As John Turney says, one could argue this either way, and, I would add, quite reasonably in either case. So we need to find another way of answering the question.
Again with John, I would say that you should only do a PhD if you really want to do a PhD, and that means carrying out intensive research during three or more years of blood, sweat and tears. There are other, less painful ways of proving one's tenacity and motivation to prospective employers, and, in any case, very few roles demand the possession of a research degree.
As Jenny Shipway says, it may help to have a PhD if your day job involves liaising with other PhDs. In that sense, one could argue that the PhD is only really respected by others similarly afflicted.
You should also note that a PhD can be a liability in some real-world as opposed to academic situations. The individual's qualities come first – or at least they do for those who can get past the managerialist gatekeepers of the professions – but a research degree could leave you being seen as overqualified for certain roles. That said, with a graduate glut, and a BA or BSc fast becoming a basic qualification of white van man, this could change.
Do not do a PhD for the "Dr" salutation! I am of two minds as to whether to ditch this entirely in my case. In Denmark I was happy to be addressed simply as "Francis Sedgemore", without even a "Mr". Within Denmark the Dr title is never used, whether by proper doctors, medics or whatever, and this is spreading. Seeing the Dr title brandished by presenters on British popular science television programmes seems to me unnecessary and pretentious. It comes across as a priestly form of address, and everyone hates priests, even the worshiping laity.
Francis
On 10 Mar 12, at 10:12, Matt Templar wrote:
> 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
--
Dr Francis Sedgemore
journalist and science writer
www.sedgemore.com
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