A PhD is a serious commitment. While some students thrive on the intense academic demands of the program, others might not feel the same way. Here’s what to consider before applying for a PhD.
Imagine spending four years on a PhD, only to realize in the fifth year that research and teaching aren’t for you. That’s exactly where I ended up—waking up one day knowing I was on the wrong path.
When I was finishing undergrad, people often asked me what I wanted to do next. I didn’t have a solid answer, so I assumed academia was the way to go. After all, good grades had always come easily to me. Plus, I’d once attended an international conference on campus and loved the atmosphere—the discussions, the intellectual energy. Grad school seemed like the natural next step.
That’s how I ended up in a PhD program, and in the US. I was excited, standing at the edge of something completely new. But then, something changed. I quickly realized that being good at academics didn’t automatically mean I’d thrive in a PhD program.
It wasn’t like before, where I could casually explore topics, discuss ideas with friends, or post about them on social media. Now, it was about the professionalization of research—demanding things I wasn’t eager to give. It required patience for dense, wordy texts (not just for learning but to serve a research agenda), the stamina to wrestle with datasets, and, most of all, an obsessive focus on one question until it surrendered its answers. And honestly? There were other things I’d rather be doing.
Looking back, the signs were there. During undergrad, I coasted through my coursework, doing just enough to get by. That should’ve told me I didn’t care about academia as much as I thought. If I had, I would’ve sought out more ways to engage with it.
Here’s the lesson: Just because something comes easily doesn’t mean it’s your calling.
There were other clues, too. As an undergrad, I spent most of my free time on projects outside academia—joining a network for young entrepreneurs, supporting mentorship programs, and working on capacity-building initiatives. Back then, I saw these as side hobbies, not central to my life’s purpose. I didn’t realize these were the things that truly energized me.
So there I was, struggling—but not in the way other PhD students struggle with tough workloads or research obstacles. My struggle was different: I simply didn’t want a career in research or teaching. I felt out of place.
Then, one morning, it hit me. After spending a month designing a social media campaign for a brand, I realized—I loved social media, and I loved sharing knowledge. Was I better suited for a career blending these two things, rather than academia? Maybe roles like digital marketing for educational platforms, community management for schools, e-learning design, or social media strategy for knowledge-based organizations were more my speed.
Before starting a PhD, ask yourself if it’s really for you. It’s not about intelligence or skill—you’re probably capable of doing it. But should you? The real question is whether your personality and passions align with research as a profession.
The key takeaway? Self-awareness matters. Do you truly know yourself? What are your strengths? Weaknesses? How do you work best? Where can you make the biggest impact? Answering these questions can save you from losing five years like I did—and help you find your path faster.