Complete a PHD and Full time work same time?
Hi,
I'm currently in industry working in the Cyber Security Field as a Cyber Security Engineer, a box standard 9 to 5. I completed my Master's in Cyber Security in 2023 and got my employment later that year by the current employer I'm with now. I've always had itch and the want to study further and achieve the highest qualification back when I was undertaking my Master's and for the last 3 years the idea has always been on the back of my head. At this point, I'm considering making that idea a reality now in 2025. But my question is, does it make sense/is it a good idea to undertake a PHD and carry on working at my full time job trying to juggle both at the same time? Things have changed for me since I was student 2 years ago and I'm no longer in the position to quit my job and spend full time as a student and not get paid for my time researching and completing my PHD.
I appreciate any suggestions and advice!
I'm currently in industry working in the Cyber Security Field as a Cyber Security Engineer, a box standard 9 to 5. I completed my Master's in Cyber Security in 2023 and got my employment later that year by the current employer I'm with now. I've always had itch and the want to study further and achieve the highest qualification back when I was undertaking my Master's and for the last 3 years the idea has always been on the back of my head. At this point, I'm considering making that idea a reality now in 2025. But my question is, does it make sense/is it a good idea to undertake a PHD and carry on working at my full time job trying to juggle both at the same time? Things have changed for me since I was student 2 years ago and I'm no longer in the position to quit my job and spend full time as a student and not get paid for my time researching and completing my PHD.
I appreciate any suggestions and advice!
I think a lot of PhD funding includes stipulations about how much you can work (if at all) and your supervisor is probably going to want a say in that.
Also you should note that PhD is not "full time study" like an undergrad or masters degree where you go to lectures a few times a week then work on assignments when you can fit them in. A (full time) PhD is a full time job in of itself - particularly when funded, as you're being funded to work effectively 9-5 in your office/lab/etc at the uni doing research. It can well be more than a full time job when you add e.g. conferences, marking/demonstrating/teaching, doing "academic admin" stuff in your department etc, on top of your actual research.
Obviously a part-time PhD may allow more scope for working alongside it but even then I expect full time work would be impractical and may not be permitted anyway.
Also you should note that PhD is not "full time study" like an undergrad or masters degree where you go to lectures a few times a week then work on assignments when you can fit them in. A (full time) PhD is a full time job in of itself - particularly when funded, as you're being funded to work effectively 9-5 in your office/lab/etc at the uni doing research. It can well be more than a full time job when you add e.g. conferences, marking/demonstrating/teaching, doing "academic admin" stuff in your department etc, on top of your actual research.
Obviously a part-time PhD may allow more scope for working alongside it but even then I expect full time work would be impractical and may not be permitted anyway.
(edited 10 months ago)
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