The Data Mining Forum (v2)

Hi there,
I want to ask you all: What are the reasons for doing a PhD? Do you do it for money? Because you like research? For your parents? Because you think you are smart? Or because you can't find a job? or Else?

I want to know what are your reasons.

Me, I want to have a PhD because my parents always asked me to get one. My father is a university professor and the requirements are high.
But it is ok also for me. I like doing this.

Interesting question. For me, it is all about getting the job that I want. I want to be a researcher. To do this I need to have a PhD mostly. There are maybe exception, but generally there is no way around it. If i wanted a job of the industry, then I could get away with a master degree instead of PHD.

I did a PhD because i am more suited for academia than industry and wanted to become a professor. I also want to discuter new things and always learn.

I think you need you do a PhD only if you like research because otherwise It is not worth to spend many years and money for that. many people give up before completing it

yes, if you dont like research, It is better to not do a PhD

Or you just do a PhD because your family is telling you to do it.

For me the main reasons to do a PhD are as follows:
1) I want to experience doing research and being exposed to other researchers in the same field
2) I have the curiosity to know more about a particular area and the industry
3) I am sure I will get a job, however, getting a PhD will help me for that.
4) I don't think I want to teach, though I have experience teaching. I think I am more suitable
for research related jobs
The main problem with a PhD for me is the expensves. Some people I know have a job and do a part time PhD so they can pay for it and it won't be so stressful.