From: Jon Kremsky (jkremsky$##$primeorg.com)
Date: Mon Dec 01 2003 - 13:13:09 EST
Dear Oleg:
It's a tough question that you pose. The answer will really depend on what
you want to do in science, and how you want to do it. The reality of the
world is that the Ph.D. opens doors faster than the masters, especially at
the beginning of your career. it is supposed to be a validation of the
ability to think and work independently in your field. Experienced managers
know that a few years working in a job will probably be equivalent to the
time spent getting the Ph.D.
A doctorate should not be a jobs training program: you ought to go into it
because you have what amounts to a calling to do research at a high level.
On the other hand, I think that a Ph.D.these days is not so much a measure
of scientific ability, but more a measure of staying power: a great deal of
the degree is simply showing up and having the fortitude to stay with a
project through the very hard times when nothing is working. I do not mean
that pejoratively, I think it is an extremely important trait for a
scientist. I've met many scientists who were technically and intellectually
adept, but had what amounts to a short attention span. (I'll probably get
quite a bit of argument about that.)
Right now, it is easier to get a job as a masters than a Ph.D. It's mostly a
salary difference for the companies. it can take quite some time to make up
the lost income. It is easier to be taken seriously, though, with the
doctorate. So if you have things you want to play around with it will be an
easier road.
Jon Kremsky
-----Original Message-----
From: everybody-admin$##$orglist.net [mailto:everybody-admin$##$orglist.net]On
Behalf Of Oleg Nadein
Sent: Monday, December 01, 2003 11:48 AM
To: everybody$##$orglist.net
Subject: ORGLIST:MSc or PhD ?
Hello, all
I am a graduate student, major - organic chemistry (synthesis).
I've heard a rumor that if you are a MSc its much easier to find a job than
for PhD, for example in pharmaceutical companies. I know that audience of
this mail-list is pretty diverse.
So, my questions: Is what I said above right?
Also I want to know, do companies accept people with PhDs for MSc jobs?
If the number of PhD jobs is strictly limited I don't understand why people
are trying to pursue them so hard.
Could you recommend me what degree I should get (MSc or PhD) if I want to
work in a pharmaceutical company. Also, is post-doc required after PhD?
I would appreciate any comments on these issues. I would like to learn about
your experience in this respect.
Oleg Nadein
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