I am in my 7th year of a science Ph.D. at MIT and I need to graduate. I have invested an incredible amount of time and energy in this process, and I definitely have a Ph.D. level of skills and knowledge by now. 7 years is not outside the norm for my department. The problem is that a number of circumstances occurring in a row have lead to a bad/toxic relationship with my advisor and slow performance on my part.
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posted by anonymous
on May 7, 2012 -
11 answers
I am currently working on a Ph.D. but may have an opportunity to enter my field early. Is there a way I can drop out without burning bridges? When should I speak with my adviser about it?
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posted by anonymous
on May 2, 2012 -
12 answers
What are the quirks to living in Europe that will surprise me as an American and what do I need to know to be an effective and prepared expat American in Belgium?
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posted by Blasdelb
on Apr 23, 2012 -
50 answers
Help me make a decision I keep circling over again and again -- interdisciplinary masters that lets me do some cool research now, or continuing to work/exist in desired city and a more professional and/or appropriate MA/PHd in the next year or two?
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posted by elephantsvanish
on Apr 22, 2012 -
5 answers
Seeking 2nd Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics from UCLA, then PhD.
Details below.
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posted by Hassoon
on Apr 17, 2012 -
5 answers
I need recommendations on a PhD program in ecology/conservation biology/interdisciplinary studies. I am a biology student who has strong nontraditional interests in cross-disciplinary work, popularization of science (i.e. making science relevant to non-science people), creating social and political change, and examining the relationships between humans and the biosphere from a holistic, non-anthropocentric perspective. Any ideas?
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posted by Scientist
on Apr 14, 2012 -
21 answers
I've been accepted to a PHD program at the University of Maryland's
iSchool, and will likely be researching social media and social gaming for my dissertation. I'm excited, love the program, and can't wait to start publishing work as part of the academic community, however
recent discussion on Metafilter, and a smaller living stipend than I expected, have me second guessing what I thought was a great opportunity. Details inside...
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posted by codacorolla
on Apr 6, 2012 -
13 answers
Do people give their graduate advisors presents following a successful defense? What would qualify?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 4, 2012 -
16 answers
Help my SO and I solve this intricate PhD two-body problem. Options galore!
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posted by kuju
on Mar 26, 2012 -
35 answers
The way I research (academic or otherwise) is increasingly incompatible with the tools I have. Reams of handwritten notebooks, and hundreds of word docs vs a highly tagged website only add to my self-created confusion.
I'm drawn to Tinderbox software as a possible solution, but as an adamant PC user I'm locked out.
How do you order your research? / How to write-up my PhD now my brain is fried?
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posted by 0bvious
on Mar 16, 2012 -
10 answers
My girlfriend is 5 years in to a PhD program with an abusive (verbal, emotional, and mental) PI/lab. This seems to be a common theme in academia, just how common is it?
How do you go about graduating if they seem to be working against you (assuming no fault on your part)?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 13, 2012 -
12 answers
I am trying to choose a school for a PhD in Political Science. How do these compare? The University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, the University of California at Santa Barbara, McGill University, and the University of Michigan?
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posted by sindark
on Mar 13, 2012 -
17 answers
As a 2nd year Ph.D student in biotech/engineering, how can I find/create an internship opportunity at a start-up or established company that I find interesting? How can I prove my possible value to a company, and when is too early to start trying to build connections?
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posted by permiechickie
on Mar 5, 2012 -
1 answer
Looking for success stories of older PhD students (mid to late 40s) who succeeded. Particularly interested in personal experience of was the pain worth it. Similar to
this, but I already decided to jump in with both feet. More details inside.
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posted by bmorrison
on Feb 28, 2012 -
11 answers
I'm halfway through a PhD program in the humanities, but I'm almost positive I want to quit academia after I get my degree. What are my best options?
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posted by derrinyet
on Feb 12, 2012 -
18 answers
I am (very nearly) finished with my applications to computer science PhDs, and I realized I don't really know what will happen next. Assuming I get in anywhere, what sorts of contacts with programs are in store between their decision and mine?
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posted by silby
on Dec 15, 2011 -
8 answers
What are some non-academic, non-science careers in which a PhD is a particularly desirable, even necessary, credential?
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posted by Beardman
on Dec 13, 2011 -
27 answers
The truth is that in 50 years or so, I'll be on my deathbed, and I can guarantee you that I won't be spending the experience ruminating about my time at the office. What kind of job should I get?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 6, 2011 -
18 answers
I'm editing a non-academic, non-fiction book to be published by a university library. Should the book advertise my Ph.D. credentials? If so, how?
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posted by Orinda
on Nov 21, 2011 -
12 answers
I am planning on applying to economics PhD programs for next year, but before I commit I wanted to think about alternatives, especially in light of all the articles lately about how PhD programs and academia in general are a pyramid scheme.
What other careers/education might be a less painful way of getting to a job that fits my life goals.
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posted by vegetableagony
on Nov 4, 2011 -
13 answers
I would be finishing my bioinformatics master's degree next year and am considering to go to Australia or New Zealand for PhD in bioinfo, or Computer Science with a focus in computational biology related stuffs What are the academic and industry situations like in these two countries?
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posted by joewandy
on Nov 2, 2011 -
2 answers
I might not be smart enough for my PhD program; it is obvious from my classes that I lack certain skills or aptitudes the average student in my field has. Do I quit now?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 28, 2011 -
32 answers
I am an advanced PhD student in an engineering discipline. I have been sent a presumably routine email from the department chair asking for comments on my research advisor's interaction with me to be submitted as an email, as a part of a multi-faceted evaluation.
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 19, 2011 -
14 answers
Hacks for a Successful PhD? I'm looking for tips or software that will help me - as a new PhD student - finish successfully. Researchers: tell me your tricks!
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posted by UniversityNomad
on Oct 8, 2011 -
22 answers
Confused, lost and looking for suggestions to get back on track.
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posted by xm
on Sep 16, 2011 -
16 answers
What kind of online platform can I use to run a PhD writing/goal setting group?
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posted by SNWidget
on Sep 12, 2011 -
6 answers
I'm a young geologist considering long-term career options and life directions. Please tell me about your experiences (as a geologist) in grad school, industry, or government/regulation. Or your experiences working in video/photography, as that is an alternative career path I'm considering.
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posted by Strudel
on Sep 11, 2011 -
9 answers
I'm looking for scholarships or fellowships that could fund, or help fund, a molecular/microbiology Ph.D. in Belgium for an American.
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posted by Blasdelb
on Aug 30, 2011 -
4 answers
I'm planning a grad-student workshop on ways to manage research assets (particularly primary sources) more efficiently using digital tools. Please share your own workflow!
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posted by miriam
on Aug 22, 2011 -
12 answers
What's the best way to set up an online book swap site or app only for the students in my academic department?
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posted by zresearch
on Aug 15, 2011 -
2 answers
How should list undergraduate classes with long/unusual names on a resume that I am using for applications to economics PhD programs?
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posted by vegetableagony
on Aug 15, 2011 -
11 answers
I suspect that my PhD thesis advisor may be writing me poor letters of reference for postdoctoral positions. What can I do to get some sort, any sort, of job?
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 4, 2011 -
18 answers
Contemporary psychotherapists who have popularized their empirically-tested theoretical contributions? Examples: David Burns, Eugene Gendlin, Joseph Weiss.
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posted by zeek321
on Jul 18, 2011 -
5 answers
Looking for advice on possible careers post-grad school with earth sciences training.
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 9, 2011 -
6 answers
I'm worried my brother might be making the wrong decision about his degree. He has a fellowship and is well on the way to getting a phd, but he is thinking of stopping at a masters so he can get a job. The reasons he gives seem naive to me, but I don't know anything about this field. I'm worried he's going to end up being bored and unfulfilled because he's focused on short term goals.
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posted by bleary
on Jun 23, 2011 -
46 answers
