Hi Matt,
I think doing a PhD could be great if it’s what you want to do. I also agree the value of a PhD can be argued every possible way. I don't have a PhD, worked in the steel industry, became a science communicator, and then recruited quite a few more to work for me. I’d have to say the letters after the name didn't make much difference in my recruitment decisions. They do, I know, in some roles closely linked to academic research, and that's probably quite right. But they're a small proportion of the roles available.
Science communicators in many roles tend to have to be generalists that can do a bit of everything. What counts much more in an interview is being able to demonstrate experience of science communication and flair for it. If you want to stand out when going for a job, there are two hurdles. (i) Get shortlisted, (ii) get the job. To get shortlisted you need experience you can write about which you include in your application. Science communication happens all over the place - academe, industry, small businesses, charities, governments and more. The exciting roles will all want experience, most won't require a PhD. Faced with someone with a PhD and experience, and someone with no PhD but with experience, I'd shortlist both and choose on the answers they gave at interview. That's where the experience tells in relation to the role. If you can show you've the experience to grasp what's required in the role, you make any prospective manager's life easier.
My advice would be to get some experience of leading science communication activities. Show you can set up and run activities, and you'll be an attractive prospect to many employers in science communication. To help you decide which area you want to go into, dabble in a few.
Incidentally, in the bits of science communication I've worked in, mainly education related, an industry background is just as valuable as an academic background. For working with young people, this can give you a wider view of the types of science role available at all levels of education, from technician to senior management, and a way to bring science to life for all the young people or adults in the audiences you want to engage.
The best opportunities go to the people who turn up with enthusiasm, some experience, and a willingness to learn more.
Best of luck
Colin
Colin Wilkinson
T 01642 740400
M 07850 713567
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Matt Templar
Sent: 10 March 2012 10:13
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PSCI-COM] Sci-com and the PhD
Hello,
It seems that these days, everyone has a bachelors degree. How important therefore do you feel having a PhD is in science communication? Does it open doors and create opportunities that otherwise wouldn't exist? I'd be really grateful to hear your responses. I suspect that these sorts of questions are on the minds of many others who, like myself, are at an early stage in their careers.
The reason I ask is that, as a recent science graduate, I already know that I don't want to work in research long-term but rather see myself in science communication. However, when browsing various science communication roles, it seems to me that the most prestigious or senior roles (and sometimes most exciting) are occupied by Dr xyz. I only have a Bachelor's degree (a good one, in biology) - will this put me at a significant disadvantage vs. PhD-holders? In order not to exclude myself from the better roles, I would be prepared to apply for and complete a PhD. But is this really necessary? Perhaps I have an inaccurate picture of the sci-com sector?
I suppose you might say the the answer depends on what area of science communication I see myself in? Unfortunately it's difficult for me to say exactly what I want to do at this stage. I do really enjoy communicating complex science to non-specialists (both through the written word and verbally) and teaching/advising, interacting with people. I could see myself working in the media/science charities/learned societies etc etc.
It would be really great to have your thoughts, particularly from the more experienced/senior science communicators amongst you - in what circumstances would you employ someone who holds a PhD over someone who doesn't? What sci-com roles have an absolute requirement for a PhD?
Thanks a lot,
Matt
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