Pursuing a PhD is an academic goal undertaken after completing a Bachelor's degree. A doctoral student who receives a research grant can fully concentrate on their objective during the period they have a source of income. However, funding opportunities are limited , you are not the only applicant, and meeting the requirements of each call for applications is not easy. In such cases, it is common to combine doctoral work with holding a job.
It's also important to consider that professionals can choose to return to university to pursue doctoral studies in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. In such cases, the research project is often integrated into a professional career that also involves other responsibilities. How can you combine a doctorate with work? At FormaciĆ³n y Estudios, we offer four tips.
1. Plan a realistic schedule
It's advisable to clearly define the time dedicated to each objective. A calendar is an essential tool for visualizing the week's schedule. Someone who works and studies simultaneously should follow a routine that prioritizes fulfilling both responsibilities.
2. Create a link between both planes
Work and doctoral studies are different spheres. However, it's beneficial to recognize some connections between them. For example, a job offers a stable source of income for someone who wants to focus on their doctoral thesis. Furthermore, the job's specialization may be directly related to the chosen thesis topic . Similarly, a doctoral degree is a valuable asset on a professional CV.
It's a recognition that can help you find other opportunities in the future. Furthermore, there are essential elements of professional practice that are integral to a doctoral student's academic routine: perseverance, patience, continuous learning, concentration, discipline, motivation, commitment, a pursuit of excellence, and attention to detail.
3. Solve your doubts with the thesis director
Feelings of loneliness and disorientation can arise during the research process, especially when doctoral students compare themselves to colleagues who are fully focused on completing their projects. However, each researcher has their own unique circumstances , and external factors generally do not determine the viability of an idea.
The most important thing is that you find an action plan adapted to your reality and your situation. For example, it is important that you reflect on how many hours per week you can dedicate to the thesis (including the weekend). Also, talk to your thesis director to resolve any doubts that the challenge of working and studying at the same time raises.
4. Do not postpone the objectives set in the thesis
It's important that you commit to your research as much as you do to your job. Professional responsibility extends to the academic sphere. Sometimes, the common mistake is made of not meeting research deadlines because the thesis schedule is considered more flexible than a typical workday. However, frequently missing deadlines makes the final stage of the project defense seem further away . Consequently, demotivation grows to the point that some students abandon their theses before finishing.
How to combine PhD and work? Do not lose sight of what your main motivation is in the long term. Why do you want to do the research?