PhD vs Post Doc - the real differences

In this video I share with you the differences between a PhD and PostDoc from my experience in academia.
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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - who you're working for
1:41 - what next
2:57 - like a job
3:43 - pressure to publish
5:27 - money
6:45 - mentoring
8:01 - build your network
9:15 - business casual
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Пікірлер: 80

  • @worawatsr9803
    @worawatsr9803 Жыл бұрын

    PhD is a degree. Postdoc is a part-time job with limited contract term.

  • @lisareed5669

    @lisareed5669

    Жыл бұрын

    He knows.

  • @sirmclovin9184

    @sirmclovin9184

    Жыл бұрын

    Part-time?

  • @michaelerzuah1105

    @michaelerzuah1105

    Жыл бұрын

    You pretty much summed it up

  • @haolu8902

    @haolu8902

    Жыл бұрын

    I am now a full_time postdoc

  • @worawatsr9803

    @worawatsr9803

    Жыл бұрын

    @@haolu8902 That’s what they want to you to believe. There’s no career path for postdoc. You just work for a limited contract under a PI who hired you for a short period. Postdoc is essentially a glorified research assistant with a PhD..

  • @shinra2755
    @shinra2755 Жыл бұрын

    Good idea moving into discussing post-docs, given that many of us who have followed your channel for a while have since finished our PhDs.

  • @LegoEddy
    @LegoEddy Жыл бұрын

    This all sounds like my PhD to me. Interesting to hear that it won't get better

  • @DubG9

    @DubG9

    Жыл бұрын

    😆

  • @ayodejimatuluko
    @ayodejimatuluko Жыл бұрын

    This is quite insightful. Thanks for highlighting the differences.

  • @Number6_
    @Number6_ Жыл бұрын

    This is a good series of lectures. Showing how they are not paying you to just; sit around and come up with ideas. That like any job they expect some output for the money.

  • @PZJBimha
    @PZJBimha Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this sharing. I'm currently stuck in the postdoc trap. Doing what I can to pivot into industry. I can attest to what you mentioned about earning a little more and overspending for comfort or because I feel richer. One thing u struggled with was the shift from PhD to Postdoc. Aiming to get published every year is difficult because you can't take long mental breaks during the year when things aren't going well. My Master's and PhD supervisor became my Postdoc PI and our relationship barely changed. I think I needed to be in a different space with a different person for growth-related purposes. Regarding mental health the uncertainty kills me. I wanted to become a lecturer so research is not my number 1 interest. Although my postdoc gave me the opportunity to lecture a course I found myself burning out from teaching related tasks and having little energy for the research side of the postdoc. I hope someone learns from my sharing.

  • @kumbiraitakawira9305

    @kumbiraitakawira9305

    Жыл бұрын

    Hallo Dr, Just saw your channel

  • @PZJBimha

    @PZJBimha

    Жыл бұрын

    Hie@@kumbiraitakawira9305 . Thanks. I hope you find helpful content there too .

  • @dr.ravindrar.kaikini8020
    @dr.ravindrar.kaikini8020 Жыл бұрын

    Excited to listen to this... So wonderful.. Thank you ...

  • @SAMLives
    @SAMLives Жыл бұрын

    Thanks 🙏 for sharing this wonderful video

  • @raminMTL
    @raminMTL Жыл бұрын

    Beard is looking fabulous

  • @joannavarro94
    @joannavarro94 Жыл бұрын

    Great video!!

  • @rosehosking5564
    @rosehosking5564 Жыл бұрын

    Once again, excellent timing of this video and helpful insights. I have 6 months to go and am dreaming of being off in the sunset beyond academia, but postdocs are temptingly waved in front of me and I resonate with it being the "least resistance" next step, I am trying to resist but simultaneously not burn bridges, pressure!

  • @Katadori09

    @Katadori09

    10 ай бұрын

    I don’t think anyone would be offended if you said, “That is a very exciting offer, but I’m already planning to go into industry.”

  • @Ericlau1126
    @Ericlau11263 ай бұрын

    “You dress for the job that you want, not the job that you have.” Well said

  • @Maariu01
    @Maariu01 Жыл бұрын

    Not a post doc yet but before i started phd i was a Research officer and i went through some stuff similar to a post doc but ive been very lucky because i had support and mentorship through the process

  • @Mechanical.Design
    @Mechanical.Design Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this video

  • @magdalenariosromero985
    @magdalenariosromero985 Жыл бұрын

    I am going to make the leap from PhD to postdoc soon! Some of the things mentioned in the video and that I was used to as a PhD student were: the focus on papers (my PhD program actually required paper publications in order to graduate), mentoring (in countries like mine the PhD students must mentor undergraduates because we are understaffed), working towards goals and dressing up professional. Glad to know that I am already used to all of that stuff! Thanks for the video! New subscriber!

  • @narutozzz6166

    @narutozzz6166

    Жыл бұрын

    How’s your experience been so far?

  • @saadhassankiani4827
    @saadhassankiani4827 Жыл бұрын

    The pain in your words seems genuine. I myself am so much confused to with postdoc or join industry/ university.

  • @kasiatutak5240
    @kasiatutak5240 Жыл бұрын

    hi! as always insightful video from you Andy! Actually I am writing to encourage you to make a video about why you left academia - a full reasoning behind that. It would be interesting for me (and I guess for others as well) to get to know the reasons why you decided to leave. I know you made a video "why you failed in academia" but I would not call it a failure... Also I wonder why you took one year break between phd-postdoc to work as explosive chemist and then you decided to go back to academia. What motivated you back then and what finally made you quit after years of postdocing. Best wishes Andy! Cheers from Europe.

  • @CthulhusTales
    @CthulhusTales Жыл бұрын

    I'm really glad that your videos exist to prepare us for the reality of academia. I was just wondering if you could possibly talk about what you can do during your PhD or postdocs to possibly start your own business/be an entrepreneur. Like what skills you should focus on. How you should leverage your conference opportunities to network, how you can get grants to possibly spring board your research to collabarively start a business etc.

  • @Lavabug

    @Lavabug

    Жыл бұрын

    You're not going to have time during your phd or postdoc to do anything like that.

  • @rasunsameendrawasalathilak3341

    @rasunsameendrawasalathilak3341

    Жыл бұрын

    I am also interested in this subject. I just about to submit my PhD thesis and last week I received a few postdocs offers from high ranked universities. Regardless the rankings and exciting projects, my inner soul whispering 'don't jump into this loop'. I felt I will be limited and struggle through out my life (Already tired because of my PhD). I tried so much to enter to the industry-but again felt over qualified (and I have an visa issue too as I currently in Australia). The other best option is to me starting an own business and really keen on that. However, I have the common uncertainty of capital, building network and finding investors. Feel like empty and stuck!!

  • @cyprienguerrin6298
    @cyprienguerrin6298 Жыл бұрын

    Great videos! I am finishing my Ph.D. in 6 months and am looking for a postdoc. I want to write a postdoc grant to do a 1-2year postdoc in a lab outside the Netherlands. Which type of research group/ lab do you think I should look for to write the grant with?

  • @ramit7
    @ramit7 Жыл бұрын

    I'd like to know how you started your startup, an insight into that venture.

  • @cicciobaciccio2177
    @cicciobaciccio2177 Жыл бұрын

    I normally can't stand people that talk about these issues. But I have to say, you are REALLY good at communicating these concepts with a clear background experience. It would be great if you could include a content about looking for a TT position, tips and obstacles.

  • @paolomartizzi164
    @paolomartizzi164 Жыл бұрын

    Post-doc anxiety is a fact and it was affecting my health condition. I believe Phd stress is much more manageable.

  • @wojciechsnoch
    @wojciechsnoch Жыл бұрын

    I'm finishing my PhD and I was hired in a project which results went to my thesis. So milestones, publications, reports, problem solving not for my thesis but for the project and continuation of the research was everyday life and priority.

  • @sashanealand8315

    @sashanealand8315

    8 ай бұрын

    thats sounds great!

  • @salam19801000
    @salam19801000 Жыл бұрын

    I have recently finishing my PHD in computer engineering. Just triggering ideas comming to my mind to complete Postdoc but I still hesiate so I wish toget best advice to which eouro college the best for that.

  • @ronron2312
    @ronron2312Ай бұрын

    My experience as a graduate student a postdoc did not come close to your experience. I guess I was lucky.

  • @Drganguli
    @Drganguli Жыл бұрын

    Postdoc is like a finishing school for PhD’s

  • @Ray-gv2mf
    @Ray-gv2mf29 күн бұрын

    Greetings! I am writing to inquire about the possibility of undertaking a postdoctoral position with only a master's degree, given that the master has demonstrated a strong research capability via his academic publications and work experience as an engineering. I would be appreciated if you could provide your insights on this strange subject matter.

  • @user-sz6dq6gq1v
    @user-sz6dq6gq1v Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video. But don't you work for Gus anymore?

  • @robertburatt5981
    @robertburatt5981 Жыл бұрын

    Its been my experience that seniors barely have a ghost of a chance to be accepted into doctoral programs in Psychology here in the northeast u. s.--but no suprise at all if applicable throughout the country nationwide.

  • @Number6_

    @Number6_

    Жыл бұрын

    In psychology it is an odd degree in the US because you have the academic route which requires at least a minor in probability and statistics which requires you to be good at mathematics. Then there is the regular route with no maths which is terminal. If you want a PhD in psychology you should get a math /statistics degree with a minor in psychology. In the UK there is a master's in research which is just a concentrated conversion course in statistics, which you can use to apply for the PhD program.

  • @robertburatt5981

    @robertburatt5981

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Number6_ I am referring to the prejudices toward seniors-especially males--and there is a socioeconomic class bias as well--not to mention the military-like conformity to what is "acceptable " points of view. This major is rife with such collisions and distortions of the subject. I know this because I was in a PhD pgm.

  • @robertburatt5981

    @robertburatt5981

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Number6_ Correction: Not collision but collusion

  • @Number6_

    @Number6_

    Жыл бұрын

    @@robertburatt5981 yes they all are . This is what I liked about math, 2+2=4 whether the lecturer liked you or not. Regardless of department politics. When your right your right and they have to give you the points.

  • @whatdoesthisthingdo

    @whatdoesthisthingdo

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah. Heaven forbid you voice a politically incorrect point of view during US-based graduate studies in psych. The prevailing woke ideology is followed with an almost cult like fervor. There is no dialogue or healthy exploration of ideas. It’s a real risk to your career just to speak in class.

  • @joelpang1202
    @joelpang1202 Жыл бұрын

    Do you have any thoughts about having to do a post doc immediately after a PhD or would entering the industry be the first port of call?

  • @Katadori09

    @Katadori09

    10 ай бұрын

    If you already know you want to go to industry, I’d suggest doing that asap. You typically don’t need postdoc experience, and you’re just leaving money on the table if you do a postdoc instead. Just be aware that, while not impossible, it’s hard to transition from industry to academia. Once you go industry, you should regard it as probably a one-way door. If you are sure you want to stay in industry, great. If not, then be sure before you make the move to industry.

  • @joedoe4595
    @joedoe4595 Жыл бұрын

    Kind of glad the pandemic ruined my post doc opportunity in retrospect. Was going to work at an excellent lab in my field at a prestigious institute in Japan. I earned a grant for 3 years of postdoctoral funding. The pandemic hits and the Japanese government decides that they didn't care about foreign workers and students and closed their borders to us....for 2 years. By the time I could enter, I wanted nothing to do with Japan. Industry can be a nightmare if you find yourself in the wrong position (which unfortunately applies to me right now). Now, I am learning full stack for a career change because I really did not anticipate hating the bullshit that goes on in the pharma industry as much as I do. Maybe I just work at a bad company, but I don't have the luxury of moving to a different part of the country right now to seek better opportunities and the job market is drying up because of the upcoming recession. I thought about seeking another postdoc opportunity until I looked at one of the best possible labs in the world I could join in my field. The lab had about 10 postdocs, 3 of which had their publications readily visible so I focused in on those. These 3 postdocs had over 25 publications each (not all first author, but you get it). A good number were high profile publications. I couldn't help but think something was horribly wrong with a postdoc having over 25 publications in excellent journals and.....they were still a postdoc. It's more of a lesson of the reality of academia these days. Maybe those postdocs find a tenure track position in the near future, maybe they don't. But it did not sit well with me that 3 rising superstars in my field with so much academic success had yet to land a tenure track with 25+ publications and working at one of the most famous labs in the world. For reference, at my grad program (top ten), my adviser became a tenure track with significantly less.

  • @matthewhe7163
    @matthewhe7163 Жыл бұрын

    Why did you get your own funding? I was confused. Isn’t your funding from your postdoc supervisor?

  • @louisirving588
    @louisirving588 Жыл бұрын

    Yeah, that bit about putting your names on each other's papers (without having done anything being the implication) is called "unearned authorship" - it's basically research fraud.

  • @DailyCorvid
    @DailyCorvid Жыл бұрын

    This is the best one I have watched so far. You even have a much more neutral look in your eyes, and I am confident in what you say being true in your head. That "I was fired for giving a fake PhD to my employer" that should be deleted, for your own sake! Lol. Make it again but do it in the style of this one, much more calm considered and not littered with emotional outbursty bits that put me off. But yeah the info is really solid here, I appreciate you made this.

  • @nickw8160

    @nickw8160

    Жыл бұрын

    Why should his recalling that experience be emotionless? It's his personal experience, not matter-of-fact information

  • @DailyCorvid

    @DailyCorvid

    Жыл бұрын

    @@nickw8160 Because it makes the presenter appear like he's not being totally honest for a start, and because that emotion detracts from the presented info second.

  • @kenglish2020
    @kenglish2020 Жыл бұрын

    I wanna take post doc scholarship but my english is not good what should i do?

  • @SAHarry

    @SAHarry

    Жыл бұрын

    Improve your English.

  • @dankschang
    @dankschang Жыл бұрын

    There is post-doc that charge the candidiates...how wonderful for the university.

  • @ako524mobilegaming7
    @ako524mobilegaming7 Жыл бұрын

    I have got an offer of post doc from a top ranked university in US. That’s a large group with 11 postdoctoral researchers. However, when I looked through the google scholar of each person, they didn’t have enough publications (0-1 paper per year). I usually had 3-6 papers published as the first author each year during my PhD. The boss’ google scholar only has the US patents and some project final reports which only has his own name on it. Should I trust him and go to such a group?

  • @joedoe4595

    @joedoe4595

    Жыл бұрын

    If your future is industry, dumb recruiters (which is nearly all of them) will be laser focused on the name brand of your university. They will not know your lab, PI, or care how many publications your lab produces per year nor their impact. They will just see a Harvard, Princeton, or whatever top school it is and assume you're smart, which will help get your foot in the door. If your future is academia, going to an under performing lab is a death sentence. It's not about the university, but the quality of the lab (and their publications) and the position your PI ranks in your field.

  • @seanwalsh5717
    @seanwalsh5717 Жыл бұрын

    0:15 Your FIRST potdoc. Oh my. There were more?!?!

  • @sendjasniabderrezzaq9347
    @sendjasniabderrezzaq9347 Жыл бұрын

    What is your opinion on doing a post-doc with the Ph.D. supervisor?

  • @inazuma3gou

    @inazuma3gou

    Жыл бұрын

    It's a great way to destroy your career.

  • @sendjasniabderrezzaq9347

    @sendjasniabderrezzaq9347

    Жыл бұрын

    @@inazuma3gou Could you please elaborate more? I have seen, in the US and some European countries, a lot of Ph.D. students continue with their supervisors.

  • @inazuma3gou

    @inazuma3gou

    Жыл бұрын

    @@sendjasniabderrezzaq9347 It depends on how long. Very often students have left over works to publish after their PhD. If that is the case, it may make sense for the student to stick around and finish writing high impact papers. During that time, it might make sense to mentor younger PhD students and get experience mentoring. However, the long you stay, you are going to be treated like a PhD student. The limit is probably 1 year... 2 years at most. After that, people will start asking why you are still here? The best thing you can do is leave ASAP.

  • @Katadori09
    @Katadori0910 ай бұрын

    Your experience doesn’t resonate much with mine as a postdoc in the US. We generally didn’t get funding for ourselves, unless it was a fellowship. I think some get a pathway to independence grant like a K99, but that’s for more of a health-related field and there wasn’t any equivalent in mine. We also didn’t have any expectation to stick around for more than a few years, so it wouldn’t have made sense to try for grants because we would be out the door just as the cash was arriving. My advice for postdocs in the US is the following: The longer you are a postdoc, the less valuable you are on the academic job hunt. Strive to publish quickly and get on the academic job circuit within 1-2 years. 3 is okay, 4+ is definitely a mark against you. Second postdoc, even worse. This is field-specific, and I’m talking about chemistry specifically. If you are aiming at government or industry jobs, skip the postdoc if you can. These jobs are way less competitive than academia and many don’t require postdoc experience.

  • @Anna_Swamy_Nageshwar
    @Anna_Swamy_Nageshwar Жыл бұрын

    before Ph.D. you have hair after Ph.D. you become bald.

  • @SharkSapphire
    @SharkSapphire Жыл бұрын

    A Ph.D. Is the highest degree one can earn. A Postdoc is something you do when you have a Ph.D. but can’t find a job.

  • @amilawickramasinghe662

    @amilawickramasinghe662

    Жыл бұрын

    true

  • @sashanealand8315

    @sashanealand8315

    8 ай бұрын

    you got it!!!

  • @justinnodwell3999
    @justinnodwell3999 Жыл бұрын

    What absolute rubbish. There is nothing in this that is generalizable. It may well be true but his experience is entirely specific to him and the groups he worked in.

  • @whatdoesthisthingdo

    @whatdoesthisthingdo

    Жыл бұрын

    I do not have this impression. Of course he is going to speak of his own experience. What else would one expect for the purpose of this video? An intelligence-insulting disclaimer? An empirically validated analysis of differences between the two generalizable across countries and disciplines?

  • @mickeykozzi
    @mickeykozzi8 ай бұрын

    I just looked up Andy's work. His published journals are not on the ABDC Journal Quality List. Hmm....