What should do a pHD in?...confused analytical chemist

[seamoro]

Im planning to do a pHD in malaysia or maybe Hong kong...not sure yet. Im a practicing analytical chemist...so obviously i would like it based on that. the techniques i would like to learn and use would be NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, IC, ICPMS......i would also like my pHD to be pharmaceuticals related. i was thinking of maybe doing some research on herbal medicine in malaysia that is used but it isnt licensed...something like that...what u guys think?...any ideas...thanks in advance

[JGK]

As you are deciding on what will entirely occupy the next 3+ years of your life and be a major aspect of your future career, it should be a personal choice.

people can no doubt provide you with suggestions but without knowing you how can we expect to know what is best for you.

If you're so unsure about what you want, maybe it is too early to be thinking of doing a PhD/

[lmh]

I'd suggest looking for a lab whose work excites you. Many PhD students get quite dissatisfied with their projects by the end, and merely want it finished, so it's important to start with something that you feel really positive about, so you have room to get tired later and still retain enough motivation to complete.

It's also important to remember that a PhD is a learning experience. There's no point in finding a project where you basically do just what you've always done, and expect to pick up a certificate at the end; it'll just be 3 years of low pay!

Make sure you do it somewhere you enjoy being, and in a group with whom you enjoy working.

There is an excellent book by, if I remember correctly, Phillips and Pugh, called "How to get a PhD". It's a bit old now, but if you can track down a copy, it has advice on all manner of things, including "what is a PhD", and "How not to get a PhD", both of which should be read by anyone contemplating the process. It's also quite fun to read.

[Jade.Barker]

There is an excellent book by, if I remember correctly, Phillips and Pugh, called "How to get a PhD". ... which should be read by anyone contemplating the process. It's also quite fun to read.

Thanks for the book, I'll check it out