Why I Chose This Path?

Written: 27 November 2005

By the time I write this, I am currently a 2nd year PhD student in School of Computing, National University of Singapore. I've just realized that PhD attrition (non-completer) rate is quite high (the rate is roughly half ~~50%, based on some study in US and UK universities, wow...) and that PhD students are considered as living in "ivory tower" (a place sheltered from the realities of existence, out of touch with the real world... oh no...). Those facts are quite scary, and I wonder whether I will eventually graduate from this PhD program...

That forced me to looked back to 2 years ago (during my final year as undergraduate) when I need to made the decision on what I should after finishing my undergraduate study. I finally chose this path, but why? The answers (even though incomplete) are roughly as follows...

The most fundamental reason is my own personal objective about what I'm going to do in life. I want to be someone who contributes something to the humanity. I prefer not to pass through this world without giving substantial impact to the people. After considering various available vocations that are likely suitable for me as a Computer Science graduate, I considered that working in the field of tertiary education (e.g. faculty member) as a nice option where I can pursue my objective above.

However, to become a faculty member in a university is absolutely not easy, one is expected to excel in two aspects: research and teaching. He must add new knowledge to the body of (Computer) science while at the same time he also needs to pass his knowledge (e.g. algorithm, programming skill, etc) to the younger generation; a noble profession indeed.

Another reason for taking PhD program is that, when I was still a kid, I have a dream that someday I myself will be the one standing in front of the lecture hall and deliver the lecture, and that my name have a title: "Dr" in front of it. A childish desire, definitely, but it has been another factor for consideration...

The last but important reason is that a faculty member is a strategic position to be an influential person. You are acknowledged among your peers, and thus you can be the salt among them. You have authority towards your students, and thus you can be the light for them. Who knows you can make a difference for them.

These reasons (always challenge-able), have been my driving force to persevere in this PhD program (and also in the teaching jobs). I do hope, that in the future, I will understand more about the true purpose of me taking this path, once it has been revealed. And for now, I will keep my faith that this path is for me and I will be strengthened to carry on to walk this path.

PS: Here are some books about PhD, you may be interested to read more:

1. “Getting a PhD”, John A. Finn, 2005

2. “How to research: a guide for undergraduate & graduate students” – Stanley Richardson et al, 2005

3. “The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research” – Gordon Rugg, Marian Petre, 2004

4. “Leaving the Ivory Tower” – Barbara E. Lovitts, 2001

5. “Writing the winning dissertation: a step-by-step guide” – Allan A. Glatthorn, 1998

6. “How to Get a PhD: A handbook for students & their supervisors” – Estelle Phillips & DS. Pugh, 1994