As we approach the last week of September, many seniors have already begun setting their post-graduation plans — especially with the fall recruiting season well underway for a number of top consulting, banking and technology firms. Amidst the chaos, it is easy to forget about another significant sample of seniors working to fulfill their post-graduation plans — plans that do not necessarily earn an immediate wage but are geared toward achieving an expert understanding of a specific subject area. The Doctor of Philosophy, a prestigious distinction reserved for only the most dedicated and intellectually driven, seldom enters the minds of many students these days. Rather, it is — regrettably, we believe — viewed as an unattainable trophy reserved only for the select few, a mindset unlikely to change in today’s world.
Our national and global economies have and always will continue to depend on the fostered ability of human intellect and innovation. Attaining a PhD signifies competence, personal development and willingness to critically engage in the most important issues and questions facing society. It comes as no surprise that on average, those with a PhD earn 26 percent more than those who do not. A sure economic benefit accompanies the long-term investment of attaining a PhD.
Unfortunately, this rests on the shaky assumption that employment is the next step after attaining a PhD. But today, jobs for PhDs are in short supply. According to an article published in the Economist, the United States awarded “more than 100,000 doctoral degrees between 2005 and 2009,” but only awarded 16,000 new professorships during that same time. And at the same time, the percentage of PhD graduates who attain jobs immediately after graduation has been rapidly shrinking, while options such as postdoctoral studies have risen.
Of course, one considers more than just economic reasons when deciding to advance in academia. Pursuing a PhD is an exhausting and thorough experience that can be done only if one is truly motivated by the subject material. The same Economist article cites that within 10 years of the first date of enrollment, only 57 percent of PhD candidates will obtain employment, with the figure much lower — 49 percent — for humanities candidates.
Based on these depressing numbers, we have much reason to admire PhD candidates, many of whom are forced into a “high-risk, high-reward” mindset. This is even truer for non-science candidates whose futures primarily hinge on stable academic employment.
Though the growth and prosperity of society’s future rests on the potential and capability of the academically enlightened, the path toward the doctorate is marred with immense obstacles. After graduate students have braved the years-long struggle toward attaining the PhD, they can attempt to enter the gate to employment — except the gate is only wide enough for a fraction of those who seek entry. In such a narrow, competitive system, we remain unsurprised — though disappointed — that many who would otherwise strive to advance in academia decline to pursue graduate education.
Editorials are written by The Herald’s editorial page board: its editor, Rachel Occhiogrosso, and its members, Daniel Jeon, Hannah Loewentheil and Thomas Nath. Send comments to editorials@browndailyherald.com.
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