7 Biggest Myths About Getting A PhD - Debunked!

The first thing that often comes to mind for most people when they think about getting a PhD is how it’s only for highly intelligent students with the best grades and that it only promises a career in academia.

What if we told you that those claims are entirely false?

Nowadays, more students are turning to this route to pursue specialised fields of research. All you need is grit, commitment, and the willingness to succeed to thrive.

But with all the misconceptions floating around, many students still feel unsure about exploring this path.

Let’s uncover some of the biggest myths about PhDs and how this can be one of the greatest achievements that can take your career to the next level.

7 PhD Myths To Demystify - Why You Should Pursue One!

1. You Have To Be An Academic Genius To Get A PhD

This is easily one of the most common misconceptions about PhDs, and often the most misleading one of all. Reality check: you don’t have to be the cream of the crop to pursue one.

Most of what’s being done during a doctoral research degree is conducting comprehensive and original research on a particular subject before publishing a dissertation.

Nowhere does it state that you need to have exceptional grades to apply.

All it takes is hard work and dedication for anyone to pursue a PhD, regardless of the field.

2. You Are Confined To A Laboratory To Work On Your Thesis

Pursuing PhD research is known to be demanding in nature. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck working night and day in a laboratory the entire time.

In today’s age, most schools encourage their students to strike a balance between spending time in the labs working on their thesis and making time for their personal life.

By getting the rest you need and allowing yourself to take a break, it ensures the quality of your work is not compromised and you don’t end up experiencing burnout.

3. You Need To Have A Prior Degree Or Masters In The PhD Field

Since it’s the highest level of academic qualification there is, one might think that they’d have to go through all the educational stages to qualify for a PhD programme.

But contrary to popular belief, a master’s degree isn’t always necessary to earn a PhD.

Several schools across the globe like in the United States and Canada allow students to enrol in their PhD-level programmes right after their Bachelor’s as long as they meet the admission criteria and the necessary requirements.

If you want to fast-track your academic journey, this is an option worth considering.

4. You Will Be Taking Orders From Your Supervisor

The whole purpose of pursuing a PhD is to eventually become an independent researcher.

With that in mind and everything else you’ve achieved academically thus far, do you think your supervisor would be spoon-feeding information and micromanaging you at this level?

Remember, this isn’t an internship. Your supervisors will always be there when you need feedback or advice.

But this is an opportunity to take ownership of your work and create your own path.

5. A PhD Locks You In A Career In Academia

Indeed, those who want to enter the field of academic teaching and research are required to have a PhD.

But this qualification is becoming increasingly versatile and can grant you jobs that are not only restricted to academia.

For instance, a few examples of non-academic industries one can enter with a doctorate include arts and humanities, chemical sciences, biological and medical sciences, engineering, and many more.

6. A PhD Is A Lonely Journey Of Research

False narratives and common misconceptions have painted the life of a PhD student to be boring, lonely, and unfulfilling when it is nothing like that in reality.

Just like any study programme, there are bound to be periods of stagnancy, fatigue, and perhaps even frustration from the different challenges along the way.

But overall, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you made an original contribution in your field of study with your efforts and dedication.

On top of that, you’ll have your fellow students and supervisor celebrate small wins and big milestones together, making the long journey worthwhile.

7. Your Research Has To Lead To A World-Changing Breakthrough

You’ll be surprised to know that not all research studies result in groundbreaking scientific discoveries that make headlines.

In most cases, it’s more than enough for your thesis to offer a small advancement or alteration to a concept that’s been previously established.

As long as it’s original and thorough, it remains a fruitful contribution.

With that, it doesn’t matter how big or small your discovery may seem. As long it’s one step forward for science (or whatever your field of study may be).

Embark on Your PhD Journey with IDP Today!

Whether it’s deciding if a PhD is worth it or how to start the application process, our IDP Education Counselors are here to guide students at every step of their educational journey.

Our services revolve around providing comprehensive course advice and application assistance to students from anywhere in the world and helping them achieve their study goals wherever they may be.

Want to learn more about how you can get started? Book your free counselling session with us today.