ing a ph d revelation of 5 stages in doctoral journey
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Lindawati
Cracking a
Ph.D.
Revelation of 5 Stages in Doctoral
Journey
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Cracking a Ph.D.
www.ebook3000.com
Lindawati
Cracking a Ph.D.
Revelation of 5 Stages in Doctoral Journey
123
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Lindawati
The Logistics Institute–Asia Pacific
National University of Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
ISBN 978-981-10-2151-0
DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-2152-7
ISBN 978-981-10-2152-7
(eBook)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2016946956
© Springer Science+Business Media Singapore 2017
This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part
of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations,
recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission
or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar
methodology now known or hereafter developed.
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this
publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from
the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this
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authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or
for any errors or omissions that may have been made.
Printed on acid-free paper
This Springer imprint is published by Springer Nature
The registered company is Springer Science+Business Media Singapore Pte Ltd.
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I dedicate this book to my loving husband,
Woelly William, and my loving mother,
Sim Tiaw Nio. They always believe
in me more than I believe in myself.
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Preface
When I am looking back to my Ph.D. journey, I realize how far I have grown not
only technically, but also personally. When I first started, I did not even know what
I should do. I only knew that I wanted to have a Ph.D. degree. I went to many
bumpy rides, depressed moment, rejections, and many other unhappy moments. At
one time, I even think to just forget everything and quit my Ph.D. Fortunately, I had
a second thought. I kept striving on and finally finished my Ph.D. program and got a
good job after.
My Ph.D. journey had provided me with good journey, good experiences, good
friends, good mentors, good jobs, and many more. That is what I also want for you
when you decide to take this Ph.D. journey.
This book is loaded with my personal experiences as well as many other people
around me that went through similar experience, surviving a Ph.D. I have arranged
this book to cover five stages that a Ph.D. student would gone through: joining
Ph.D., starting Ph.D., conducting research, writing dissertation, and finally, looking
for an ideal job. This book serves as cheat sheet that explains the options, tips, and
guidance in each stage of Ph.D. journey. With a bonus chapter in each stage that
describe the perspective and expectation from different people or organizations to a
Ph.D. student or graduate, this book reveals vital lessons in each stage and shows
how to apply them in a successful Ph.D. ecosystem.
For you as a candidate considering to get a Ph.D. degree, this book would give
some insight and considerations to be a Ph.D. It also shares an overview of what
you can expect in a Ph.D. study.
For you that have committed yourself as a Ph.D. student, this book would give
motivation and guidance to go through your Ph.D. stages and how to get the best
out of your Ph.D. study and use it to your advantage for your future career.
For you as a graduating Ph.D. student, this book gives an overview of what kind
of career options available for you. It also provides practical tips to work successfully in any industry.
vii
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viii
Preface
There is no fix rule how to use this book. You can flip through this book and get
the overview of a complete Ph.D. journey. Or go to specific chapter that represents
your current condition. You can do whatever you like and have fun on your Ph.D.
journey.
Have a blast Ph.D. journey!!!
Singapore
Lindawati
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Acknowledgement
During my Ph.D. journey and the writing of this book, many people have given
their generous supports and feedback. They generously spent their time to listen to
my sorrow and provided me comfort and in the same time talk to me about their
own experiences.
I am particularly grateful to my family and my closest friends that always
support my decisions. They always believe that I would be able to finish my Ph.D.
and also my book. Thank would not be enough.
I am thankful to my Ph.D. supervisor, my mentors, my professors, my close
friends, my Ph.D. classmates, and my laboratory mates in Singapore Management
University that make my Ph.D. journey so memorable. I also thank all the university staffs that always helped me to do this and that.
I am thankful to all my mentors and my colleagues that show me the fun in
working on industry projects and working in industry. They teach me how to love
and appreciate my job.
Lastly, I thank all my friends that have help me writing this book. They literally
spent their time helping me read it and provided me with their feedback. I also
thank my publisher who has made all of this happen.
ix
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Contents
Part I
Are You Ready for a Ph.D.?
1
Up-close and Personal with the Ph.D. Program . . .
Ph.D. Program and Its Value Propositions . . . . . . . . .
Is Ph.D. Degree Really Your Goal? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ph.D. Financial Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Company Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Study Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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So What Are Your Motivations to Get a Ph.D. Degree?
Common Reasons for Getting a Ph.D. Degree . . . . . . . . . .
Future Career . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stimulating Intellectual Atmosphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-actualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contribute to the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Importance of Motivations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sources of Motivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inner-self . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positive Ecosystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintain Your Motivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motivate Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Talk About It to Your Ecosystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan, Log, and Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Celebrate Your Small Win . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Ph.D., Ready or Not, Here I Come .
Ph.D. Program Opening Information . .
Major and Research Area . . . . . . . .
Submission Requirements . . . . . . . .
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xii
Contents
Intake and Deadline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Necessary Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Application Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Completeness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tidiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Writing a Research and Personal Statement
Research Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Necessary Documents . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Nail the Ph.D. Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Interviewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Professor in Your Research Area. . . . . . .
Committee Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Representative of the Funding Agency . .
Interview Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Knowing Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Knowing Your Interviewer . . . . . . . . . . .
Knowing Your Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During the Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Follow-Up After Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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5
What the Professor Is Looking for in a Ph.D. Applicant? . . . .
Outstanding Education Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proven Track Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motivation and Aspiration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adaptability to the Team Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Part II
6
Get your Ph.D. Started
Know Your New Ph.D. Ecosystem . .
Ph.D. Ecosystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Professors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Research Team Members . . . .
Your Fellow Ph.D. Students . . . . . .
Other Researchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other University’s Staffs . . . . . . . . .
Physical Work Environment . . . . . .
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Contents
Create Your Own Positive Ecosystem .
Setting up the Expectations . . . . . . . . .
Setting Up and Managing Your Goals
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
xiii
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Networking is a Necessity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good Versus Bad Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits of Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opportunities to Learn from Others’ Experiences . .
Build Your Reputation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common Fears in Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unconfident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inferior Feeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Afraid of Embarrassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Networking Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Networking Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Networking Follow-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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8
What Coursework Should I Take? .
Inside the Coursework . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Importance of Coursework . . . . . . . . .
Enhancing Intellectual Knowledge . .
Presenting Different Problems . . . . .
Assisting Research Preparation . . . .
Planning Your Coursework . . . . . . . . .
Support for Selecting Coursework . . . .
Qualifying Examination. . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9
Hunger for More Experiences . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Teaching Assistant (TA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finding a TA Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research Assistant (RA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finding a RA Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overseas Research Exchange or Visiting Scholar
Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finding an Overseas Research Exchange . . . . .
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xiv
Contents
Internship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finding an Internship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Choosing Activities Based on Your Interest
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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72
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10 What the University Is Looking for in a Ph.D. Student? . . . . .
Conduct High-Quality Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Be a Good Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graduate on Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Get a Good Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keep in Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Part III
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Research, Research and Research
11 Your Research Topic: Like It or “like” It . . . .
Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good Research Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Find Good Research Topic? . . . . . . . .
Validation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desirability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Feasibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Review and Refine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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12 Experiencing the First Paper . . . . . . . . . .
General Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time to Write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Independent or Joint Paper . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Publish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Language and Communication Style . . . .
Paper Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keywords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Literature Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Body of Your Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acknowledgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Contents
xv
Polish Your Paper . . . . . . . . . . . .
Peer Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acceptance Versus Rejection . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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101
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102
103
13 Present as a Researcher . . . . . . . . . .
Presentation Preparation . . . . . . . . . . .
Learn from Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Knowing Your Audiences . . . . . . . .
Preparing Your Slides . . . . . . . . . . .
Time Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rehearsal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During Your Presentation . . . . . . . . . .
Question-and-Answer (Q&A) Session .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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110
111
14 Make the Most of Conferences . . . . .
Conference Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Right Conference . . . . . . . . . . .
Choose Where You Want to Stay . .
Planning Your Day in a Conference
Always Do Networking . . . . . . . . . .
Funding Your Conferences . . . . . . . . .
Poster Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Organizing a Conference . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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113
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15 What the Reviewer is Looking for in Your Paper?
Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Novelty of Your Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Quality of Your Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internal Consistency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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134
Part IV
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Ph.D. Last Mile
16 Set Your Dissertation Target Date . . . . . .
Plan Your Dissertation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Negotiating Your Dissertation Schedule . . .
Handling Difficult Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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17 Dissertation Proposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Why Dissertation Proposal Is Important? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Characteristics of a Good Proposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
xvi
Contents
Main Elements of Dissertation Proposal . . .
Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Literature Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proposed Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preliminary Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proposal Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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149
19 Dissertation Defense at Last . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of Defense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public Defense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Closed Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defense Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Know the Detail of Your Dissertation Defense . . . .
Attend Other Dissertation Defense. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reread Your Dissertation Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Going Over the Meeting Minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gather Possible Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepare Notes and Supporting Materials . . . . . . . . .
Take Care of Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Presentation Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rehearsal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Big Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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151
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18 Completing Your Dissertation . . . . .
Dissertation Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Literature Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Background Information . . . . . . . . .
Research Chapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revision, Revision, Revision . . . . . . . .
Perfect Time for a Perfect Dissertation
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Contents
xvii
20 What the Reviewer is Looking for in Your Dissertation? . . . . . . . .
Proposal Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problem Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Understanding of the Problem and Expected Contributions . . .
Probability of Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dissertation Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Significant Contributions and Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Originality of Your Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technicality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Result and Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overall Written Dissertation and Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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166
Part V
Life After Ph.D.
21 Look for Your Ideal Job. . . . . . . . . .
Academic Career Path . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Academic Job . . . . . . . . . . . .
Industry Career Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Career Path Opportunities . . . . .
Entrepreneur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public Sector Officer . . . . . . . . . . . .
Teaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparation for Your Job Hunting . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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174
22 Work in the Right Industry . . . . . . .
Advantages of Working in Industry . .
More Job Opportunities . . . . . . . . . .
Flexible Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Remuneration Package . . . . .
Direct Impacts of Your Research . . .
Big Research Support . . . . . . . . . . .
Available Job Positions . . . . . . . . . . . .
Researcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Scientist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operations Research Analyst . . . . . .
Qualitative Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business Development . . . . . . . . . . .
Market Research Analyst . . . . . . . . .
Consultant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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xviii
Contents
23 Ready for Industry Job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing Your CV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applying for a Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Job Interview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aligning Your Research with Company Direction . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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183
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188
24 What Your Future Employer Is Looking for?
Academic Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Industry Project Experiences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good Attitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Able to Work Independently and Within a Team
Show Interest to Work in the Company . . . . . . .
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Part I
Are You Ready for a Ph.D.?
Chapter 1
Up-close and Personal with the Ph.D.
Program
No great discovery was ever made without a bold guess.
—Isaac Newton
Before you decide to get a Ph.D. degree, you may need to find out more about Ph.
D. program and whether a Ph.D. program would be suitable for you. You may have
a dream career to become a professor in a top university in the world. You are
committed to put 100 % effort to achieve it by taking all necessary steps including
to get yourself a Ph.D. degree. Or, you just finish your undergraduate and now you
are looking for a new challenge. Or, you may be in a limbo right now, and you are
not sure what you want to do. You are stuck in your current job and you want to a
break through it by getting a Ph.D. degree. Getting a Ph.D. degree may not be the
answer to all your problems. If you are not careful, entering a Ph.D. program may
only bring you more problems than you already have. On another side, Ph.D.
degree can be your golden ticket to fortune and fame. To avoid the troubles of
making a bad decision, it is wise to broaden your understanding of Ph.D. program
and find out whether a Ph.D. degree can help you in reaching your goals before you
commit yourself to it.
There are myths about Ph.D. degree [1, 11, 13]. Some are good myths that may
not be totally true. One may say that a Ph.D. graduate would certainly win a noble
prize as a result of his research during his Ph.D. program. Unfortunately, it is not
completely true. Only a few Ph.D. graduates won the noble prize. Others may also
say that as a Ph.D. graduate, you will earn a lot of money. Considering current job
market, there is always uncertainty regarding job opportunities. Having a Ph.D.
degree does not mean that you will get all the money that you want.
Likewise, there are also some negative myths about Ph.D. degree and many may
not be true as well. Some may say that Ph.D. equals to “Permanent Head Damage”
while others say that Ph.D. students and graduates are too serious, too “nerdy,” or
too weird. Some even say that if you are already in your Ph.D. program for ages,
you would lose your human touch and would not be able to communicate properly
with other people. Obviously, these myths are not totally true. Many Ph.D. students
and graduates are still quite healthy and able to socialize well in their communities.
© Springer Science+Business Media Singapore 2017
Lindawati, Cracking a Ph.D., DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-2152-7_1
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4
1 Up-close and Personal with the Ph.D. Program
A Ph.D. program may take a long time to finish and would require your full
attention; thus, decision to enter a Ph.D. program cannot be taken lightly. Many
factors need to be considered. At the end of the day, joining a Ph.D. program may
be your biggest decision so far and you need to consider all factors and ask yourself
if you are ready for a Ph.D. program.
This chapter is intended to help you to make this tough decision. It would
discuss two main issues about a Ph.D. program, namely description of a Ph.D.
program and Ph.D. financial aid options. A comprehensive description of Ph.D.
program points you to several practical considerations to join a Ph.D. program
while the Ph.D. financial aid options would provide you with options to fund your
Ph.D. program. With this information, you would be able to make an informed
decision about getting a Ph.D. degree that would affect your future greatly.
Ph.D. Program and Its Value Propositions
Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy [4]. The word philosophy comes from
Ancient Greek word “philosophy” which literally translated to “love of wisdom” or
“friend of wisdom” [5]. In current context, Ph.D. degree is not limited solely to the
field of philosophy but is used in broader sense as an academic or professional
degree that in most of the countries is considered as the highest degree [8, 12].
Ph.D. degree is awarded to a person who has contributed significant amount of
original research to the existing body of knowledge. The research work is usually
bundled as a dissertation.
Other than Ph.D. degree, universities offer other graduate degrees such as
master’s degree. Ph.D. program is different with master’s program in several areas
[10]. Master’s program tends to be shorter in time (1–3 years) and more
career/professional oriented while Ph.D. program tends to take longer time and
more research oriented. Master’s program may provide specialization within a field
but does not always require original research that contributes to the field (i.e., new
information, findings, and theory) as in Ph.D. program. Master’s program can also
be used to fill gaps in undergraduate education before Ph.D. program.
Ph.D. program is usually taken after a master’s degree, but some universities
allow undergraduate students to directly join their Ph.D. program [2]. In the second
case, you would be required to take and complete several courses during your first
year(s) to expose you to the body of knowledge in your research area. You may also
require to conduct research works simultaneously while taking your coursework
requirements. This second case will be used through out this book.
Ph.D. program may take four years or more for full-time study and six years or
more for part-time study [13]. During your Ph.D. study, you need to complete your
coursework requirement and submit your dissertation. You also must complete your
dissertation defense (also known as public defense or “viva voce”) to justify your
research work.
Ph.D. Program and Its Value Propositions
5
Whether you like it or not, the largest portion of your Ph.D. program is research.
It can be a theoretical research or an industry research; it can be a qualitative or a
quantitative research; it can also be a combination of both. The type of research that
you need to do depends on your research area. For example, as a Ph.D. student in
information systems, you can do a theoretical research to find optimum solution for
classical optimization problems, or you can do industry research to solve a specific
complex problem using a novel algorithm. A Ph.D. student in social science can
focus on quantitative research based on real industry data or qualitative research
based on series of field studies or interviews that he conducted.
You will have at least one supervisor to guide you throughout your Ph.D.
program [9]. You can choose your own supervisor or one would be assigned to you
by your university. Supervisor is usually a professor that is willing to become your
mentor during your Ph.D. program.
In most university, your Ph.D. program requires you to go through several years
of research training. The training is intended to produce significant theoretical
and/or practical contributions in your research area [6, 15]. The term “significant
contributions” can be through new knowledge, new theory, or other original
contributions.
Other than coursework and research, there are a lot of other activities that you
can do during your Ph.D. journey. Some of those activities are becoming teaching
assistant, joining overseas research training, taking internship in research institutes,
and becoming a vising student in other universities. Those activities are useful to
expose yourself to different skill sets that can be used as a foundation for your Ph.D.
or for your future career after getting a Ph.D. degree.
Ph.D. program offers a lot of benefits [2, 7, 13]. Four of it are as follows. First,
Ph.D. program is a place where you are trained to become an independent
researcher. Your supervisor would train you to do your research on your own. At
the beginning of your Ph.D. program, you may rely on your supervisor’s help a lot,
such as giving you advices on what courses you should take, guide you to choose
research topic, connect you to other people for collaboration, and wide you write
your papers. After a while, you would realize that you are relying less and less to
your supervisors. And at the end of your Ph.D. journey, you are expected to be able
to do your own research. You would initiate a research, work independently, and
write the paper on your own.
Second, Ph.D. program is a gate for professorship. If someday you want to
become a professor, Ph.D. is a worthy investment. Two main duties of a professor
are to conduct meaningful research and pass the knowledge to the next generation.
Other than research, Ph.D. program would be able to teach you to communicate
your ideas with other people. It would make it easier for you if you need to teach in
classroom because you are already used to it. If you do not want to become a
professor, Ph.D. program would open a lot of other opportunities for you such as
working as a researcher in a private company or doing research in a government
research institute, to name a few.
www.ebook3000.com
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1 Up-close and Personal with the Ph.D. Program
Third, you have the opportunity to work with the best mind on the field and be
part of amazing team. Your research work may touch and help a lot of people in
need. Lastly, good thing about Ph.D. program is you can go to conferences (even
overseas conferences) to present your papers. You would be able to interact with
many people that have the same interest as you.
Ph.D. program has its good and bad moments. One day, when your paper gets
accepted, you would feel Ph.D. program is the best thing in your life. As a Ph.D.
student, the best experiences that you would have would be: freedom to explore
new things, thoughtful and well-connected supervisor, supportive research environment, and of course attending conferences. On your dark Ph.D. days, you as a
Ph.D. student would think that you do not have a life outside the research laboratory, your supervisor or your university is expecting too much for you and you do
not know how to meet those expectations, you cannot get along with your laboratory team, or you cannot find a way to align your research interest with your
supervisor. Not many people can handle these situations; many would just take the
easy way out and quit the Ph.D. program. But if you can manage the situations and
solve it before it becoming too serious, you can finish your Ph.D. program just fine.
You just need to learn how to do it.
In the nutshell, values of getting a Ph.D. degree can be illustrated in Fig. 1.1. It
certainly has a lot of benefits, unique features, and somewhat mix experiences that
would usually end with a wonderful experience. Although Ph.D. program cannot
actually be substituted by a master’s program or other professional certification
programs, these other programs would offer alternative options that may be more
suitable for you.
Is Ph.D. Degree Really Your Goal?
Ph.D. program is not everybody’s cup of tea. It would require a lot of commitment
and dedication. You need to take your time to consider whether Ph.D. program is
really what you want and whether you are fit for a Ph.D. program.
Aligning Ph.D. program’s benefits with your personal goals may not be that
easy. Try to think, what do you want your life looks like in 5–10 years in the
future? Is a Ph.D. degree a part of your future life? You can breakdown this dream
as your goals and come up with a list of actions that can help you to get to your
goals. If getting a Ph.D. degree is one of the actions in your list, it is beneficial for
you to pursue a Ph.D. degree.
Your current and future needs would also affect your decision. You would have
a list of things that you currently need or you think you would need in the future.
These needs can be prioritized based on its importance. Analyze the list carefully
and asses whether Ph.D. program can fulfill your needs.
Ph.D. Financial Aid
7
Fig. 1.1 Ph.D. program summaries
Ph.D. Financial Aid
Ph.D. program can be done in full-time or part-time basis. As a full-time Ph.D.
student, you are able to focus solely on your research and finish it faster. But you
may need to find funding to pay Ph.D. program tuition fee and cover your daily
expenses. As a part-time Ph.D. student, you need to manage your time carefully,
because you need to balance between your work and your Ph.D. program. It is
difficult, especially if your work requires a lot of your commitment. But as a
part-time Ph.D. student, you would have a stable income and only need to worry
about paying the Ph.D. program’s tuition fee.
8
1 Up-close and Personal with the Ph.D. Program
Regardless whether you take a full-time or a part-time Ph.D. program, there are
several options of financial aid that you can consider [3, 14]. Three common options
are scholarship, company sponsorship, and study loan.
Scholarship
Ph.D. scholarship is usually given by institutions such as universities, government
agencies, research institutes, or nonprofit foundations. It can be a full-ride scholarship that covers tuition fees, books, room and board, and sometime living
expenses. Or, it can be a sandwich-type scholarship that covers full or part of tuition
fees and sometime books. It is given based on a specific qualification criterion such
as good academic achievements, career achievements, and community
involvements.
The scholarship may require you to maintain a certain performance that can be
indicated in your academic result, your research progress, or even your published
papers. Some scholarships can also have a binding contract to work in a certain
institution or country after you finish your Ph.D. program.
This type of financial aid is a very competitive. To be awarded this scholarship,
especially from a popular scholarship in a top university, you need to be better than
hundreds or even thousands of other applicants.
Company Sponsorship
The second option for Ph.D. financial aid is company sponsorship. In this option,
companies would provide a certain amount of funding to cover tuition fee (100 %
or less) and living expenses. In return, the company expects you to do research for
the company. There are two examples of company sponsorship.
In the first type, the company treats you as a full-time employee during your
Ph.D. program and you will receive a monthly salary from the company. You join
the Ph.D. program in part-time basis and you will be expected to align your Ph.D.
research to the company’s directions. You need to contribute to the company’s
projects. The company usually would not require you to serve any bond after you
complete your Ph.D. program.
Second type of sponsorship is the one allows you to join a Ph.D. program in
full-time basis. The company pays your tuition fee and gives you a monthly
allowance. You may need to do your research based on the company’s interest but
the company would not interfere with your Ph.D. program. After you finish with
your Ph.D. program, you are bonded to work in the company for a certain period of
time where you need to apply your research and what you have learnt during your
Ph.D. program in the company. If you want to break the bond, you may need to pay
back all the tuition fees and an amount of penalty.
Ph.D. Financial Aid
9
For any type of company sponsorship, you are required to be accepted in a
university of the company’s choice before you can be awarded with the
sponsorship. Your major should also align with the company main of business. For
example, if the company is one of the world’s best software companies, the
company would give sponsorship to students who like to do research in (intelligent)
software, computer science, or information system areas. The sponsorship may be
offered exclusively to the company’s internal employees or may be offered for
external people also. This type of financial aid is also competitive. You need to meet
a certain criterion before you can be awarded the sponsorship.
Study Loan
Lastly, you can consider to apply a study loan to pay for your Ph.D. program. The
study loan is usually offered by financial institutions such as bank. Bank loans you
up to a certain amount of money to pay for your tuition fee with some interest. It
usually does not cover your living cost. After you finish your study, you need to
start paying back the money that you owe from the bank on yearly or monthly
installment basis. This type of financial aid is not too competitive. As long as you
have a good track record with the bank, the bank would grant you the loan. You
need to be admitted for Ph.D. program in the university of your choice before you
can apply for study loan.
Each financial aid option has its own advantages, disadvantages, and requirements. You need to find out which one is more suitable for you based on your own
situation. Of course it would be ideal if you can get a full-ride scholarship or
sponsorship, but you may need to measure your eligibility. You may also try to
apply for all the options and see which options would work best for you.
Deciding to get a Ph.D. degree needs a lot of consideration. You need to have a
basic understanding of Ph.D. program and align it with your personal goals. Using
the information in this chapter, hopefully you would be able to make your decision
to get a Ph.D. program. The next chapter will discuss motivations as an important
factor to keep you moving forward on your decision to get a Ph.D. degree.
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1 Up-close and Personal with the Ph.D. Program
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