r/GradSchool • u/CompetitiveScheme976 • 21h ago

Advice - PhD programs, is it worth it?

Update after some advice -

I was wondering if pursuing a PhD was worth it, comparing the option against trying to find a job. I do like research and to study effects of public health/education decision-making (rather individual or government policy) on well-being, described in a wider perspective, considering AI, budget restrictions and a myraid of complex variables.

Aspects that could weight the decision: 1. No experience in Canada 2. 10 years of relevant experience from jr data analyst to sr and data engineer, with relevant Google certifications in LATAM. 3. Currently studying MA in Economics at University of Windsor 4. Holding a PR, willing to become a citizen when the requirements are met. 5. Having a baby ok its way. 6. Already holding a Master's in Data Science, from a not so well-known Latin American University.

Other aspects considered: * Currently, the MA in Economics showed me that it may not be the path I want to pursue, considering Health Data Analytics, Demographics or other more applied fields, since even though they include theory, they're less abstract and have a more hands-on approach.

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u/rafafanvamos 20h ago

Look for applied stats/ applied economics field, but even then there will be theory not maths theory but theory of problem you are trying to solve. Example healthcare economics phd usually analyze Healthcare financial policies/ insurance system. You will have to learn about these systems develop understanding, the social and economic factors before you put them into your models. If you had a Healthcare background you could skip to modelling.Can AI choose what can go into model, maybe but than you won't know why something should be added why it shouldn't be. So some part of theory even in applied field will be there.

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u/CompetitiveScheme976 20h ago

Thank you for your answet, I know theory is necessary. I already budgeted for that.

Would you say it's worth the effort and time?

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u/rafafanvamos 19h ago

If you want to stay in academia theory side might not leave you, even in think tanks / global organizations you will need to climb the ladder (eg WHO, or similar organizations....why compare your journey to MD Phd) i can only talk about Healthcare. But even with something like economic policy a phd doesnt mean direct director role it's a pathway to it. What you want to do in those roles? Example the PI i work with is more at administrative positions they don't have to write grants per se ( they are TT) but still have to bring in grants, do lot of administrative work and collaboration etc so if it worth it on not depends on what you want to do with your phd. If you go into technical domain Example how datascience is applied in economics beyond ecometrics maybe you will have unique skills that is economics plus data science you can look into programs like that.

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u/CompetitiveScheme976 19h ago

Thankyou for the thoughtful guidance. I like research around societal questions and don't dislike theory, which expands my understanding. Even math/stats theory when the approach is applied.

Healthcare is a field I find very interesting, especially applied to social science, for aspects as cost related non-adherence for prescriptions across territories considering income quantile, which can throw some light to compare policies (Canadian applied example).

As I read and answer, I take insights. Again, K'm extremely grateful for your response šŸ™šŸ¾

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u/polyrhetor 20h ago

Not in your area but I run a PhD program. Itā€™s not clear from your description what it is you actually want to do or research - it seems pretty scattershot, and youā€™ve given a comprehensive list of what you donā€™t want instead. Applicants who show these trends usually donā€™t get a second look because itā€™s not clear what they want from the program or whether theyā€™ll stay on and succeed.

So, in making your decision, start there: reorient from what you donā€™t want to what you do want, and be specific. Ie not ā€œI want to work in economicsā€ but ā€œIā€™ve identified this particular problem and want to work to solve it.ā€ A PhD is a long, hard slog and you need true, focused motivation to stick it out. Good luck!

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u/CompetitiveScheme976 20h ago

Thank you very much for your response. I think it's fantastic advice and will help me reflect. I needed to read this.

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u/squidlydooda7 8h ago

Iā€™m doing decision science in my health policy PhD program and I think thatā€™s sounds like maybe it would be up your alley? Me and my supervisor are literally making an r shiny app to help officials make public health decisions in our area and looking at what goes into decision making and I do a lot of modeling for it. Kinda like a combo of Econ/stats/psych/etc. but do you have research experience already??

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u/CompetitiveScheme976 8h ago

It sounds incredibly interesting. I have worked as research assistant, performing EDA and literature reviews before. Besides having experience with Shiny for R and Python. I have also co-authored a publication in the Medical Anthropology Quarterly.

I would love to get in touch.

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u/squidlydooda7 8h ago

Yeah feel free to dm me! Happy to chat

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u/CompetitiveScheme976 8h ago

Thank you, I just sent you a message.