ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS! PhD stipends? Is it easy to get a job? Kids and marriage?!

TL;DR

Research scientist Jessica answers questions about her work hours, PhD life, and future plans in this informative Q&A video.

Transcript

laughs hello my YouTube friends and welcome back to my channel if you're new here my name is Jessica and I finished my PhD earlier this year and now I am working as a research scientist in environmental chemistry it has been quite a few months now since I did a question and answer video so I thought today that I would answer some of your questions ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🔬 Jessica's work as a research scientist in environmental chemistry involves a 37-hour workweek with flexibility and an early finish on Fridays.
• 👨‍🔬 The difference in job opportunities between BSc/MSc and PhD lies in the research experience required for many research-related roles.
• 📽️ Applying for a PhD in the UK often involves choosing a specific project outlined by supervisors, while in the US, students may need to create their own project.
• 😀 Living on a stipend during a PhD requires careful budgeting and prioritizing expenses, but it can be manageable with planning and tools like budgeting apps.
• 🤯 Overcoming writer's block during thesis writing involves listening to one's mind and body, focusing on tasks that match current motivation and energy levels.
• 👶 Jessica plans to get married and have children in the future, but is currently focused on her career and enjoying her life.
• ❓ Her favorite subcategories of chemistry include natural products chemistry, environmental chemistry, and analytical chemistry.

Questions & Answers

Q: How many hours do you work at your new job?

I work 37 hours a week, with an early finish on Fridays, but technically work for 7.5 hours a day with an unpaid half-hour lunch break.

Q: What's the difference in job opportunities from BSc to MSC and PhD?

Generally, BSc or MSC may be sufficient for quality control or lab technician jobs, while research-related roles often require a PhD.

Q: How did you go about applying for your PhD? Did you already have a title?

In the UK and some European universities, you typically apply for specific PhD projects outlined by supervisors. Some universities in the US require students to come up with their own project.

Q: Do you get paid during your PhD? What is the pay range?

Funded PhDs offer a stipend, which varies by country. In the UK, it is typically around £15,000-£16,000 per year, increasing by £50 per month each year.

Q: Do you plan to become independent and have a chemical business or venture?

While Jessica has ideas for a business related to academia and PhD life, she is currently focused on her job and exploring these ideas on the side.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jessica works 37 hours a week, with an early finish on Fridays, in her new job as a research scientist in environmental chemistry.

• PhDs are generally required for research-related roles, while some lab technician jobs may only require a Bachelor of Science degree.

• Applying for a PhD can involve either choosing a specific project or creating your own, depending on the university and country.

• Living on a stipend during a PhD requires budgeting and prioritizing expenses, but it can be manageable with careful planning.

• Overcoming writer's block during thesis writing involves listening to your mind and body, focusing on tasks that match your mood and energy levels.

• Jessica plans to get married and have children in the future, but is currently focused on establishing her career and enjoying her life.

• Her favorite subcategories of chemistry include natural products chemistry, environmental chemistry, and analytical chemistry.

• Job opportunities after completing a PhD in Europe can vary, and Jessica's experience was relatively smooth, as she applied for one job and got it.

• While she has ideas for a chemical business or venture, Jessica is currently focused on her job and exploring these ideas on the side.