Also, I would have to relocate
[quote]Kakarat wrote:
I spoke with my professor (the same one I am doing a research project with and the one who recommended I go to grad school) and he said that he has been in contact with a friend of his at another university about me and the PhD program there. He mentioned that his friend would like to talk to me and we could possibly visit over winter break.
Both these guys are ChemE, which isn’t really a problem for me.
From what I understand the PhD program pays you to do your research with them and to get the degree. I voiced my concerns to my professor about a PhD being a big step and intimidating to me. He elaborated a little, saying that’s what he thought too when he did his but it’s really very similar to what he’s is doing with me right now. And I really like doing the research with him, it may be the most satisfying of any course I’ve taken.
What I’m thinking at the moment is that, granted if I can get into the program, it’d be pretty stupid of me not to go for it. The worst possibility being I can’t complete my work or dissertation or whatever. In that event, the program and I can go our separate ways and I get some good experience and know how along the way, while also getting paid.
Still, it is very intimidating…[/quote]
That sounds about as good as anything can be. Mentors that see promise and are willing to guide you plus the financial stuff being taken care of while you advance has to be the holy grail of higher education.
That would be pretty hard to walk away from.
[quote]Kakarat wrote:
I spoke with my professor (the same one I am doing a research project with and the one who recommended I go to grad school) and he said that he has been in contact with a friend of his at another university about me and the PhD program there. He mentioned that his friend would like to talk to me and we could possibly visit over winter break.
Both these guys are ChemE, which isn’t really a problem for me.
From what I understand the PhD program pays you to do your research with them and to get the degree. I voiced my concerns to my professor about a PhD being a big step and intimidating to me. He elaborated a little, saying that’s what he thought too when he did his but it’s really very similar to what he’s is doing with me right now. And I really like doing the research with him, it may be the most satisfying of any course I’ve taken.
What I’m thinking at the moment is that, granted if I can get into the program, it’d be pretty stupid of me not to go for it. The worst possibility being I can’t complete my work or dissertation or whatever. In that event, the program and I can go our separate ways and I get some good experience and know how along the way, while also getting paid.
Still, it is very intimidating…[/quote]
RA’s & TA’s should pay between 14-26k USD(OR more if you’re lucky), plus a tuition waiver. And you can apply for scholarships.
FYI, PhD students have approximately a 50% dropout rate. Grad school is easier than undergrad IMO.
[quote]orion wrote:
[quote]Derek542 wrote:
[quote]Ripsaw3689 wrote:
[quote]Derek542 wrote:
[quote]Ripsaw3689 wrote:
More debt is always a bad thing. In my experience, even a high paying job is not all its cracked up to be when you have student loan debt. You make a lot less money than you think, and you will be giving a large chunk of your paycheck to the government every month.
I graduated in Electrical Engineering a year and a half ago and have been paying my student loans. I have resorted to alternate income sources outside my job to pay off my debt faster. [/quote]
Sounds like its time to find another job period or move to another state. [/quote]
Oh I make plenty of money. I just don’t want to spend 10 years paying the government. I’m trying to start investing in real estate ASAP. [/quote]
Well you must not make plenty of money if you have to seek outside revenue. [/quote]
Your lack of greed is disturbing.
[/quote]
Well I am a Texan
Update:
I was recently accepted into the Chemical Engineering PhD program at a good state school. I’m going to be paid $8,000 per semester to be a TA and I can potentially make another $12,000 from summer time research.
I was very unsure of myself about doing this a few months ago but I’ve realized in that time that I do this stuff very well. Confidence is key.
[quote]Kakarat wrote:
Update:
I was recently accepted into the Chemical Engineering PhD program at a good state school. I’m going to be paid $8,000 per semester to be a TA and I can potentially make another $12,000 from summer time research.
I was very unsure of myself about doing this a few months ago but I’ve realized in that time that I do this stuff very well. Confidence is key.
[/quote]
Recent PhD graduate here (last summer), landed a faculty appointment immediately after graduation (biostatistics), have several friends in graduate programs in technical fields (chem, physics, engineering).
Most of us had similar gigs to what you’re describing - TAing or research assistant jobs that paid the freight and gave us a stipend to live on. Won’t make you wealthy but you’ll be able to afford an apartment and food. Also, you can hold off paying your undergrad loans until you complete graduate school.
My friends and I all had more-or-less similar experiences. We occasionally bitch about the low pay, or a demanding advisor, but ultimately all of us have had good experiences, been able to land good jobs upon completion of our doctorates, and enjoyed the academic lifestyle. It has perks compared to working in industry. Good luck to you!
[quote]Kakarat wrote:
Update:
I was recently accepted into the Chemical Engineering PhD program at a good state school. I’m going to be paid $8,000 per semester to be a TA and I can potentially make another $12,000 from summer time research.
I was very unsure of myself about doing this a few months ago but I’ve realized in that time that I do this stuff very well. Confidence is key.
[/quote]
[quote]Kakarat wrote:
Update:
I was recently accepted into the Chemical Engineering PhD program at a good state school. I’m going to be paid $8,000 per semester to be a TA and I can potentially make another $12,000 from summer time research.
I was very unsure of myself about doing this a few months ago but I’ve realized in that time that I do this stuff very well. Confidence is key.
[/quote]
Nice. Congrats!
[quote]Kakarat wrote:
Update:
I was recently accepted into the Chemical Engineering PhD program at a good state school. I’m going to be paid $8,000 per semester to be a TA and I can potentially make another $12,000 from summer time research.
I was very unsure of myself about doing this a few months ago but I’ve realized in that time that I do this stuff very well. Confidence is key.
[/quote]
Great decision going with Chem E. That is the top 3 highest paid engineering degrees. You will have an easy time finding a job with “Engineering” on your piece of paper.