I wonder whether a good middle option would be to take a job in a lab for a year or two. That would a) give you some valuable bench experience that would stand you in good stead if you do decide to apply for a PhD later b) potentially give you opportunities to get involved in sci comms activities within the lab or institute.
Frank
At 20:44 10/03/2012, Caroline Grainger wrote:
>Aside from the extra qualification, there are other sci comm related benefits gained from a PhD.
>If you use the time wisely, you'll probably come across lots of opportunities to massively expand your science communication experience. Especially if you choose a university that has a good reputation for its sci comm work - You can even persuade your university to fund your sci comm project ideas!
>If you end up in a job that isn't related (after all, we all need money!) you'll most likely struggle to find the time to do sci comm projects on the side.
>
>The downside to this is that you also have to do your PhD research..... which at times will be difficult, draining and horribly depressing. As many people have said; only do a PhD if you love doing research. It's quite different to a regular research job - your PhD project is more personal and more rides on it.
>
>I think my time as a PhD student was invaluable to my sci comm experience and I believe that experience is more important than the qualification itself.
>On Mar 10, 2012 6:37 PM, "Emily Pritchard" <<mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>I have a PhD and am struggling to find a job in sci-comm. There just isn't that much out there at the moment - everything's being cut. One way to think about it is, in four years' time, when you have your PhD maybe the market will have recovered and maybe the government will be spending money again, and maybe there'll be more jobs. Or maybe not.
>
>On 10/03/2012 18:18, hephzia tagoe wrote:
>>I find my same in a similar dilemma. I have a Bsc and an MSc and yet I find opportunities in the sector are limited without a PhD. To do or not to do a PhD. From my research every successful scientist I have spoken to says only do one if you really want to and yet 95% of then have done one. There's a reason. The reality is your chances of getting the best out of your Scientific career is limited without one. My advise, do a PhD but at the right time. It's more about the skills you acquire from it.
>>
>>Hephzi
>>
>>On Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 2:53 PM, Stephen McGann <<mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>Hi Matt,
>>
>>One solution for you may be to consider the MSc Science Communication course at Imperial College:-
>>
>><http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/humanities/sciencecommunicationgroup>http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/humanities/sciencecommunicationgroup
>>
>>I'm currently on this course, and I love it. It's one year full time, and is geared to science graduates like yourself. The course is a good mix of the practical and theoretical, with excellent work experience opportunites included. It gives you an insight into the many different sci-comm areas - exhibitions, radio, TV, print, policy - and enables you to find the specialism that suits you. I have come across very many course alumni working 'in the field.'
>>
>>Best of all, if you still wish to take a PhD afterwards, the course will provide an excellent grounding.
>>
>>Regards,
>>
>>Steve McGann
>>
>>
>>On 10 Mar 2012, at 10:12 am, 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
>>>
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