• Question: Is it easy to study a Phd and work at the same time?

    Asked by anon-213174 to Imad on 10 Jun 2019.
    • Photo: Imad Ouachan

      Imad Ouachan answered on 10 Jun 2019:

      Working towards a PhD full-time is a lot of work in itself and it can be really busy sometimes, but that varies throughout the year. Most PhD’s are paid so you don’t have to worry too much about working. It is always possible to get a part-time job along side your PhD if your looking to make some extra money. Luckily being at a university there are lots of opportunities to work with undergraduates doing tutoring, marking and teaching.

      There are options of doing PhD’s part time and having a full time job at the same time but that really depends on the subject. for me that wouldn’t really work as I am in the lab a lot so need to be at the university.

Comments

  • Photo: Christian

    Christian commented on :

    I know some few people do do a PhD and work at the same time, but none of them are STEM scientists. Your grant usually covers your living expenses, so working part-time is not necessary in most cases. I would advise against it, because it will distract you from your research and get in the way of complex experiments. Even if I didn’t receive enough money through my grant I would probably opt for a loan rather than compromise the focus on my work.

    At some places, PhD programmes are offered as dual-study scheme in which half of your work is practical at a company and the other half is theoretical research. That is often the case if you do engineering and less likely in my field, biology. Those can be really nice if you enjoy hands-on and don’t want to do a purely theoretical PhD.

  • Photo: Robert

    Robert commented on :

    I have a few co-workers who are completing their PhDs whilst working full time. It is a big commitment, especially because the employer will always expect work to be more important than your PhD. However, if you are prepared to work VERY hard for a few years, this can be a great way to earn a good salary whilst also completing your PhD. Normally, you would need to work for a company for a few years before they will allow you to start your PhD, but if you are a valued employee, they will give you the time.