Are you wondering what someone with a PhD in engineering actually does?
In this blog, we’re going to explore the career paths of engineering PhDs in various industries. I asked various PhDs in engineering what they did and if their PhD was worth it.
Whether you’re interested in academia, research, or working in the private sector, a PhD in engineering can open up a world of opportunities.
From specializing in your field to teaching and practising technical expertise, the possibilities are endless. We’ll dive into case studies of engineering PhDs and how they pursued their passions to become experts in their fields.
So, let’s explore the exciting world of engineering and see what a PhD in engineering can do for you!
What does a PhD in engineering do in university?
The journey of obtaining a PhD in engineering is a rigorous and rewarding process that demands dedication, critical thinking, and innovation.
During their degree, PhD candidates engage in a range of activities that set them apart from their bachelor’s and master’s counterparts, allowing them to develop unparalleled expertise in their chosen field.
Here are some of the key activities that PhDs in engineering go through.
| Key Activities of PhD Students in Engineering |
| Conducting research in a specialized area of engineering for 3-4 years after obtaining a master’s degree |
| Gathering and analyzing data to develop new technologies and solve complex engineering problems |
| Collaborating with peers and professors to develop research projects and write grant proposals |
| Participating in seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest research findings and industry developments |
| Teaching undergraduate courses and mentoring junior students |
| Publishing research papers in academic journals and presenting findings at conferences |
| Developing skills in leadership, project management, and communication |
| Pursuing opportunities for industry internships or consulting projects |
| Balancing academic and personal responsibilities, including family commitments and social activities |
| Preparing for a career in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship upon graduation |
To begin with, a PhD candidate spends a significant amount of time delving into their chosen topic.
Some people believe true expertise emerges after dedicating approximately 10,000 hours to a specific subject, which is mathematically equivalent to obtaining a PhD.
This focused exploration enables the candidate to gain a deep understanding of their area of interest and develop unique insights that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
Throughout the PhD program, students:
- work closely with their advisors and mentors to refine their research questions,
- develop hypotheses,
- design experiments to test their theories.
This collaborative approach helps them fine-tune their research direction and ensures that their work aligns with current trends and challenges in their field.
A crucial aspect of a PhD in engineering is the development of advanced problem-solving skills.
Candidates are required to identify and analyze complex engineering problems, propose innovative solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness.
This level of critical thinking helps them become experts in their field, capable of tackling real-world challenges and contributing to the advancement of engineering knowledge.
Another important component of the PhD journey is presenting and defending research findings.
Case Study
One electrical engineering PhD holder shared her experience on whether pursuing a doctoral degree was worth the effort. She shares that her parents’ academic focus and her faculty members’ encouragement to apply to graduate school influenced her decision. She also mentions the benefits of pursuing a PhD right after completing a bachelor’s degree, as one is already in the student mindset and hasn’t started making much money yet. She believes that having a PhD degree enabled her to come into the industry at a senior engineering level and that it was worth the time and effort spent. Her advice to anyone considering graduate school is to apply and talk to faculty members and graduate students in the field to get a better idea of what it entails. Overall, the case study suggests that a PhD in engineering can be worth it depending on individual circumstances and goals.
Candidates must communicate their work clearly and persuasively, both in written form (such as research papers and their dissertation) and in oral presentations (including conferences, seminars, and the final defense).
This process allows them to refine their ideas, receive feedback from peers and experts, and establish themselves as credible and knowledgeable authorities in their field.
The activities of a PhD candidate in engineering involve a combination of in-depth exploration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
What are my career options with an engineering PhD? Academia, software and more…
An engineering PhD degree provides a wealth of possibilities for potential candidates.
By pursuing a doctorate degree in engineering, one can specialize in fields such as aerospace, chemical, electrical, civil, mechanical, and biomedical engineering.
The program not only enhances their technical skills but also improves their problem-solving abilities, making them adept at solving complex problems in various industries, such as healthcare, electronics, telecommunications, and defence.
Outside of academia, there are various opportunities, including employment as:
- software engineers,
- consultants,
- R&D directors,
- and technical managers.
PhD graduates can become experts in their field of engineering and take on research roles to drive innovation and solve challenging problems in real-world scenarios.
To earn a doctoral degree in engineering, candidates typically undergo seven years of full-time research work and coursework, followed by independent research under an advisor’s guidance.
They may also need to defend their thesis orally in person. The completion of the program empowers them to become a specialist in their chosen field and take on various roles such as researcher, manager, or innovation platform creator.
While pursuing an engineering PhD, students may not have much free time, as they need to take advantage of the program to become an expert in their field.
However, the program provides them with the skillset, knowledge, and expertise necessary to pursue careers in academia or industry, and to design curricula, secure grants, and publish papers.
Engineering PhD graduates can select from a broad range of potential career options, making them highly valuable to employers.
The possibilities with an engineering PhD are vast, and the demand for highly-skilled engineers and scientists continues to grow.
Engineering PhD graduates have the potential to specialize in their field, solve complex problems, and drive innovation in various industries, making a significant impact on society.
Is a PhD in engineering worth it?
Whether or not a PhD in engineering is worth it depends on your career goals and what you are willing to suffer through to get your award.
Here are some pros and cons that some PhDs discover as they re doing their PhD:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher earning potential | Limited income during the program |
| Opportunity for specialized knowledge and skills | High level of stress and pressure |
| Enhanced job opportunities and career advancement | Lengthy time commitment (typically 4-7 years) |
| Valuable networking and research opportunities | Potential for burnout and mental health challenges |
| Increased credibility and respect in the field | Possible difficulty in balancing personal life and studies |
| Ability to contribute to research and innovation | Risk of feeling isolated and disconnected from the outside world |
| Opportunity to pursue a passion or interest | Possibility of limited job prospects outside academia or research institutions |
| Flexibility to leave the program if it’s not the right fit | High competition for limited funding and acceptance into programs |
| Opportunity to work closely with renowned faculty members | Potential for uncertainty in job market and job security post-graduation |
Wrapping up – engineering doctorate PhDs
Obtaining a PhD in engineering can open up a world of opportunities in various industries. Through a rigorous and rewarding process, candidates develop unparalleled expertise in their chosen field by conducting research, analyzing data, collaborating with peers and professors, participating in seminars, and teaching undergraduate courses.
Problem-solving skills, effective communication, and presenting and defending research findings are crucial aspects of a PhD in engineering.
Graduates have various employment opportunities as software engineers, consultants, R&D directors, and technical managers, and can become experts in their field and take on research roles to drive innovation and solve complex problems.
Engineering PhD graduates can select from a broad range of potential career options, making them highly valuable to employers.
The possibilities are vast, and the demand for highly-skilled engineers and scientists continues to grow.
Engineering PhD graduates have the potential to specialize in their field, solve complex problems, and drive innovation in various industries, making a significant impact on society.
