<p>I am currently in my first year in a EE PhD program in the US, which I started straight after my bachelors. </p>
<p>I know that my end goal is to go into industry and that I have no plans to go into academia. So far I have only somewhat enjoyed doing research, and I am not sure if I want to continue with the PhD. </p>
<p>My research is in robotics, AI (machine learning), and controls. </p>
<p>I am wondering how much it would make a difference in industry if I got my PhD or if I got my MS? </p>
<p>I already have read on this forum about all the negatives of having a PhD and going into academia, but what about industry? I know I run the risk of being over specialized, but I can also only get certain R&D jobs with a PhD. </p>
<p>I definitely want a challenging/interesting job, and I love to learn; however, I am still not sure if research is for me. I really like applying things to actual systems and see them work, which is why I love robotics. </p>
<p>An ideal job for me would be working at the Jet Propulsion Lab, Honda Research Institute, etc. I noticed that the majority of the employees have PhDs. </p>
<p>Thank you in advance for your help!</p>
<p>Are you paying tuition, or is it is like a science where you get a free ride + stipend? </p>
<p>Also where are you right now?
If you are at top school, go for your PH.D
If not get you master with a high GPA and enter a Ph.D program...</p>
<p>Also are you just getting a degree in EE or more specialized program?
Many Sci/Engineering school offer programs based on Robotics...etc.</p>
<p>Everything is paid for plus 30,000 a year. My school is ranked in the top ten for overall graduate Engineering, and the EE and AI programs are in the top 15.</p>
<p>My specialization right now is Controls, but I am also take a lot of Robotic/AI classes. I have a lot of freedom in what I take.</p>
<p>My hesitation to get the PhD is lack of enjoyment, but perhaps that will change...</p>
<p>I am going to say just go for your PhD.
I am no expert, but going for your PhD consists of Teaching basic classes, doing research and working on your thesis. </p>
<p>In the sciences, a lot more job opportunities open up with a PhD.</p>
<p>You may want to look for faculty supervisors at your school that have projects which are sponsored by research institutes that interest you. Projects that are funded by industry often give you an "in" after you graduate.</p>
<p>UofAlberta, I will look into that. Sadly, one of the main professors who has good ties with JPL, I already worked with and did not like the research...</p>
<p>Have you researched Ph.Ds thoroughly? A PhD is primarily a <em>research</em> degree. You're going to find yourself unhappy if you have motives besides research. An MS will make you more money proportionately, and help you enjoy industry first. The time commitment for a PhD isn't worth it. Sure, it's prestigious. But not unless research is a <em>passion</em> of yours is pursuing the PhD reasonable, at all. An MS is sufficient; and if it becomes insufficient, you can always find ways to pursue the doctorate whilst working in an industry - I know there are companies that do that. I think an MS should suffice. I think you need to evaluate your reasons for the PhD.</p>
<p>Techy, I do agree, and I am aware of all of that. I haven't decided if I want a research position in industry yet. It seems like the only way I can make that decision is by continuing to do research, or possibly just jumping into industry and see how that goes.</p>