Why Did You Choose to Get a PhD?

Last Updated on: 3rd June 2022, 04:32 am

The path to the doctoral degree is not straight.

It inevitably takes twists and turns that test our fortitude and our willingness to sacrifice. Sometimes delays in the process affect our ability to provide for loved ones or require us to postpone important family milestones.

When you get to one of those “dark nights of the soul,” it can be useful to spend some time reflecting on why you started this journey.

Can you remember the first spark of an idea that you wanted to be a Ph.D.?  I remember the light bulb electrifying over my head when I was in a graduate assistant in an MBA class. I was watching the professor, dressed in jeans and a button-down oxford instead of a suit and tie, teaching something rather dry and dull to a room full of talented students. 

I thought, “I could do this, and I could make it fun; interesting, even!” My passion was ignited, and I suddenly knew I would be doing the research track and getting my doctorate.  

It was a small moment, but the passion I felt carried me through to the hooding ceremony, despite several major glitches in the plan along the way.

If you don’t have a particular “aha” moment to remember, just consider what you thought you wanted when you made this big decision.  Here are some possibilities:

Teach

Many people start this journey because, like me, they want to teach. Perhaps you had an influential faculty member you want to emulate. Maybe you have a strong desire to help others overcome circumstances that might otherwise thwart their dreams. 

Maybe, and this is a legitimate reason, you like the teaching lifestyle, with time off in the summer and a daily schedule you can control. 

Whatever the case, picture yourself in a classroom doing just that: leading a spirited discussion, encouraging a shy student, and being there for someone the way others have been there for you. Now imagine getting that letter 5 years down the line from a student explaining how instrumental you have been in their life and career.

Research

Perhaps what sparked you was a desire to do research. You might be pursuing alternative medical options for diabetes, or identifying factors that reduce gang violence, or maybe you seek a curriculum that fosters creativity in high school history students. 

You started this quest to answer a question that has not been answered, and then to let your curiosity soar. Your unique voice, insights, and perspective should be heard.

Fulfill an Intergenerational Dream

For many, this quest begins in a family dream. Perhaps your family immigrated two generations ago and you are the first person to enter a graduate program. Or your mother always told you that you were meant for great things, supporting you through every adversity.

 You stand on the shoulders of others before you: remember who they are and what they gave up to get you here. 

Prove Something to Yourself and Others

Another valid reason for earning a doctoral degree is that finishing the process can give your self-esteem (and maybe your ego) a healthy boost. Knowing that you have accomplished something that very few people have been able to do is rewarding. It can also be nice to call for a reservation at a restaurant and say that you would like a reservation for Dr. Jones. 

Maybe you’re in it to prove to others that you really do have what it takes; that you have intelligence and stamina beyond what anyone has given you credit for. If this is the case, don’t stop now! 

Maybe you see yourself in a number of these scenarios, and if so, so much the better.  Envision all the scenarios that might serve to motivate you.  

Summary

You have already put time and money into this quest of yours — to get a doctoral degree. The temptations to stop are endless and strong. You need to take a little time here and there to imagine what it will be like when you have the degree and all that comes with it: a job you love, a schedule that flexes, your name in citations, students looking up to you, and people who are proud of and impressed by your accomplishment.  

Is there a down-side to finishing? Maybe. But what I hear most often from not-quite-PhDs is, “I wish I had just pushed through.” That, you will almost certainly not regret.

Take a break and look at what motivated you to begin this journey. Remember why you applied to your program and the excitement you felt when you were accepted. Those warm memories can help you push through the hard work and reach your goal!