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Importance of PhD for working in robotics

Henry Sheard

Hey,

I'm new to this forum so apologies if this is the wrong place but I wanted to see if I can get some input on how import a PhD would be when wanting to get into a hands on role with robotics. I am on an integrated masters degree in Intelligent Systems and Control Engineering with a Year in Industry at The University of Sheffield which does cover many robotics and mechatronics skills, however, I worry that to be able to get anything hands-on or technical after my degree I might need to do a PhD as well?

This was suggested to me by a colleague of mine at my current placement where I work as an engineering consultant. I have been trying to work my way into the Nuclear department as there are some interesting use cases of robotics there but apparently to get much of the 'interesting' work you would need that extra step past just an MEng. Its also worth noting that this is in the context of consulting which isn't necessarily an area I would want to stay in since most of what I've seen so far throughout my placement has been very non-technical.

Any advice would be appreciated as I have a lot to learn about the working world outside of simply studying engineering.

Thanks,

Henry Slight smile

  • Academia may care a lot about a PhD if you want to do research.  Less so in industry.  There, relevant experience counts for more than anything else.

    You may well find that 3 years of working in industry gets you more than a 3 year PhD.

  • in reply to Simon Barker

    As one with a PhD gained in the last century, I'd broadly agree with the above, after the first 5 years or so, folk stop asking you about the PhD, and ask about your most recent project experience instead, and probably less than that if it was not in an area directly relevant to the next job.

    That said, I'd not want to put you off researching for a doctorate, but only do it because you have an obsessive interest in the topic, and a burning desire to expand the boundaries of human knowledge in some obscure corner,  I'm not sure of the wisdom of doing it as a means to improve career prospects.

    Mike.

  • Hi,

    I'd totally agree with Simon and Mike, but also LinkedIn etc are your friend: have a look at actual job adverts to see what is being asked for.

    Never, ever, ever believe what any individual tells you (including recruiters and recruiting mangers) about "you need xyz qualification for this type of role". Every organisation, every recruiting manager, every role is different.

    Exactly as Mike says, the engineers that rise to the top tend to be those who do what they are passionately interested in, and take the roles / qualifications that support that passion. Taking roles / qualifications because of somewhere it might take you in five / ten / twenty years time is always a gamble.

    Good luck!

    Andy

    37 years' experience in recruiting and developing engineers...and held industry-leading technical positions in two very different industries despite a 3rd class Bachelor's degree (i.e. being an idiot in my teens / early twenties)...  

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