Have you ever wondered if pursuing a PhD could harm your career? I know I have. As someone with an MS degree in a Data Science adjacent field, I’ve been torn between following my passion for teaching and the potential consequences of getting a PhD.
I currently work in a hybrid Data Science and Software Engineering role, and I also teach data science and analytics as an adjunct professor. While teaching is incredibly fulfilling, the pay is, shall we say, less than ideal. But my workplace has offered to cover my PhD tuition, which got me thinking: what if I get my PhD and realize I don’t want to be a professor? Would I be stuck in research-based roles, or would I struggle to find data science jobs that fit my skills?
I’ve tried to put myself in recruiters’ shoes, and I worry that they might view me as overqualified or assume I’ll demand a higher salary. Has anyone else been in this situation, or do you have thoughts on this dilemma? I’d love to hear your experiences.
It’s a tough decision, but one that could have a significant impact on my career trajectory. I’m eager to hear from others who may have navigated similar waters.