If you have read my blogs, you know that I enjoy talking about my experience at school and with life in general. I also enjoy being candid about things, because being real is one of the things that you rarely see these days. I want to be reminded I am a living human, not just a student or employee, or a number/statistic. I have emotions, feelings, and opinions, and that is so special.
Being at ERAU has given me some of the best experiences and opportunities of my life, but being in school comes with its own anxiety as well. Stressing about assignment deadlines, balancing work and life, juggling responsibilities, and making sure I am learning and enriching my knowledge all at the same time can get overwhelming. Another layer of complexity is added when you think about your next semester, graduation plan, and life after graduation. I have been in school for as long as I remember. I have a deep love for learning and teaching others, sharing knowledge, and pursuing higher education. With my graduation date in May growing closer and closer, I found myself emotional at the idea that it could be my last time I will be in school, at least for a bit of time. There is much uncertainty right now for me with what’s next; however, the idea of putting off my Ph.D. and leaving my alma mater is unsettling. Sometimes making the right choice is the hardest.
Embry-Riddle has been my home away from home and second family for the last 7 years. Even before then, I attended ERAU as a dual-enrollment student, and attended many campus events, like the astronomy club open house, networking with students and professors. I have made numerous connections that I have no doubt I will keep throughout my career.
If you are like me, a graduate student unsure about a Ph.D., then these tips I have compiled will hopefully help you decide:
Make a list of pros/cons of a Ph.D.
Make a timeline or snapshot of your life for the next 5,10,15 years
Understand what the inertia of your life brings. Long-term and short-term goals/plans, family events, and financial goals. Be realistic too – what do you see yourself achieving?
Reach out to hiring managers in the industries you are interested in to get a feel for the hiring process and what is typical for that job type
Believe it or not, sometimes a Ph.D. can over qualify you for certain jobs. As much as I love research, I wouldn’t need a Ph.D. to be a project manager or operations manager for an airport, as an example. If you don’t know what is typical, reach out via e-mail or LinkedIn! Never be afraid to do this any time you have a question.
A reminder for you: the popular cartoon we all know and love, SpongeBob SquarePants, was created by Stephen Hillenburg, a marine biologist, writer, producer, and animator. I talked about this in my news feature here.
Write down what your dream job(s) are, what you would want to do for work (truly), and what sparks happiness
Sometimes what you do for a paycheck is different than what you do for fun or what you would want to do for a paycheck. Even if it sounds outlandish, write it down, do some research, make connections, and then formulate a plan to achieve it. For example, I want to pursue filmmaking and animation in the future. I want to use my systems engineering skills and knowledge of business to further this hobby/career blend.
Sometimes your hobby has to remain just that, a hobby, and cannot become your day-to-day job. That is okay – the ultimate goal is to work a job that doesn’t feel like work. With some dedication and planning, you can make career shifts any time.
Network
LinkedIn is one of the best places for professional networking, other than conferences and events. Attending conferences in your field of study or area(s) of interest can help you get a great understanding of that industry, the types of job opportunities, and an understanding of the qualities of the hire.
“There is more to life than just one degree program.”
This quote is what I live by these days. There is so much life has to offer, and oftentimes the job you end up getting is a blend of many things: engineering, business, communications, traveling, etc. Just because you get a degree in something doesn’t necessarily mean you are limited to just that.
I just have to remember; you truly never stop learning and growing.
