Surviving as a Ph.D. in Industry

Within the career development forums in which I participate, there is a growing realization amongst those soon to earn their Ph.D. that there is a severe shortage of teaching and research assignments in academia. This group is also realizing that their academic programs have fallen far short of preparing them for careers outside academia. This is especially true for those who have gone from Nursery through Ph.D. without getting any life or career experience. In this piece I offer my thoughts on the realities of surviving and functioning as a Ph.D. in industry based on 35 years experience.

An Experienced Engineer on Character Traits

Joseph Dabon is a retired engineer who has taken up writing to share with the world his experience in personal improvement during long years in the industrial world. He offers five character traits that lead to career success:

• Professionalism
• Enthusiastic and Energetic
• Self-Confidence
• Self-Starter
• Thirst for Learning

From my own travels in industry, I have to agree with Joseph's assessment. See what more he has to say in this article that expands on his thoughts.

God's Word on Careers

Recently, a forum in which I participate put forth a discussion on a common theme, belief in one’s ability to succeed. My put on the matter was that more than 2000 years ago a very wise person remarked on the possibilities if we were to have faith the size of a mustard seed. For thousands of years before that our elders have spoken and written about what it takes to have a happy life and solid career. We have only to know their teachings and put them into practice. Their words are collected in the Bible, God’s gift of eternal unchanging truth. “The Book of Life” it is called for good reason. He shows us how to live to best effect. If we chose to live otherwise, we should not expect our lives to take a happy route. This is not a punishment from God. Rather, it is our own choice to be unhappy and unsuccessful. It is rather like the fish who leaves the water. The fish dies not because he is being punished but because he has departed the life for which he was made.

A PDF on this topic is available on my website.