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Why and when to do a PhD

Why and when to do a PhD. Paul Jepson School of Geography and the Environment. Why?. 2. Because. Gain the status needed to assure career Consolidate and gain recognition for amassed body of knowledge Align analytical skills with responsibilities of level of decision making

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Why and when to do a PhD

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  1. Why and when to do a PhD Paul Jepson School of Geography and the Environment

  2. Why? 2

  3. Because • Gain the status needed to assure career • Consolidate and gain recognition for amassed body of knowledge • Align analytical skills with responsibilities of level of decision making • Revisit and reassess driving beliefs and guiding values • Love & family 3

  4. The Ecology & Conservation Workscape Corporations Investment. Houses Wildlife & parks, agencies Government Ecotourism Man Consult Boutique Consult Auditors Museum & Herberia Ecol consult CNGOs Trade Zoos IGOs Res inst. Res Consult Academia Welfare Think tanks Media Foundations Mobile cons Activism

  5. Career reasons: progress, change direction, assure position, employment edge • Entry qualification for academia and research, • In less-developed countries many senior officials have PhDs. Don't want to be advised by expats without one, • In expert, technical communities PhDs are the norm if not essential. Feel second class without one, • In roles where need to give expert evidence or advice, PhD's add credibility, • In corporate sector (extractives) influential departments are headed by PhDs. Environment department needs PhDs to be able to gain similar status. • PhDs provide an opportunity to change direction , maybe enable career flexibility 5

  6. Intellectual reasons: realizing your potential • Ask sharp questions and know and respect a rigorous answer when you see one, • Develop the analytical and technical skills to reveal things, • Develop the capacity to take in and critically appraise complex and volumous information fast, • Become part of a community/network of thinkers • Master the ability to write and communicate well and quickly, • Build personal reflexivity - ability to challenge and reflect back on your own beliefs, assumptions and actions • Know your mind and your talent(s) and limitations. 6

  7. Some good times to do a PhD • Beginning of your career (21-23) • Early Career (27-32) • Mid-career (37-42) 7

  8. S.W.O.T 8

  9. Why do a PhD? Because you will be proud of yourself And it will give you an edge, set you apart, remove barriers to progressing When to do a PhD? It'll depend on opportunities and personal circumstances 9

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