Hi Matt,
Like you, I decided that I did not want to do a PhD, after receiving a (similarly good) BSc in Biology. And, like you, I was attracted to science communication. After a number of years of doing this, a PhD started to seem more and more attractive.
My experience suggests that working as a science communicator is excellent preparation for doing a PhD. But the slog of academic writing and the review process has undoubtedly made me a much worse science communicator.
Lesley
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Lesley Newson
College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter
Department of Environmental Science and Policy, UCDavis
Culture editor of The Evolution Institutes's online magazine:
Evolution: This View of Life (http://www.binghamton.edu/thisviewoflife/index.php)
________________________________________
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Matt Templar [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 10 March 2012 10:12
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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