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Noname January 29, 2006 19:06

Phd and working
 
Does anyone have any idea of CFD companies or CFD groups in companies which allow their employees to work and do PhD part time.


pc January 30, 2006 08:23

Re: Phd and working
 
Part time? It can be done, but good luck. Seriously. For this to be realistic, your dissertation better be something you're doing on the job, otherwise it won't get done.

Consider your job will consume 8-9 hours of your day, so only your nights are free. Do you have a spouse, kids, a house to clean and a yard to mow on the weekend, etc.? There are numerous things away from the office that will keep you preoccupied and away from your Ph.D. research as well.

Full time a Ph.D. is on average a 4 year effort. Part time, you're in for a very long haul.... hope you have the stamina.


diaw January 30, 2006 10:06

Re: Phd and working
 
I'm currently doing my PhD part-time... but, as 'pc' has said - it is a tough haul indeed. I work essentially 3 mornings per week as a Consultant, with each & every other hour spent in studies. I put in around 16-18 hours each day - weekends are a non-entity.

Fortunately, my topic falls in line with the group to whom I consult & so things have worked out well so far. I have placed a tough schedule on myself, as my program calls for me to complete 8 subjects plus the dissertation. I've almost completed 7 subjects, with one to go... I tell you - i't not easy in the least. Sometimes you feels like throwing it all up, but I've put in way too much effort, & love the research... soooo... it is a tough call... Health issues can also begin to plague you - especially if you are on the wrong side of 40... :)

Give it a try, by all means, but be prepared to stretch your end-date, when reality begins to sink in. Best of success to you.

diaw...


pc January 30, 2006 10:22

Re: Phd and working
 
I would say getting past the classes and even the candidacy exams are the "easy" part. The prime difficulty will be gaining and sustaining momentum for your dissertation research. A spare hour or two here and there won't cut it. 'diaw' has the right approach by devoting time each day, but it can be difficult with life's other distractions.

Seriously, good luck.

Andrew Hayes January 30, 2006 10:30

Re: Phd and working
 
I agree. I am working and doing a phd at the same time. I tell my friends that PhD school is more of a 'survival' school than anything, and you have to keep willing/motivating yourself to finish. It is very easy to quit. If you are not working, maybe you can try to work for someone that has some research going on and talk to your advisor about turning it into a phd dissertation topic.


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