennsylvania?

Bethel Park is a suburb of Pittsburgh and home to more than 32,000 people – about one thousand fewer than four years ago, according to the latest Census estimates. 

The majority-white, mostly college-educated community has a median household income of $102,177. 

Described as a charming retreat from the hustle and bustle of the big city to its north, Bethel Park boasts tree-line streets, friendly neighborhoods and a low crime rate.

Bethel Park is about 42 miles south of Butler, where the Trump rally was held. The leafy suburban street was alive with law enforcement overnight amid a multi-agency response to the shooting. A member of the Allegheny County bomb squad told reporters his team was headed into the house around midnight, but did not say why.

For hours afterward, the scene remained quiet, with deer passing under the police tape and an occasional neighbor stepping out of their house to see what was happening.

John Wolf, a local construction superintendent who lives down the road, said he’d talked with several worried neighbors.

“People are scared,” Wolf said.

How did Crooks shoot at Trump?

Crooks had been positioned on a rooftop more than 100 yards from the rally site, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said. Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle from the scene.

Joseph Price, special agent in charge of the ATF in Pittsburgh, said the weapon used by the shooter was a rifle.“It was nothing special,” he said in an interview in the parking lot of the Butler Township Municipal Building.

Law enforcement is following up on a “number of suspicious occurrences,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police, including accounts from witnesses who said they tried to flag police about the activity of a person outside the rally moments before the shooting.

The FBI said in a news release that the situation “remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at  FBI.gov/butler  or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

Contributing: Stephanie Warsmith, Tim Evans, Aysha Bagchi, Jessica Guynn, Bryce Buyakie

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Cars have always been more than a mode of transport for Mary Barra. Growing up in Detroit, where her dad worked as a die maker at General Motors, Barra recalls the thrill of seeing a brand-new automobile, fresh from the factory. “Every now and again, he would get to bring home a vehicle, and I distinctly remember the whole neighborhood would come over to check it out,” she says. “From a very early age, it sparked an interest in GM and engineering. My father and I have over 80 years with the company, so my love of vehicles and GM runs deep.”

Barra is chair and CEO of GM and has led the company for more than a decade, during which time the auto industry has seen transformational changes. Under Barra’s leadership, GM has charted an aggressive growth strategy, including investments in electric vehicle manufacturing, while beating analyst expectations in 35 of the last 36 quarters

Before becoming CEO, Barra served as GM’s executive vice president for global product development, purchasing, and supply chain and as senior vice president of global product development. In those roles, Barra led teams responsible for the worldwide design, engineering, and quality of GM vehicles.

Previously, she served as vice president of global human resources, vice president of global manufacturing engineering, and in several other executive engineering and staff positions at GM.

Adding to a long list of accolades during her career, Barra this spring received the 2024 Ernest C. Arbuckle Award from Stanford GSB, presented annually for excellence in management leadership.

Who or what were your most important influences growing up?

My parents grew up during the Great Depression. Neither of them had the opportunity to go to college, but they believed in the American Dream and shared with my brother and me from a very early age that there is no substitute for hard work. My mother instilled in us that if you work hard, you can do or be anything that you set your mind to. Reflecting on that gave me a sense of purpose and confidence as I progressed throughout my career.

You said your love of vehicles and for GM in particular runs deep. Do you have a favorite car?

Before I became CEO, I had the opportunity to lead global product development; I oversaw the engineering, design, and quality teams for every global vehicle launch. It’s an incredible job where you work hand-in-hand with the team to make decisions about each program, so I have such a connection with all of our cars, trucks, and SUVs. I joke that having a front-row seat to that piece of the business makes picking my favorite car like trying to pick my favorite child – and we all know you can’t! Although it’s hard to pick just one, right now, I’m really loving the all-new Chevrolet Equinox EV. Deliveries are underway, and I cannot wait to hear more customer response. At the price point, size, and style, I truly believe it’s the vehicle that is going to make people who never would have considered an EV take a serious look at owning one.

You’ve led GM through some turbulent times. What has been the most difficult challenge?

When I became CEO, the company faced the ignition switch crisis. It was a tragic time, with many lives lost. We had to address it by accepting full responsibility, being accountable, and prioritizing the safety of our customers first and foremost. Managing this crisis was incredibly challenging and taught me a lot about leadership and culture.

I strongly believe behaviors set your culture – and that’s not something you can fake. During this time, we undertook what I believe is the most comprehensive safety review in GM’s history and created a safety-first culture to ensure nothing like this could ever happen again.

We made sweeping enterprise changes, and the impact of that transformation is still felt today. We do our best every day to engrain safety, integrity and doing what’s right for the customer in every GM employee. Culture change requires hard work, persistence, and determination, but it can be done. And this is exactly what makes me feel confident that we will do what we need to do to set GM up for a future that is all-electric, software-defined, and autonomous.

Quote “GSB helped me cultivate a learning mindset, which is something that resonates with me to this day.”

What’s your approach to leadership in a company with large sets of stakeholders?

When a company has so many stakeholders, it’s important to surround yourself with a strong leadership team where every person is empowered to lead. Annually, the leadership team and I outline our goals for the year and the benchmarks that will drive those results, all rooted in our values and behaviors. Then we roll this out to the entire company so every employee understands how they fit into our strategy.

We’ve seen we can do remarkable and inspiring things when we have shared a vision, which is why a future of zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion is our North Star. It brings clarity and helps every member of the GM team prioritize the work and the results we seek.

What are the values that keep you centered and grounded?

Acting with integrity. As a leader, I instill the importance of always acting with integrity. To me, this means being driven by ingenuity and innovation, having the courage to do and say what’s difficult, and taking accountability for results. I would also say never taking our eyes off the customer and keeping them at the center of everything we do.

Where are we with respect to the adoption of electric vehicles, and how do you see the auto industry responding to efforts to reduce carbon emissions?

Third-party forecasts see EV deliveries rising to at least 10 percent of the industry in 2024, which means another year of record EV sales. We know the growth rate may vary over time, but in the long run, we expect EVs to continue to grow, especially as we bring more vehicles to market in high-volume segments. Consideration is rising, the policy environment is favorable, public charging infrastructure is growing, and customer choice is expanding.

How optimistic are you that the company is well-positioned for the future?

I’m very optimistic about the future of GM. I truly believe our product lineup has never been stronger, and I’m extremely proud of the team we’ve built. From a leadership perspective, we have a diverse team that brings an array of different experiences, backgrounds, and tenures to GM. People are often surprised to hear that 40 percent of our team has been with us for five years or less. We’re bringing in the right talent with the right skills to help us realize our vision – and it’s our vision and purpose that draw people to work at GM. We’ve assembled a great team of very talented people who are doing exactly what we need them to do, exactly when we need it done. I have a lot of confidence in them.

Has there been a failure or setback that taught you an important lesson?

Any time we let one of our customers down. Which is why we have focused on cultural changes that dramatically improved our quality and our ability to quickly identify and fix issues when they do happen.

What’s an example of something from your GSB training that still resonates?

I always say that before I came to Stanford GSB, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I was 26 years old and lived in southeast Michigan my entire life. I had worked for General Motors since I was 18. From accounting to corporate culture to entrepreneurship, my eyes were opened, and I learned to see the world from a different perspective. My experiences on campus changed my life and accelerated my career. They prepared me to manage and, ultimately, to lead.

The GSB helped me cultivate a learning mindset, which is something that resonates with me to this day. Managing a seismic change, like what we see happening in the automotive industry, requires a culture of innovation, unique perspectives, and an environment where every voice is valued and heard. These are all things I saw in action at the GSB, and I work to cultivate at GM.

Photos by John F. Martin for General Motors

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Corps of Cadets to host two-day blood drive in Graduate Life Center

21 Aug 2024

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From: Corps of Cadets

The Corps of Cadets is hosting a three-day blood drive Aug 26-27 in the multipurpose room in the Graduate Life Center.

The blood drive will be open each day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.

Schedule your appointment to donate blood or red blood cells by using the sponsor code "Corps." Prepare for your donation by bringing your ID, eating well, and staying hydrated. Donors will receive first aid kits and a $20 Amazon gift card while supplies last. 

• Blacksburg, Va.
• Campus Experience
• Student Affairs
• Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets

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How I Secured Employer Support for My EMBA

A recent graduate of booth’s executive mba program in london shares his story and offers tips for future students..

• By Executive MBA Admissions
• August 16, 2024
• Career Impact
• Share This Page

Abdulaziz Alayed, ’24, works as deputy head of investments and debt capital markets at a leading national corporate bank in Saudi Arabia and recently earned his Executive MBA at Booth’s London campus. We spoke with him about what drew him to Chicago Booth and how he gained sponsorship from his company to enroll in the program.

Before approaching your employer for support, it’s important to understand exactly what you are asking for and how you expect an MBA to add value for both you and your company. How did you decide that an MBA was essential for your career?

For me, it was about gaining the managerial skills I needed to move up in my career. I have a technical background and a CFA certificate, and I feel confident about my quantitative skills. However, there are certain communication skills that are necessary to move up the corporate ladder and position myself as a top candidate when a leadership position opens up.

How did you decide that Booth’s Executive MBA was the right program for you? 

My goal was to find a rigorous program that would allow me to continue working, which led me to look at executive MBA programs. One reason I chose Booth is that the program structure offered a lot of flexibility. Also, I loved the diverse cohort experience in London—the global weeks were a tremendous opportunity to enhance my network and get different points of view from around the world. Finally, the Booth faculty are very impressive and have great expertise to share.

Were your colleagues and supervisors supportive of your pursuit of an EMBA?

Many people in banking are familiar with Chicago Booth, which was very helpful when I started talking to my colleagues and supervisors about getting an MBA. I found a lot of support based on Booth’s strong reputation for finance.

How did you approach your employer about sponsoring your Executive MBA studies?

As soon as I was accepted to the program, I set up a series of meetings with important stakeholders. During those meetings, I provided specific details about the calendar of the program, the amount of time I would need to spend abroad, and the rigor of the program. I was also transparent about my time during class weeks, explaining that I would not be working remotely but focusing solely on class.

That’s how I gained support for time away to do the program. The financial support piece took a few months to negotiate, so I began the program not knowing whether I would get it. But I developed a case for support, presented it to the management team, and briefed them thoroughly on the program. In particular, I highlighted the strong academics and the faculty I would meet—some of them Nobel laureates and industry titans. I also leaned heavily into Chicago Booth’s high rankings and the prestige associated with the University of Chicago. After that meeting and some additional discussions, my company agreed to cover 25 to 30 percent of the cost of the program.

What unique value are you bringing your company because of your MBA?

I rely on Booth concepts, frameworks, and insights on a regular basis in my day-to-day work. For example, the knowledge I gained in my distressed debt course is particularly relevant to my function at the bank. In addition, I built a strong set of soft skills, such as the ability to manage multiple goals and tasks at once, and to efficiently split my time between classes and day-to-day responsibilities. Above all, I gained a unique perspective on managerial techniques and communication skills.

What advice do you have for future Boothies seeking employer sponsorship?

Be transparent about the requirements of the program and how your studies will affect your day-to-day work life. Also, be sure to emphasize both the value of a Booth MBA and the skills and knowledge you will bring to your company as a Booth graduate. And start the dialogue early—approach your employer as soon as possible after you get accepted, because it could take time to manage expectations.

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• Executive MBA - Admissions

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