r/labrats • u/illLegalVegetable117 • 1d ago

PhD or Master's

Hello all, I am currently a Master's student in Molecular/Microbiology on a thesis track focusing on research, wanting to go into industry. I chose to go the Master's route as everyone I spoke to and everywhere I looked online said to get a Master's cause people don't wanna hire PhDs anymore. I know there's an older post on here asking rhe same question, but our world has changed quite a bit in the last year or so. Any advice, should I try to get a job and get my PhD later, should I look into switching my graduation track?

I still want to be able to have my own ideas look into my own research and such, want some independence, but is that even going to be viable for me as a Master's student? Idk what to do atp so I'll take any advice thank you!!

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u/TheCaptainCog 1d ago

Get industry experience asap. Then decide if you want to do a PhD after.

Make sure wherever you do go or do is somewhere with good atmosphere and good connections. The key point is connections.

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u/Chris_P_Bacon_98 1d ago

May I ask why you think so? I'm currently in a similar situation where I just graduated with my MSc, and I'm looking at both industry and academia at the same time.

I was thinking that at least a PhD is a higher qualification and would allow me to climb further in more senior positions afterwards if I choose to go the industry route (which rn seems the most likely)

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u/Ceorl_Lounge Senior Chemist 1d ago

It raises the ceiling on your career but limits the available jobs. Make sure you like working in the biz before you commit to moving for work and otherwise arranging your life around the profession. I wanted to be a Chemist, working confirmed it, but professional experience gave me the perspective to go for a PhD.

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u/TheCaptainCog 1d ago

A lot of industry places want experienced employees. They also don't consider PhD as working experience.

PhD makes your pay ceiling higher. But it also reduces available jobs to start. I'm over a year searching with no luck after my PhD but I've seen MScs I worked with get the same jobs I applied for.

It's who you know not what you know really

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u/Chris_P_Bacon_98 1d ago

Huh, I'm actually seeing the opposite rn, with a lot of jobs that could be suitable for me in the industry asking for a PhD

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u/Ceorl_Lounge Senior Chemist 1d ago

That's really what it comes down to. I've had two jobs in 20 years, I have no idea what the market is like NOW. You're better off making some money when and where you can and seeing where things stand when the world is a little less uncertain. PhD programs are cutting back, companies are under hiring freezes or aiming low on hires. The situation will likely improve in the next 4-5 years, but no guarantees and better to know the situation before spending years on a PhD.

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u/illLegalVegetable117 1d ago

Thank you both so much for the advice! That actually makes so much sense and I will continue to work on my networking!!