spade22

[Raine9]

Hey spade,

I was reading your profile that you are a doctor of philosophy in chemistry.  That sounds very cool.  I have a great deal of respect for people with higher degrees.  I only have a B.S. in business admin but would love to go back to school to pursue a higher degree. Impossible right now with two small children.  Anyway, if you don't mind me asking what exactly is a doctor of philosophy in chemistry?

Thanks!

[spade22]

I did teach briefly at a university a few years ago but I now work as a scientist at a microelectronics company.  I make organic compounds that are polymerized to form coatings with specific properties (inert with high heat stability, for example) - these films have many applications from use on computer chips to medical devices.

I really enjoyed teaching and loved the student contact but academic jobs typically dont pay as well as industrial jobs and there is an expectation that one works 7 days a week in the former profession!  I am now at a point in my life where I want free time and am ready to settle down (and NOT work 7 days a week) so I moved into industry.  I really love the work I do but I do miss the students!

[Raine9]

Thanks for responding.  I have the utmost respect for anyone who obtains their Ph.D.  It takes a great deal of dedication and drive to achieve such a high honor.  You did all this and you suffered from anxiety.  That is amazing.  Organic chemistry, wow!  Sounds so interesting.  What do you do, if you don't mind me asking?  Do you teach?  

I love to learn.  I would go to school for the rest of my life if I could.  Studying something that I enjoy stimulates my brain and is a great distraction.  I recently obtained my CPA license.  The only problem is, I hate accounting (LOL).  Oh well, at least I have that under my belt.  

[spade22]

Doctor of philosophy = PhD.  After I obtained my BS, I did a masters degree in chemistry (1.5 years) and then pursued my PhD.  I spent a little over 3 years (I worked 7 days a week) researching a very specialized area in organic chemistry and then wrote a 300 page dissertation and had to "defend" my research to be awarded the degree.  This is the highest degree one can obtain in a science disipline and gives me the title "Dr"  (not to be confused w/ a medical doctor though).

"I only have a B.S. in business admin"

"Only"? That is great!  Dont sell yourself short!


"but would love to go back to school to pursue a higher degree. Impossible right now with two small children. "

Good for you!  By pursuing a higher degree you open the door for  opportunites your wouldnt otherwise have had (better job opportunities, more indepedence, more pay etc. etc.etc).  I HIGHLY recommend you do this when you are able to - you will be an insipration and excellent role model for your kids (even more so than you are now).  I do not have children and it was a long, hard, albiet enjoyable road to get my PhD but I have known many people w/ children who went through the progam.  I always found those people to be VERY focused and they typically did very well - I think kids are a great driving force.