If you don't know what is research, watch my video (Arabic) or read its slides. If you don't know the difference between Masters and Ph.D., please read.
Many times students come to inform me about their plans to do Postgraduate education. When I start to ask about the reasons, I end up thinking these guys have the wrong reasons for such path. Given their so difference nature, especially PhD, do yourself a favour and try to understand well their properties. PhD/Research is one of few things that doesn't fit with everyone! For example, during PhD you will work for 4+ years in a very individual style. Many people can't afford such isolated feelings.
Side note: In Egypt, and many other Arabian Countries, there is almost no research (very rare opportunities). If you want to go abroad and come back to them, 95% your PhD will be useless. You may work as Dr who mainly teaches courses with so weak research. Keep this in mind before starting such a trip.
It is important to understand that Msc/Phd studies are so different from undergrad life. They are also so different from industry. PhD really can be tough. If you don't have strong reasons why do you wanna persuade this road, you may probably end it middle way. Make sure you understand this path. Make sure you know why really really you wanna go through or you will regret!
Recently, I read 2 small books about the academic career. I highly advise with reading them. They will answer much of your questions. Getting these answers the hard way is not recommended at all. Do yourself a favor by reading them before taking PhD or trying to continue in the research career.
====
1) The Ph.D. Grind by Philip J. Guo
In this book, a Stanford guy describes his 6-years PhD trip. In my opinion, his experience is not the common case (the guy had to find his own way far from the professor supervision & project), but you may face some similar challenges. More importantly, You will recognize a dozen of things about the 'academic business' and its different components. Being aware of the PhD process and the challenges that will face you is a great asset to earn the degree. His PhD is in a software-based research area, so you will find yourself more aware of the context.
The book is available online for free
====
2) A PhD is Not Enough!: A Guide to Survival in Science by Peter J. Feibelman
Published in 93 by a physicist professor, but still good/important to read. It is a guide on how to prepare yourself for the 'science jungle'. As the title says, just earning a PhD is not enough at all to establish a successful career. Many challenges will face you, and you need to prepare for them, as early as possible. The book highlights some success and failure 'stories' and give attention for several concerns:
- 'before PhD': such as choosing a thesis advisor
- 'during PhD': such as talks, writings, building connections
- 'after PhD': such as 'academia, government labs, private industry' jobs, interviews, fund and establishing a research program (problem vs technique oriented, publishable milestones).
====
3) For Arabians, there is a good article by Dr Ahmed AbdelHamid. Please read: دليل طالب الماجيستير اللذيذ للدكتوراه وما بعدها
4) My friend highly suggested this book: Tomorrow's Professor: Preparing for Academic Careers in Science and Engineering
More books here
Releated Links: