Introduction
‘A PhD is not enough’ is a survival in science guide by Peter Feibelman. He is a senior scientist at Sandia National Laboratories. Throughout his scientific career, he has come across bag full of challenges and hindrances just like any other fellow in science. The world of scientific research decades ago was not just as similar to what it today is. For conducting research in those times, either you should be rich enough to fulfill your need of resources or wise enough to attract investors. Otherwise, you were on your own to bring the outcomes with whatever supplies you had. The trend of government and private agencies funding researches is mere a new born. Peter, in this book, talks about all the strategies and details that any scientific fellow might come across.
The review
Firstly, any university or institution is far from teaching real life approaches to scientific success. Due to this, there are chances of a fresh graduate or even an assistant professor questioning their career choices. Peter has laid a very basic groundwork this book which seems just right for personal evaluation. He talks about everything starting from choosing a field to establishing a research program and even getting grants.
For example, there would be little to no chaos and mental frustration in an interview if the candidate already did his homework about thinking what the employers practically want. For the seminars, talks and presentations, author advices to rehearse ample number of times with your department people. Collaborative growth is the key to success in science. Career choices have to be made between research and academia. Both have their merits and demerits. Author speaks of various aspects of both choices and the points to consider to make a choice.
A PhD is not enough is an apt choice for a title. Being in Science doesn’t only mean climbing up on the academic level and then longing for a job. For sustaining in the research field, you should have several satisfactory publications throughout the year to show you’re not brain dead. If you chose academia as your career, you have to stay upright with teaching and research to get a tenure. It’s about making yourself visible in order to minimize your risks of being kicked out of the loop. The struggles in this discipline are put forth relevantly.
There is a vast difference between the routine of a novice than of someone at professorship or managerial position. It is significant to have publications where you are the lead author. This is to be done along with collaborative publications. It can be very difficult to maintain individuality in such cases.
Opinion
Several other details of life in science are also mentioned such as growing a network, writing a proposal and landing a nice job which I think was to the point. Peter’s way of writing is very assertive and straightforward. Main key to a smoother life in this field that author talks in the very beginning is having a guide, adviser or a mentor who is at a good position beforehand. This will help you scrutinize your choices and give you customized ideas of how to proceed.
It was nice to take a drift and read about the scenario in the world of science. I would recommend this book to every freshman standing at a turning point of their career.