Every fall, I explain to a fresh batch of Ph.D. students what a
Ph.D. is.
It's
hard to describe it in words.
So, I use
pictures.
Read below for the
illustrated guide to a Ph.D. |
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Imagine a circle that contains all of human
knowledge: |
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By the time you finish elementary school, you know
a little: |
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By the time you finish high school, you know a bit
more: |
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With a bachelor's degree, you gain a
specialty: |
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A master's degree deepens that
specialty: |
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Reading research papers takes you to the edge of
human knowledge: |
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Once you're at the boundary, you
focus: |
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You push at the boundary for a few
years: |
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Until one day, the boundary gives
way: |
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And, that dent you've made is called a
Ph.D.: |
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Of course, the world looks different to you
now: |
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So, don't forget the bigger
picture: |
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