Hello
I thought i'd give you the run down of my situation and ask you what you think I should do.
I graduate in January with a MSc with Distinction in Mechanical Engineering. I got a high 2.1 Beng in the same subject at Swansea uni.
I have just recently landed a job at Jaguar Land Rover as a Project Engineer in for their glass. It pretty good pay.
I'm the type of person who loves being at the cutting edge, always wanting to put my mind to something and create something which has never been done before.
In my current job, where I have been for 1 months its slightly boring. I have nothing which stimulates my intellectually, I just sit there and file paperwork essentially, in order to get stuff done and sent through. I send email to suppliers etc.
Whilst this is great pay, its not what i want to be doing. People have told me i should stay with it because its good pay and 'why would you want to work harder for nothing'. But i enjoy doing things new and revolutionary. But at the same time, I am not sure i would be suited to the life of academia, and i would prefer to be creating new technology for a company.
Im interested in CFD, so a Phd in that would be interesting to me. Or perhaps in engine technology, or 3d priniting on a large scale.
Perhaps i could transfer around the company to something i find more interesting, not sure how that would work.
So, to summaries the fors and against, i have the following:
For:
1. I get set my mind on something for the next 3 years, and potentially be employed by a company for my skills gained in the Phd.
2. I get to be doing more interesting things throughout my career?
3. I got to be a Doctor.
4. I get to be a world leader in something, even if its something no one else cares about.
5. Potential to drop into academia.
Against:
1. I will effectively take a pay cut to £14K for the next three years.
2. I have to be on the ball, could be very stressed.
3. The 3 years away may not make up for the 3 years worth of experience in the industry. I may not start on a salary higher than i am now on.
4. Effectively closing some doors to companies that dont value a Phd and see it as a higher cost employee with not much benefit.
5. Will need to be more picky about my job applications to ensure the company uses me properly.
Ive probably stated all the options, but opinions would be nice.
Thanks