<p>Hey Everyone</p>
<p>I was just wondering what you would work in if you got a Phd in ChemE. I mean I know there's R&D and academia but is there anything else? Also how much $ would one expect to get? Also how about a Masters what do they do/ how much do they make?? </p>
<p>I'm not in it for the money (if I was I would be asking about IB) but if I'm going to spend that much time and money I would like there to be a financial incentive as well...</p>
<p>Industrial R&D?</p>
<p>MS graduates typically return to work as engineers or research assistants.</p>
<p>Also, just because you want money doesn't necessarily mean that you would do IB. If you are seeking a financial reward for the years of hard work for that PhD, don't pursue a PhD.</p>
<p>^I mean my main motivation wouldn't be monetary or anything but knowing that at the end of the day I would make a good salary (over 100K in let's say a decade or so).</p>
<p>So the only reason you want a PhD is for the money? Nice...</p>
<p>Have you even started your undergrad yet?</p>
<p>^I think you misunderstood me Morning_Theft I said that money would NOT be the main reason I'd get a phd. It probably wouldn't even be a reason at all! </p>
<p>Oh and yeah I'm in college (no I'm NOT a freshman either)</p>
<p>It is possible to make 100k+ with a PhD, assuming you get hired. Academic positions are becoming increasingly competitive, let alone tenure. </p>
<p>I know you said money is not your primary motivation, but you are still looking to make a decent amount of money. I was in the same position as you before, but I decided a PhD is not for me. With the years of foregone salary, and that PhDs don't make that much more money compared to experienced BS engineers means that you're doing it for the love of research only. It is not a good investment. Also, if you're looking to start a family or something, you may need to delay that. </p>
<p>What I'd recommend is to think about your reasons for wanting to do a PhD and see if there's a similar position with a BS engineering degree. For example, most people will say they like to do research, but perhaps you like it because you want to explore your creativity and be innovative? I'm sure engineering design work allows you to do that as well, which only requires a BS.</p>
<p>My daughter is just starting her senior year as a chem E major and has made the decision to pursue grad school. The motivator was an R&D internship she did at a very large corporation this summer, where most employees in senior positions had PhDs. (Note that this is only true for R&D positions in industry). Corporations will often fund graduate education while you work for them should you choose to follow that route, but she didn't want to drag out grad school over too many years and wanted to focus on one thing at a time.</p>
<p>Thank you steevee and Just<em>A</em>Mom</p>
<p>Steevee you nailed my thoughts exactly. I don't put money as my number one priority but I do care about it. Currently I'm not planning on deciding anytime soon (I'm still a sophomore after all-when do people usually decide?) but I'm just trying to get an idea of the options available. I've actually firmly decided that I am going to get a Professional degree (either Masters or Phd) I'm just deciding which one.</p>
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For example, most people will say they like to do research, but perhaps you like it because you want to explore your creativity and be innovative? I'm sure engineering design work allows you to do that as well, which only requires a BS.
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<p>Thank you for that pointer. Personally I just don't think I could stand working in a plant for prolonged periods of time. I want to (as you so accurately pinpointed) explore my creativity and be innovative.</p>
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The motivator was an R&D internship she did at a very large corporation this summer
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<p>Thank you Just<em>A</em>Mom for that pointer as well. I will definitely consider it :)</p>
<p>You wouldn't necessarily be working in a plant for a long time. A lot of design work takes place in an office on the computer. </p>
<p>You still have a lot of time (just like me). You should explore your potential interests. Work with profs on research projects. Do some internships. Take technical electives in areas that interest you. One day, you may decide, "hey, I want to do that." and that thing won't even require a PhD.</p>
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You still have a lot of time (just like me). You should explore your potential interests. Work with profs on research projects. Do some internships. Take technical electives in areas that interest you. One day, you may decide, "hey, I want to do that." and that thing won't even require a PhD.
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<p>That's actually exactly what I'm doing. I'm keeping my options as open as possible for now and I'm exploring potential interests. Still thanks for the tips</p>