{"id":10995,"date":"2017-12-15T20:00:42","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T14:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/?p=10995"},"modified":"2020-11-24T22:30:37","modified_gmt":"2020-11-24T16:30:37","slug":"phd-graduate-survey-students-committed-finish-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.enago.com\/academy\/phd-graduate-survey-students-committed-finish-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Nature Survey Reveals Truths About PhD Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"

A recent Nature graduate survey<\/a> of doctoral students observed high level of commitment of students to complete the PhD program against odds. However, these statistics are not surprising given the strong academic nature of the candidates. Undoubtedly, science PhD students are passionate about what they do. However, the top outcomes of Nature\u2019s career week survey<\/a> warn that most PhD students may also suffer for this same reason.<\/p>\n

Cause for Concern<\/h2>\n

Most of the doctoral students<\/a> (>5,700) surveyed globally showed high levels of satisfaction with their present research program. Conversely, they also expressed significant levels of worry and uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Mental health was one of the major concerns with 12% of the respondents claiming they sought help for depression and anxiety.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

However, this percentage undermines the level of stress experienced by students during their graduate or research programs. Since only 12% resorted to help for their stress, the level of prevalence might still be higher. The concern stemmed from their current workload, future prospects, and uncertainty over long-term career in research.<\/p>\n

By its very nature, academic PhD research is intense and requires strict discipline and an unfailing work ethic. Few respondents have highlighted this on the survey, commenting on reserving a \u2018special room\u2019 for recovery from over-work.<\/p>\n

Role of Good Mentors<\/h2>\n

The survey further showed a strong connection between student\u2019s achievements and well-matched PhD advisor. While most respondents were satisfied with their present advisor, nearly one-quarter admitted they would switch advisors if possible. PhD students usually work independently but they do require support from advisor to handle difficult situations.<\/p>\n

A Widespread Struggle<\/h2>\n

Results indicated that 52% of the respondents would consider a career in academia as compared to just 22% in the industry. These findings were similar to those of other University surveys, where graduate students expressed satisfaction in their decision to complete a PhD. Approximately 80% of the respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied. An existing cause for concern among respondents with anxiety is their inability to get adequate assistance. Of those surveyed, 20% respondents lacked support in their own institution, predominantly due to cultural or financial constraints. Interestingly, nearly half of the students who sought help for anxiety or depression were satisfied or very satisfied with their PhD program. The main reason underlying the overall mental health state was the uncertainty over long-term career in research. Similar studies conducted on the impact of research on mental health<\/a>, earlier this year further support the outcomes of the present survey.<\/p>\n

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