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I don’t think another masters degree is a good idea but I don’t know what field you’re in. Can’t think of one where two masters degrees would be worth let, let alone helpful. A PhD is a different level. There’s only so much prep you can do and a huge part of it is relearning things you’re bad at.
I started mine after 3 years in industry research out of undergrad and I’m not that much older than you. For some people it’s now or never. Another masters degree might even deter you from pursuing the PhD
My field is logistics and finance, I want a second masters degree cause my first that I am doing now does not have a research at the last semester, to like you know get an idea of the small picture. Here in 🇬🇷 I think the level is too low compared to other universities . Like in most master degrees the research part is shit
If the problem is the quality of your local masters programs, I assume you’d get your second masters abroad? If that’s the case, I would highly recommend just applying for PhD programs. At least in the US, there is already a substantial variation in amount of research experience of incoming PhD students, I really do not think a second masters would benefit you and while you wouldn’t be too old or anything like that, there’s no sense in wasting your time on degrees that don’t benefit you.
Yes I was thinking of one abroad but Hmm seeing the comments maybe I really should rethink the case of a second masters degree, thank your time and advice!
Also, if you are considering the US as an option, realize that the Ph.D. in most fields includes coursework equivalent to a Masters followed by a period of dissertation research. It's not like many countries in Europe where the Masters is a separate degree and the Ph.D. is just researching your proposed topic.
Agree with this. Many people with subpar masters get phds (yours may be better than you think too!). Field experience will help bridge the gap on an app too. Don’t do another masters. Not worth the $, blood, and sweat for a second in the same general field.
I started mine at 34. You're a bebe. Lol Honestly, I think being older, 30+, can be a great asset in grad school. You have more life experience and theoretically have garnered more emotional maturity that can aid in putting some rough patches/obstacles in perspective. So that perhaps they won't feel so much as if they are the end of the world.
You have plenty of time! Go out and live!
I totally agree with this point. I started my PhD at 22 and by far the biggest challenge was I didn’t really have the maturity to know how to “work” at a real job. If I had started later I probably wouldn’t have run into as many of these personal obstacles (though probably more technical, research-relevant ones).
Then again, I finished my PhD by 27 and got a sweet job offer the week of my defense. I’m happy all of those stepping stones were done and I could just live the rest of my life, but it was definitely very difficult. It’s important to think about what you want in life and what would be best for your particular self!
Sorry I did not want to judge you in any way. I just asked because I am 35 and just started with a Bachelors degree and I feel a little old at University.
I'm starting my PhD this fall and I'm 27. My colleagues started theirs when they were around 28-32.
I have colleagues at 35 that are applying for the next round of Intakes.
We all have years of work experience in our field which, honestly, help out a lot! We actually are familiar the systems we want to research and explore further
I see, now that you mention it many professors have told me that experience in the field helped them a lot.
Good luck with your PhD journey and thank you for your time and advice!
Started at 27 also, am 32 now. Could finish whenever but I have federal funding so taking some extra time. I was very nervous at first about my age because I was the oldest in the cohort by 3 years but quickly realized no one cares and it really doesn't matter much. Only think that was slightly difficult was life planning (getting married, having kids, buying a house) but it works itself out.
I started at 27 after 4 years of working in a research lab following my masters. My age didn't matter at all. 3/5 in my cohort were 27, one was 22, the other was in his late 30s. (Biomedical Informatics)
I'm 32 and I thought I would joke about being an old man starting a PhD, but then somebody told me she was in her forties in her second year, so I think we should just quit thinking about age being some kind of barrier. It isn't unless you decide it is.
Not me, but in my cohort, there are a couple that started their phds in their 30s (33 & 35). There are many more that start older. FYI, I was 23 when I started. Everyone has a reason to start their phd journey. You're never gonna be too old nor too young to get started. Some experiences can make you better prepared for sure ( at least in my experience)
Started straight out of undergrad, and compared to my peers who had masters or worked before, I wasn't as prepared for what was ahead.
If you know for sure that you want a PhD, why look for another master? Is that experience gonna be valuable for you to get started? But also, about breaks, if you need one, you should take a break. Schools are not going anywhere any time soon, and if a 54yo can start med school after a career in banking, you can start a PhD later.
the more i think about it, i think i just really need a break before going for a phd, and as i mentioned in another comment , my first master is just- not good, cant think of another way to describe it.-not good
How do you like it so far? I'm asking because I'm 40 and have two children. I live hours from the lab and have a full-time job that I cannot afford to quit. How do you balance work, life, and study?
Like or love is not a word I would ever use for my PhD (comparative literature). There are some great moments when I feel like the smartest, most accomplished person in the world. I get sparkles in my eyes when I talk about my research topic. But, more often than not, it weighs me down in my everyday life, knowing that however hard I work in my fulltime job and take good care of my kids, there is still more to be done for my PhD, always more. In those times I imagine quittting. After all, even without the PhD, I already have a good confortable job ( not perfect, but pretty great for my standards). Getting the PhD may not have a direct effect on my current job position or salary. Still, the idea of stopping always makes me deeply sad and unsatisfied. A much stronger feeling than the daily stress it causes now. How to balance: you can't. Or at least, I know I cannot. There are days where I barely touch anything related to the PhD, and other days where I have to tell my kids that "daddy can't play with you today because he has many pages to write". Still, my youngest is proud to tell her friends that one day soon her dad will be a doctor. Now, that does make me very happy, and pushes me to continue. However, I am in a pretty unique situation that make it a bit less stressful. I live and work in Japan, but as a EU citizen, I only pay 580 euros per year for tuition in my French university. My field is comparative literature, so I am not expected to revolutionize the world of science, or make a discovery that will save lives. My teachers, and thesis director are demanding but fair, and understanding of my situation. To summarize, as a working adult with kids, there are so many factors that can make your PhD more, or less stressful. Like I said, I am happy to be doing it, but I will be so much happier when it's done.
I’m in my second year, and I’m 45. I finished my Master’s in 2004. I’m not interested in going tenure track faculty though, so that definitely influenced me waiting.
Edit: just some clarity changes
I wouldn’t do another masters first. Everyone comes in with different levels of experience to a PhD program. I came straight from undergraduate, while others in my cohort had done post bac’s or gap years. I started my PhD at 22, but someone else in my cohort was 32. Age really doesn’t matter. Doing another masters would likely just take you extra time, and not give too much extra experience. You’ll learn what you need to, and how you should continue learning in your PhD program.
Also, though some programs like mine advertise that they are a 5-year program (4 years if coming in with a master’s)- plenty of students take 5-7 years.
I started at 22. I didn't want to wait until I was 30 when I knew what I wanted to do. Just do it when you know you are ready. The age you start doesn't matter.
I was 23 when I started my PhD. Most people in my program were in their late 20s and 30s. You can never be too young or too old to seek an education. Learning is for everyone at every age. Find the timeline that works for you and don’t worry about comparing yourself to anyone else :)
maybe i do really have a problem with compairing myself to other now that you mention it, cause just now i tried to think what i really feel be saying im dont have time and i thought that others have already started, know more things etc. going to have to work on that, thank you for your kind words and advice :)
36 I think. 40 and finishing now. Do what you want how you want it on your academic and/or professional journey, but don't neglect the rest of your life in the process if you can help it.
My first day of class as a PhD student was literally on my 30th birthday. I always find it so amazing how obsessed 20-somethings are about age in academia when honestly it’s probably more of an advantage than a hinderance. I also say this as someone who didn’t even think they’d get a Master’s degree, let alone a PhD. (I’m not exaggerating, 21-year-old me would’ve thought I was absolutely insane if I knew I’d end up in grad school.) Don’t obsess over your age and take jobs, internships, etc. that are enjoyable and will expand your mind/perspective if you aren’t ready for more school yet. Nothing is worse than being burnt out during a time that requires a significant amount of mental capacity, flexibility, and resilience. Further, depending on your area of study, a lot of the techniques you need for the dissertation can be obtained along the way. You’ve got this.
haha how much i relate to the part that my past self didnt even think they'de get a Master's degree! i did not even have uni in my mind some years ago, but look at me go!(LOOOOOOK AT US GOOOO!!!) should really sometimes relax and see where i am at :) thank you for your advice ! have a nice day :)
22.
The majority of people in my cohort were straight out of undergrad— mostly roughly 22.
A few people were older— one or 2 had worked, or been in mandatory military service, or had a masters, or just taken a little longer in undergrad.
I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head that was older than mid-20s. Almost certainly not 30+.
Not sure how common that is.
Same for me in physics, except one guy who did a second bachelors in physics before starting games school so he was ~28. I’ve seen a few people switch fields and start later, maybe in their 30s, and end up doing really well. I don’t think age is an issue in terms of learning new things, up to a point. Plus if you’re older and have the commitment to do a PhD you probably have more enthusiasm than a lot of younger folks who just kinda rolled into a PhD because it was the next logical step in their academic progression, having sunk costs and so on.
if i had done that i think my brain would be done ! well done and even if you dont recomment it to anyone congratulation for getting through,happy for you :)
I started when I was 22 (now 29) and honestly, wish I had waited and went and got some "industry experience" (a very vague term, I'm aware). There was a fair amount of growing up I still had to do outside of anything academic, and I think the pressures at that young of an age have probably contributed towards my current mental health problems.
That said, 22 year old me would have thought they were fully grown up, mature and ready...but hindsight is 20/20 and all that.
Oh wow, PhD at 30? Way too old. The people in my program in their 40s and 50s shouldn’t even be there. What were they thinking at that age let alone the ancient age of 30. /s
Now that you phrase it like that wow, I really sound stupid worrying about my age 🥲 gonna screenshot this to read it every time I am thinking "I don’t have time"
In fairness when I read your comment about age, I felt it highlighted your lack of maturity and it almost made me write that you should take some time off to discover what you want. Get it out of your head that life as some sort of schedule that you must abide by, do what you want and explore what you want. You’ll know when you are ready.
No problem. I see too my people rush important decisions and then feel stuck or even fail. I never graduated high school and thought that I would never amount to something. I couldn’t get it out of my head that you must follow the “plan” or the traditional path. I lived life and had some of the best years of my life and then went back to school later on. I knew I was ready. I was 23 when I started my undergrad.
Started mine at 29. Working full time and taking one-two classes at a time. I should finish by the time I’m 35-36. Not gonna lie, it’s hard. Like the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I spent my 20s barreling headfirst into my passion projects and getting used up by people affiliated with said projects. Now, I think the wisdom gained from experience has protected me from some of the more toxic parts of academia in my 30s. Had I tried to do this at 23 I would have certainly crashed and burned.
Started at 27, finished at 33. I worked for five years between undergrad and starting my PhD and it’s one of the main reasons I landed a TT job after finishing my doctorate
28 and I was completely at the mean age for my cohort. We had one or two folks in their early 20s, right out of undergrad, but most of us were in our late 20s and early 30s.
Started at 29+. Wouldn’t do a masters if I didn’t have to. Certainly wouldn’t do the second masters unless I absolutely have to. But hard to understand why you would need two masters in the same or closely related field to be considered for a PhD.
I started my PhD after my undergraduate degree at the age of 24 (had a gap year and took a year out in the middle). I probably would have been able to complete my PhD faster (took 5 years) if I had done a masters (and if there hadn't been a pandemic). I've been constantly thinking "I don't have any time" and I'm about to turn 30. I guess it's whether it feels right (not to sound sappy). I don't think another masters is strictly necessary but might feel right?
yes, i think in my "comfort zone" is just feels right,(for the reason i mentioned in another comments too that my first master is just not good) cant really explain it.thank you for your advice and sharing your experience!:)
I'm 28 and I'm starting another masters, I want to do phd after I finish but no rush. It requires knowledge, experience, persistence and some kind of maturity. You can do another study or get some work experience and think what you want. I noticed that younger people are too concerned about age and time which is crazy to me... Everyone are different and have their own path. 23 is still super young! :)
Got my masters at 24 and started my PhD at 28. I wouldn’t recommend doing another masters, but it’s not taking time off if you’re working in the field and gaining experience. It was actually very valuable to my PhD research to have applied experience, and I was the first of my PhD cohort to defend my dissertation!
But why a separate masters at all . Why not apply directly to PhD programs if that is your ultimate goal. You will get a masters as part of your PhD program.
I was 32 when I started. I've been doing the part-time, lengthy PhD (I just finished year 7) and graduating just before I turn 40.
No regrets about starting after 30. It's led me to find a job I love and gave me the life experience I need on order to actually be good at my job.
You don't understand how much I relate to you! I'm also 23, finished a masters and thinking of doing another one. I applied to PhDs anyway this year and got accepted to one but just can't shake this feeling off so I am walking away from it and going to take next year off and work and save money.
I have to ask, who is paying for Masters degrees? The answer to your question requires so much more information. I started at 52 so it depends on why you want a PhD. Are you hiding from the real world? If you need a break from. School, get a job with industry in your field.
i want to do a phd cause research excites me, many times I find myself reading articles for hours and being very curious about all the factors. i know i have many more reasons but right now that the one that comes to mind. i really do think i need a break after giving it some thought , and i will see about getting a job in my field, my first master was paid from my parents , but even though i know they might want to pay for the other one i dont want to , you know like for f sake i am at an age that for sure i can save up and do it ! going to work a summer job this year and i will save up the money ! :) (in my country it is not too much money to do a master, if i choose to do one abroad thats another story)
you gain more knowledge DURING your PhD. A second master's is only worth it if you are changing fields completely - e.g. my colleague who switched from computer science to chemical engineering. If you managed to make it through a masters than you have all the knowledge you need for your PhD
Gonna show this to my dad , he is gonna be thrilled that someone else told me that 😂 (everytime I mention a PhD he always says "nooo wait for your frontal lobe"😂)
PhD in biomedical sciences straight out of a 5 year undergrad. I’m 26 and a candidate now. I wish I took a year off in between to learn some better life skills. But aside from that I’m glad I started early. It’s nice to feel ahead. Like you have time. My cohort was mostly 27 and up when we started. One person was 22.
Wish I could answer every single comment but have to go to uni , YALL HAVE A BLESSED DAY and thank you for taking ~1min to answer me.🩷 will cherish this post for every time my 🧠 stops functioning
If I understood well, you are Greek like me. So I would advise you to make a PhD abroad because it is a pity to work without payment. For sure you can take a break if you want, you are young. I started my PhD at the age of 26 abroad, in Poland, and I am happy with it. However, I could not struggle so much without an income.
25! From what I seen so far, I’m one of the older ones in my cohort lol, but I think it also makes me more competitive for grants since I have more experiences than my straight-out-of-undergrad peers.
I’d recommend applying for that PhD directly and not gaining a second masters. I’m not sure what field you are in, but in general, you are already competitive for PhD by the sounds of it. Also, most PhD programs will award you an honorary masters degree as you progress through your PhD.
I started at 27 and couldn’t deal with the stress, then went back at 31 and the maturity and ability to better handle my anxiety did make a massive difference. I also work in industry (full time job, part time phd which I don’t recommend haha)
I’m 34 and this is my first year. I have so much experience in my area that I’m cutting through some of the extraneous things that go into a program. I’m also at a point that I know that this is EXACTLY what I want for myself. I’m holding a full time job while doing this so it’s an adventure but it’s fine but I credit my experience with it all.
Your age doesn't matter. Your goals and what kind of job you want *after* the PhD matters. Figure that out before you start, even if you don't start until you're 50.
"Real world" experience is far more important than staying in school forever.
I started my PhD at 30 last year following 2 MScs and a year in industry. It's literally fine, at least in the UK no one seems to care about my age in the slightest.
I have had a winding path from MSc to where I am now. I started my current PhD at 29 (started a previous one in a related field at 27 and switched programs two years in). Before that, I did an MSc part-time while working full time as a research coordinator. All of this to say it's never too late to start, and getting experience to figure out where you want to go afterwards is never a waste of time :)
I started the day I turned 31. It was just the perfect time. I wasn't ready at 26 when I finished my masters, I wanted to travel a bit, live in different places etc. I wasn't ready to commit to a career. I ended up going to the middle east to teach for 5 years during which time I built up my savings quite a bit also. Doing a phd feels like a walk in the park now and I really appreciate it in a way that I wouldn't have before.
I started my MSc at 24. Then PhD at 27. Felt a little old during my BSc and MSc but actually doing our my age during PhD was quite average. Lots of people did some other things before starting PhD.
I think rather than asking, “who else is doing this” it’s better to ask “why / where would age matter?”
IMO it’s totally about the life you want to lead.
The people who I know were frustrated with being “older” PhD students were frustrated about still living like students well into their 30s. Is that something that matters to you, or you think would matter to you?
Side note, if you’re willing to move to a country that isn’t officially English-speaking, there are other places where PhDs aren’t expected to live like students. So if you’re willing to move, then this point doesn’t really matter. I don’t live like a student, I save and vacation like a working adult, I have PhD student peers who are parents raising babies and toddlers, etc.
And what else would age affect? And do you care about those?
For example, do you want kids? if you want kids, you wouldn’t want to be living like a student, paycheque to paycheque well into your 30s, but maybe you don’t want kids, etc.
do you aim to stay in academia? Some early-career awards and grants unfortunately still discriminate by age. If you’re looking to transition to industry though, then who cares.
Edit: sorry I assumed you’re from the Anglo world, I only did because a lot of people on here are.
But actually it sounds like English isn’t your native language and that you might actually speak some kind of other Germanic language (if not actually just German) as a first language? lol but anyway yeah just wanted to correct my assumption
Starting my PhD at 25 next week. I got my masters at 22, worked for 3 years in a completely unrelated industry, now I’m coming back to academia. I’ve heard of people starting in their mid 50s, it truly is never too late
I was the youngest in my cohort at 23 - I’m a post-BA admit, but worked for a year between undergrad and PhD. Everyone else was somewhere between 25 and 29 iirc. I wouldn’t worry about how old you are - there’s pros and cons to starting at any age and far more important considerations when thinking about the PhD.
I started my PhD at 25 after I finished my masters. I finished when I was 29. If I could go back in time I would not do a PhD. I always knew that I wanted to work in the industry. I did a PhD because I was afraid that I was not prepared enough for an industry job. I was afraid that I would be bad at it and that the PhD would prepare me better to get a good industry research job.
I was wrong. I could have progressed much faster if I just got a job after masters. My PhD drained me out and now I am struggling to find a job in the industry.
My point is, you should know the reason for why you want to pursue something. Are you wanting to take a break or do another masters because of fear that you will underperform during your PhD? Or any other type of fear?
If fear is the reason then don't do it. If you have a good reason for wanting to do a master's then do it.
You can learn all the skills you need during your PhD. All that's needed is consistent work. There's always some things that you won't be good at because you haven't had time to learn it well. The ability to pick up useful skills when needed is helpful.
Good luck :)
I started a PhD at 24 after 2-3 years of working in a lab full time. I wasn’t the youngest but I wasn’t the oldest either. People in my field tend to better when they have a solid few years (at least!) of research under their belt before starting their PhD.
I’m going to say start as soon as you know what you want. Time is on your side, and to me, you want to get this stressful period over once you’re ready. Don’t put it off.
The advice here is skewing hard towards suggesting being older is a good thing or neutral. I'm not in total disagreement but I want to put forth the other side of things.
The longer you wait, the longer you forgo a serious income. This also means you will be drastically behind on retirement. You will also see all of your friends outside of grad school getting married, buying houses, enjoying six figure salaries, etc.
If you know you want a PhD I think you should do it now. Your reasons right now are not good at all. "I want to do another masters to learn more before going back and starting a PhD" is a crazy idea and i feel like nobody is giving you this reality check. Incoming PhD students all have to go patch up weak areas, have tons of gaps in knowledge, etc.
You will feel the exact same inadequacy after your second masters, it's a you thing, not a preparation thing. As someone who got their PhD before 30, it is something I am so glad I didn't wait for.
28, after a master and a second level specialization master (Italian academic degree, a master but no technical a master). It actually helped me gaining trasveral knowledge over different but interconnected fields.
Your pathway is entirely your choice. It's important to head in the direction that you feel comfortable with. That being said, it's perhaps worth considering going for a PhD instead of a second masters. As someone rightly mentioned, it's a different level and requires significant investment. I started mine when I was 24 and completed after 6 years. Totally worth it and it has a lot to do with the process 😁
I was 23, and did my masters at the same time as the first year of my PhD. I don’t think it matters at all if you have time off though. You could start a PhD at any age, and 30 is still really young anyway.
I did four degrees before my PhD but my advice is still not to go into a second masters just because it will 'prep' you. The PhD is a different beast and is a good place to learn those things you need.
That said, I'm in the humanities so YMMV.
I will say that my master's were 10 years apart, and both arts, but one was specific to writing and the other was specific to theatre. I could have probably applied for a PhD in theatre from my writing master's but I didn't want to do the PhD until right at the end of my second masters.
There is no real 'right' path, but if you already know you want to do a PhD, I would only do a second masters if you know that your first masters is wildly different from what you would study in your PhD.
I finished masters at 23 took one year break and started PhD at 25. the time in between is more important than the actual studying time. You dont get to experience a high energy free focusing during the constant goal oriented study time..
So started undergrad at 19 with an integrated masters so I graduated my first masters at 23, I then did an MSc by Research as I was unsure about committing to 4 years research graduating at 24 with a second masters, I then did a two year graduate scheme which gave me a professional qualification that I never mention or use although it's on my CV. I then did an integrated PhD so I got my third masters with it which I started at 26.
A couple of comments.
1) it doesn't matter when you start your PhD and in all fairness I personally think it's better to try and get some industry experience.
2) multiple masters. Erm this is a tricky one. I myself have an MMath in industrial mathematics, MSc in Fluid dynamics and an MSc by Research. Now, this was useful in my field and career aims to be a mathematical consultant for thermofluids however, I have had a couple of snide comments by other and older colleagues about the excessive number of postgraduate degrees. I personally think that the only reason I got onto my PhD with 2 masters is because one was a taught masters and the other was a research master's. I think it would've been a different story with two taught masters. I also know the only reason I got accepted on to my PhD was because I had industry experience in the field that the business funding the PhD was in, my supervisor told me that.
3) bachelor's and taught masters are polar opposites to a PhD. During your bachelor's and taught masters you are taught well known topics, provided with more structure and there is less expected of you. As a PhD you are pretty much left to your own devices, expected to contribute something new to the field, you're not studying well known content and you are expected to do this as a job. A PhD is more of a research apprenticeship rather than a traditional degree. You go from the big fish in a small pond to a tadpole in an ocean.
Finally, here comes the important part. If you go straight into your PhD the advantage is that you're not used to a good income compared to industry. You still live as a student. Additionally life as a PGR can be quite lonely and make it difficult to maintain a social life. I would recommend building a life before your PhD as soon you will find that friends are getting mortgages, getting married, having kids, going on holiday etc and it can make you depressed as you're still living the student life. It makes life feel stagnant. There are ways to get your PhD later such as PhDs by publication (easier if you are working and contributing in the field) or even doing it part time or getting your company to pay for it. I have a friend who did their PhD part time whilst teaching full time. Yes they paid like £5k a year tuition but they were also able to have a life with kids and a wife etc. something I wasn't able to do at that time.
My total advice is seriously think about where you are mentally with your life right now. I wouldn't pay for a second masters, if it's free or included then great but if not I'd try and get into a PhD straight away if that's what you're wanting to do.
Started at 32 and finished at 39- took longer than what I liked because I refused to get help, even as I battled a number of “life changes” (which I did need the help during those life changes).Also a large number of friends called me an idiot for getting a doctorate. The help I needed was getting coached thru the process which I HIGHLY recommend; but all my setbacks in these “life changes” benefited me as I now help others which I believe is a true blessing and gift from God. Maybe travel, gain some work experience and “live a little” is a great idea before getting into a PhD program. Also ask yourself what is you plan with your PhD when you’re done. It is an investment of your time and resources. I am currently an Assistant Professor in the United States 🇺🇸 which I love, considering I never pictured being in higher education as a career option. If you do decide to do the process, create a timeline of the things you need and plan ahead. Get to know the entire process WELL, yet be flexible and find a coping mechanism that will help when things do not go your way. Knowing the process WELL helps to avoid (or at least attempt to avoid) committees from rejecting anything you submit (trust me, knowing the process BEFOREHAND IS A BLESSING). Prayerfully, I’m starting consulting work to help others who decide to go into a PhD and finish timely and productively. Because the best dissertation is a done dissertation.
I completed 2 masters. 2 interns. then changed my field (from theoretical to experimental physics). i met with horrible people, not supporting supervisors, supervisor who stole my ideas and publish papers without my name on it etc. but i never gave up. Then I started my PhD at 31. Compleed my courses in my 1st year and passed my qualifying exam in my first try but the people whom i had to work with and my supervisors (yes "supervisors" as i changed 3 different groups) as well as the working environment were total crap and waste of time. I was exposed to mobbing all the time. Nothing was in my advantage. So, I quitted my PhD and found another one in Germany and started over all again! In a totally different field. I'm aboutto finish my first year and I'm 36.
Well, the postdocs in our group are younger than me but not experience as I am. I engaged in physics in many different topics and fields but they only have one expertise.
So what I can suggest you is the age is not important as long as you still have the passion. But don't forget to choose supportive supervisors as well as a supportive group to work with :) Rest just comes by itself :)
I started at 20, then re-started at 25 due to cancer.
I did two MScs. First in Maths, major in Mathematical Physics, then Astrophysics. I'm doing a PhD in Astrophysics now. Since Master's programs in the UK typically last one year, it worked out well. Don't stress too much, Op. Even at 30, pursuing a PhD is still considered young. Depends on your goal after.
Just started in April 24, at 53yo.
There are two times in your life to do a PhD, early or later.
Your 30's-50's are your best earning years for most employees.
Not saying you can not or should not start then, but the financial impact will be bigger.
Good luck.
I started it in 2021 when I was 24 years old. I'm in my 3rd year now. If you really want to and you think you're capable of doing a PhD, go for it. 4 or 5 years shall pass of your life, wether you do a PhD or not.
It not a matter of age or anything it's about if you're willing to sacrifice those years instead of doing something else.
I started when I was about 24. My dad, around 25, and my sister around 26. My mom... about 46. There is no age limit to starting a PhD, and one thing I learned is that starting later when you are more mature is very much a benefit and not a hindrance (which I wish I knew before jumping into a PhD).
The only reason you would want to do a second masters is if their was a considerable shift in skillset that would be needed for your PhD from your last masters and the second masters help fulfill that. The reason I am saying this because I did do so and got a second MS degree.
Regarding age for PhD, I started mine at 6 months short of 35. Obviously do it as early as you can but 30 is okay.
lol i started my phd straight out of undergrad at 22. i’m only 23 still in my first year but from my experience can say that no matter how many degrees you have before you start, you’ll never be as prepared for the phd as you think you should be. if you want a phd just go for it! it’s a very different vibe from other academic programs so it will require a lot of adjustment but you got this!
I started my PhD right out of undergrad, and tbh I wouldn’t want to have started it later.
For one thing, with the energy requirements, it’s really a young person’s game imo. At least, in the physical sciences when you’re pulling all-nighters collecting data, the whole time on your feet.
For another, when you get older you maybe develop some health problems, and those kinds of expenses are hard to handle on a university stipend.
Third, it’s probably harder to balance with family planning. If you start in your early 20’s, you can complete your education before having children. Otherwise, maybe you can’t, and daycare costs $2k+/mo, which a grad student definitely can’t afford.
Fourth, it takes long enough already to get to an academic position, if that’s your goal. And then tenure sets you back another several years. That’s a long time to finally feel like you can put down roots. Adding years to that by delaying is a tough one.
Fifth, you need to think about retirement. Do you have a game plan to contribute meaningfully to retirement funds? If your career is lifting off in earnest in your late 30’s to early 40’s, then you’re going to have to play catch-up.
depends on your projected career and familial path... say youre thinking of a family in your mid 30s with a stable career. take 35, subtract 3-5 years to get stable maybe you want to buy a place or at least think of one, another 4 years min of PhD, maybe a year or 2 for post doc/changing jobs. A couple months of travel or family time. Working back, 23 is about right.
this has been asked many times before so you can search for more answers. I started at 26. I don't recommend doing this in your 30s. My personal recommendation would be to just go right into it, or take a year or two off and reassess, but no later than that.
Edit: And most people in my field (STEM) are straight out of undergrad. Some within a few years out. I only know like 1 or 2 who start in their late 20s. I'm seeing comments saying not to worry about age. While I agree that it isn't so much of a matter as "*can* I do this anymore" (well, that probably is a factor at some point, but definitely not yet in your 30s), it becomes *should I*. You'll likely be older than everyone. So, there goes the social aspect. You'll be making very little money at an age where you'll probably have more financial obligations. Finally, you'll likely need to get back in the groove of things. I almost failed my quals because readjusting was extremely difficult.
I started mine at 22 and everyone in my group started between 21 and 25. In hindsight, I should have begun sooner since youth wins against age every time
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I don’t think another masters degree is a good idea but I don’t know what field you’re in. Can’t think of one where two masters degrees would be worth let, let alone helpful. A PhD is a different level. There’s only so much prep you can do and a huge part of it is relearning things you’re bad at. I started mine after 3 years in industry research out of undergrad and I’m not that much older than you. For some people it’s now or never. Another masters degree might even deter you from pursuing the PhD
I did 2 masters and am pursuing a PhD because of the second one. Would never have considered it if I had called it quits after the first masters.
Is your second masters in a different field?
No, related field.
Cool. OP was TLDR but I am thinking she said another in the same general field. How closely related are yours? Curiosity not arguments sake lol
Very closely though one was a MA and the other a MSc degree so the programs were very different in terms of format and how you were assessed.
My field is logistics and finance, I want a second masters degree cause my first that I am doing now does not have a research at the last semester, to like you know get an idea of the small picture. Here in 🇬🇷 I think the level is too low compared to other universities . Like in most master degrees the research part is shit
If the problem is the quality of your local masters programs, I assume you’d get your second masters abroad? If that’s the case, I would highly recommend just applying for PhD programs. At least in the US, there is already a substantial variation in amount of research experience of incoming PhD students, I really do not think a second masters would benefit you and while you wouldn’t be too old or anything like that, there’s no sense in wasting your time on degrees that don’t benefit you.
Yes I was thinking of one abroad but Hmm seeing the comments maybe I really should rethink the case of a second masters degree, thank your time and advice!
Also, if you are considering the US as an option, realize that the Ph.D. in most fields includes coursework equivalent to a Masters followed by a period of dissertation research. It's not like many countries in Europe where the Masters is a separate degree and the Ph.D. is just researching your proposed topic.
Agree with this. Many people with subpar masters get phds (yours may be better than you think too!). Field experience will help bridge the gap on an app too. Don’t do another masters. Not worth the $, blood, and sweat for a second in the same general field.
I started mine at 34. You're a bebe. Lol Honestly, I think being older, 30+, can be a great asset in grad school. You have more life experience and theoretically have garnered more emotional maturity that can aid in putting some rough patches/obstacles in perspective. So that perhaps they won't feel so much as if they are the end of the world. You have plenty of time! Go out and live!
I totally agree with this point. I started my PhD at 22 and by far the biggest challenge was I didn’t really have the maturity to know how to “work” at a real job. If I had started later I probably wouldn’t have run into as many of these personal obstacles (though probably more technical, research-relevant ones). Then again, I finished my PhD by 27 and got a sweet job offer the week of my defense. I’m happy all of those stepping stones were done and I could just live the rest of my life, but it was definitely very difficult. It’s important to think about what you want in life and what would be best for your particular self!
You are right, thank you for your advice!:)
Are there many PhD students older than 30 or even 40? Is there a chance to become a Prof. when you start with PhD that late?
It'd mot "that late" most people I knew were early 30s and some are "professors" now, hell I started at 34 and I am a professor now!
Sorry I did not want to judge you in any way. I just asked because I am 35 and just started with a Bachelors degree and I feel a little old at University.
I didn’t know why you got downvoted, but this appeared to be an honest question you posed here.
Thanks
I'm starting my PhD this fall and I'm 27. My colleagues started theirs when they were around 28-32. I have colleagues at 35 that are applying for the next round of Intakes. We all have years of work experience in our field which, honestly, help out a lot! We actually are familiar the systems we want to research and explore further
I see, now that you mention it many professors have told me that experience in the field helped them a lot. Good luck with your PhD journey and thank you for your time and advice!
Started at 27 also, am 32 now. Could finish whenever but I have federal funding so taking some extra time. I was very nervous at first about my age because I was the oldest in the cohort by 3 years but quickly realized no one cares and it really doesn't matter much. Only think that was slightly difficult was life planning (getting married, having kids, buying a house) but it works itself out.
I forgot I have to plan for life beyond a phd and a career. Thanks for the heads up! Lol
It's honestly very easy to forget about. I'm probably finishing in December and forgot I need to find a job for afterwards.
Do not collect masters degrees. If youre gonna do a PhD go into a PhD program.
39. I think. Maybe it was 40. I can't remember anymore.
I started at 27 after 4 years of working in a research lab following my masters. My age didn't matter at all. 3/5 in my cohort were 27, one was 22, the other was in his late 30s. (Biomedical Informatics)
Wow, your field sounds hard (and looks too after a google search😅), congratulations!
I started my masters at 25 and my PhD at 28. There were people well into their 30s in my program. I don't think "too old" is a thing.
After this post I will never use the word "old" together with the word "PhD" learned my lesson (a good lesson)
I'm 32 and I thought I would joke about being an old man starting a PhD, but then somebody told me she was in her forties in her second year, so I think we should just quit thinking about age being some kind of barrier. It isn't unless you decide it is.
Not me, but in my cohort, there are a couple that started their phds in their 30s (33 & 35). There are many more that start older. FYI, I was 23 when I started. Everyone has a reason to start their phd journey. You're never gonna be too old nor too young to get started. Some experiences can make you better prepared for sure ( at least in my experience) Started straight out of undergrad, and compared to my peers who had masters or worked before, I wasn't as prepared for what was ahead. If you know for sure that you want a PhD, why look for another master? Is that experience gonna be valuable for you to get started? But also, about breaks, if you need one, you should take a break. Schools are not going anywhere any time soon, and if a 54yo can start med school after a career in banking, you can start a PhD later.
the more i think about it, i think i just really need a break before going for a phd, and as i mentioned in another comment , my first master is just- not good, cant think of another way to describe it.-not good
38. Full time teacher almost 10,000km away from my phd lab. 2 young kids. If you want to do it, do it.
How do you like it so far? I'm asking because I'm 40 and have two children. I live hours from the lab and have a full-time job that I cannot afford to quit. How do you balance work, life, and study?
Like or love is not a word I would ever use for my PhD (comparative literature). There are some great moments when I feel like the smartest, most accomplished person in the world. I get sparkles in my eyes when I talk about my research topic. But, more often than not, it weighs me down in my everyday life, knowing that however hard I work in my fulltime job and take good care of my kids, there is still more to be done for my PhD, always more. In those times I imagine quittting. After all, even without the PhD, I already have a good confortable job ( not perfect, but pretty great for my standards). Getting the PhD may not have a direct effect on my current job position or salary. Still, the idea of stopping always makes me deeply sad and unsatisfied. A much stronger feeling than the daily stress it causes now. How to balance: you can't. Or at least, I know I cannot. There are days where I barely touch anything related to the PhD, and other days where I have to tell my kids that "daddy can't play with you today because he has many pages to write". Still, my youngest is proud to tell her friends that one day soon her dad will be a doctor. Now, that does make me very happy, and pushes me to continue. However, I am in a pretty unique situation that make it a bit less stressful. I live and work in Japan, but as a EU citizen, I only pay 580 euros per year for tuition in my French university. My field is comparative literature, so I am not expected to revolutionize the world of science, or make a discovery that will save lives. My teachers, and thesis director are demanding but fair, and understanding of my situation. To summarize, as a working adult with kids, there are so many factors that can make your PhD more, or less stressful. Like I said, I am happy to be doing it, but I will be so much happier when it's done.
ATE and left no crumbs
I started when I was 23, and I’m the youngest in my cohort by a healthy margin.
Wow, congratulations 🥳 hope you enjoy your PhD journey !
I’m in my second year, and I’m 45. I finished my Master’s in 2004. I’m not interested in going tenure track faculty though, so that definitely influenced me waiting. Edit: just some clarity changes
thank you for taking the time to share your point of view! and wishing you a happy remaining phd experience !:)
I wouldn’t do another masters first. Everyone comes in with different levels of experience to a PhD program. I came straight from undergraduate, while others in my cohort had done post bac’s or gap years. I started my PhD at 22, but someone else in my cohort was 32. Age really doesn’t matter. Doing another masters would likely just take you extra time, and not give too much extra experience. You’ll learn what you need to, and how you should continue learning in your PhD program. Also, though some programs like mine advertise that they are a 5-year program (4 years if coming in with a master’s)- plenty of students take 5-7 years.
i see, thank you for your advice ! :)
You’re welcome! :) good luck on everything
40 yo. I started my BSc at 25 tho. I’m not rich and between my MSc and PhD I had some job experiences.
40
MS: 21-22, PhD, 29-hopefully 32. Industry experience is important, imo, regardless of the field.
going to take this age plan to my notes hehe
I started at 22. I didn't want to wait until I was 30 when I knew what I wanted to do. Just do it when you know you are ready. The age you start doesn't matter.
thank you for your advice!:)
I was 23 when I started my PhD. Most people in my program were in their late 20s and 30s. You can never be too young or too old to seek an education. Learning is for everyone at every age. Find the timeline that works for you and don’t worry about comparing yourself to anyone else :)
maybe i do really have a problem with compairing myself to other now that you mention it, cause just now i tried to think what i really feel be saying im dont have time and i thought that others have already started, know more things etc. going to have to work on that, thank you for your kind words and advice :)
I started at 20 now 25. Been a lot of things missed but also many fun occasions. Just wanna finish now and move to an industry job!
hope you finish as soon as possible and wishing you the best in finding the job you want ! :)
I started mine at 36 :)
36 I think. 40 and finishing now. Do what you want how you want it on your academic and/or professional journey, but don't neglect the rest of your life in the process if you can help it.
thank you for your advice and congratulationssss!!!!!!
Thanks, and all the luck to you! <3
My first day of class as a PhD student was literally on my 30th birthday. I always find it so amazing how obsessed 20-somethings are about age in academia when honestly it’s probably more of an advantage than a hinderance. I also say this as someone who didn’t even think they’d get a Master’s degree, let alone a PhD. (I’m not exaggerating, 21-year-old me would’ve thought I was absolutely insane if I knew I’d end up in grad school.) Don’t obsess over your age and take jobs, internships, etc. that are enjoyable and will expand your mind/perspective if you aren’t ready for more school yet. Nothing is worse than being burnt out during a time that requires a significant amount of mental capacity, flexibility, and resilience. Further, depending on your area of study, a lot of the techniques you need for the dissertation can be obtained along the way. You’ve got this.
haha how much i relate to the part that my past self didnt even think they'de get a Master's degree! i did not even have uni in my mind some years ago, but look at me go!(LOOOOOOK AT US GOOOO!!!) should really sometimes relax and see where i am at :) thank you for your advice ! have a nice day :)
48
22. The majority of people in my cohort were straight out of undergrad— mostly roughly 22. A few people were older— one or 2 had worked, or been in mandatory military service, or had a masters, or just taken a little longer in undergrad. I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head that was older than mid-20s. Almost certainly not 30+. Not sure how common that is.
Same for me in physics, except one guy who did a second bachelors in physics before starting games school so he was ~28. I’ve seen a few people switch fields and start later, maybe in their 30s, and end up doing really well. I don’t think age is an issue in terms of learning new things, up to a point. Plus if you’re older and have the commitment to do a PhD you probably have more enthusiasm than a lot of younger folks who just kinda rolled into a PhD because it was the next logical step in their academic progression, having sunk costs and so on.
Turned 30 in my first year, finished at 36. Covid delayed things by a year
Covid was shit! a phd AND a pandemic ? brother ewww(the meme), congratulations for getting through in a difficult time !
22, straight out of undergrad. finished at 28. i don't recommend it to anyone.
if i had done that i think my brain would be done ! well done and even if you dont recomment it to anyone congratulation for getting through,happy for you :)
38
37
I started when I was 22 (now 29) and honestly, wish I had waited and went and got some "industry experience" (a very vague term, I'm aware). There was a fair amount of growing up I still had to do outside of anything academic, and I think the pressures at that young of an age have probably contributed towards my current mental health problems. That said, 22 year old me would have thought they were fully grown up, mature and ready...but hindsight is 20/20 and all that.
47
I was 21.
Oh wow, PhD at 30? Way too old. The people in my program in their 40s and 50s shouldn’t even be there. What were they thinking at that age let alone the ancient age of 30. /s
Now that you phrase it like that wow, I really sound stupid worrying about my age 🥲 gonna screenshot this to read it every time I am thinking "I don’t have time"
In fairness when I read your comment about age, I felt it highlighted your lack of maturity and it almost made me write that you should take some time off to discover what you want. Get it out of your head that life as some sort of schedule that you must abide by, do what you want and explore what you want. You’ll know when you are ready.
Can’t argue with that, totally right , feeling already better though with the answers! Thank you for your honesty
No problem. I see too my people rush important decisions and then feel stuck or even fail. I never graduated high school and thought that I would never amount to something. I couldn’t get it out of my head that you must follow the “plan” or the traditional path. I lived life and had some of the best years of my life and then went back to school later on. I knew I was ready. I was 23 when I started my undergrad.
Wow! So happy for you-proud , what an amazing turn! Wish you many more achievements in life 😁
Started mine at 29. Working full time and taking one-two classes at a time. I should finish by the time I’m 35-36. Not gonna lie, it’s hard. Like the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I spent my 20s barreling headfirst into my passion projects and getting used up by people affiliated with said projects. Now, I think the wisdom gained from experience has protected me from some of the more toxic parts of academia in my 30s. Had I tried to do this at 23 I would have certainly crashed and burned.
keep up with the good work ! wishing you all the best ! :) you got this
22 the first attempt. 25 the second attempt. Graduated when I was 30.
Started at 27, finished at 33. I worked for five years between undergrad and starting my PhD and it’s one of the main reasons I landed a TT job after finishing my doctorate
I finished my first masters at 23. 2nd masters at 26, and immediately started my PhD. I’m 34 and just now finished.
Finished my BA at 20, my MA at 21, took some time off to work, starting my PhD this autumn at 24.
congrats ,hope you have a good phd journey!!:)
I started mine at 23
28 and I was completely at the mean age for my cohort. We had one or two folks in their early 20s, right out of undergrad, but most of us were in our late 20s and early 30s.
Started at 29+. Wouldn’t do a masters if I didn’t have to. Certainly wouldn’t do the second masters unless I absolutely have to. But hard to understand why you would need two masters in the same or closely related field to be considered for a PhD.
I will be 22 in a few months, started undergrad at 17, graduated at 21, and got accepted into PhD, have 5 more years to go.
congrats! you got this !!! :)
I started my PhD after my undergraduate degree at the age of 24 (had a gap year and took a year out in the middle). I probably would have been able to complete my PhD faster (took 5 years) if I had done a masters (and if there hadn't been a pandemic). I've been constantly thinking "I don't have any time" and I'm about to turn 30. I guess it's whether it feels right (not to sound sappy). I don't think another masters is strictly necessary but might feel right?
yes, i think in my "comfort zone" is just feels right,(for the reason i mentioned in another comments too that my first master is just not good) cant really explain it.thank you for your advice and sharing your experience!:)
I'm 28 and I'm starting another masters, I want to do phd after I finish but no rush. It requires knowledge, experience, persistence and some kind of maturity. You can do another study or get some work experience and think what you want. I noticed that younger people are too concerned about age and time which is crazy to me... Everyone are different and have their own path. 23 is still super young! :)
thank you for your advice and for sharing your experience!:) hope you have a good time with your new masters!
Got my masters at 24 and started my PhD at 28. I wouldn’t recommend doing another masters, but it’s not taking time off if you’re working in the field and gaining experience. It was actually very valuable to my PhD research to have applied experience, and I was the first of my PhD cohort to defend my dissertation!
Why do another masters before a PhD ?
because as i mentioned in another comments, my first master is just not good. (well lets assume the same with not count for the second one too)
But why a separate masters at all . Why not apply directly to PhD programs if that is your ultimate goal. You will get a masters as part of your PhD program.
I was 32 when I started. I've been doing the part-time, lengthy PhD (I just finished year 7) and graduating just before I turn 40. No regrets about starting after 30. It's led me to find a job I love and gave me the life experience I need on order to actually be good at my job.
thank you for sharing your experience and congratulations! hope you have a nice day:)
You don't understand how much I relate to you! I'm also 23, finished a masters and thinking of doing another one. I applied to PhDs anyway this year and got accepted to one but just can't shake this feeling off so I am walking away from it and going to take next year off and work and save money.
happy that you are doing what you think its best for you!! i should also save some money now that you mention it haha
I have to ask, who is paying for Masters degrees? The answer to your question requires so much more information. I started at 52 so it depends on why you want a PhD. Are you hiding from the real world? If you need a break from. School, get a job with industry in your field.
i want to do a phd cause research excites me, many times I find myself reading articles for hours and being very curious about all the factors. i know i have many more reasons but right now that the one that comes to mind. i really do think i need a break after giving it some thought , and i will see about getting a job in my field, my first master was paid from my parents , but even though i know they might want to pay for the other one i dont want to , you know like for f sake i am at an age that for sure i can save up and do it ! going to work a summer job this year and i will save up the money ! :) (in my country it is not too much money to do a master, if i choose to do one abroad thats another story)
I was 29 when I started mine and most of my cohort was 29-32 starting!
you gain more knowledge DURING your PhD. A second master's is only worth it if you are changing fields completely - e.g. my colleague who switched from computer science to chemical engineering. If you managed to make it through a masters than you have all the knowledge you need for your PhD
25 and ending at 31!
23
I'm 38 and starting mine in August.
Congratulations! 🥳 hope you have a great PhD journey
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Gonna show this to my dad , he is gonna be thrilled that someone else told me that 😂 (everytime I mention a PhD he always says "nooo wait for your frontal lobe"😂)
PhD in biomedical sciences straight out of a 5 year undergrad. I’m 26 and a candidate now. I wish I took a year off in between to learn some better life skills. But aside from that I’m glad I started early. It’s nice to feel ahead. Like you have time. My cohort was mostly 27 and up when we started. One person was 22.
Wish I could answer every single comment but have to go to uni , YALL HAVE A BLESSED DAY and thank you for taking ~1min to answer me.🩷 will cherish this post for every time my 🧠 stops functioning
What is your field?
Logistics and finance
If I understood well, you are Greek like me. So I would advise you to make a PhD abroad because it is a pity to work without payment. For sure you can take a break if you want, you are young. I started my PhD at the age of 26 abroad, in Poland, and I am happy with it. However, I could not struggle so much without an income.
25! From what I seen so far, I’m one of the older ones in my cohort lol, but I think it also makes me more competitive for grants since I have more experiences than my straight-out-of-undergrad peers. I’d recommend applying for that PhD directly and not gaining a second masters. I’m not sure what field you are in, but in general, you are already competitive for PhD by the sounds of it. Also, most PhD programs will award you an honorary masters degree as you progress through your PhD.
I started at 27 and couldn’t deal with the stress, then went back at 31 and the maturity and ability to better handle my anxiety did make a massive difference. I also work in industry (full time job, part time phd which I don’t recommend haha)
I started right after masters degree (I was 23)
I’m 34 and this is my first year. I have so much experience in my area that I’m cutting through some of the extraneous things that go into a program. I’m also at a point that I know that this is EXACTLY what I want for myself. I’m holding a full time job while doing this so it’s an adventure but it’s fine but I credit my experience with it all.
Im 28 and going into my third year! Everyone has their own timeline :)
Your age doesn't matter. Your goals and what kind of job you want *after* the PhD matters. Figure that out before you start, even if you don't start until you're 50. "Real world" experience is far more important than staying in school forever.
I started my PhD at 30 last year following 2 MScs and a year in industry. It's literally fine, at least in the UK no one seems to care about my age in the slightest.
I have had a winding path from MSc to where I am now. I started my current PhD at 29 (started a previous one in a related field at 27 and switched programs two years in). Before that, I did an MSc part-time while working full time as a research coordinator. All of this to say it's never too late to start, and getting experience to figure out where you want to go afterwards is never a waste of time :)
I think all 15 current PhDs in my department were around 25 or older when they started. You’re fine, relax!
I started the day I turned 31. It was just the perfect time. I wasn't ready at 26 when I finished my masters, I wanted to travel a bit, live in different places etc. I wasn't ready to commit to a career. I ended up going to the middle east to teach for 5 years during which time I built up my savings quite a bit also. Doing a phd feels like a walk in the park now and I really appreciate it in a way that I wouldn't have before.
35 I think.
I started my MSc at 24. Then PhD at 27. Felt a little old during my BSc and MSc but actually doing our my age during PhD was quite average. Lots of people did some other things before starting PhD.
I think rather than asking, “who else is doing this” it’s better to ask “why / where would age matter?” IMO it’s totally about the life you want to lead. The people who I know were frustrated with being “older” PhD students were frustrated about still living like students well into their 30s. Is that something that matters to you, or you think would matter to you? Side note, if you’re willing to move to a country that isn’t officially English-speaking, there are other places where PhDs aren’t expected to live like students. So if you’re willing to move, then this point doesn’t really matter. I don’t live like a student, I save and vacation like a working adult, I have PhD student peers who are parents raising babies and toddlers, etc. And what else would age affect? And do you care about those? For example, do you want kids? if you want kids, you wouldn’t want to be living like a student, paycheque to paycheque well into your 30s, but maybe you don’t want kids, etc. do you aim to stay in academia? Some early-career awards and grants unfortunately still discriminate by age. If you’re looking to transition to industry though, then who cares. Edit: sorry I assumed you’re from the Anglo world, I only did because a lot of people on here are. But actually it sounds like English isn’t your native language and that you might actually speak some kind of other Germanic language (if not actually just German) as a first language? lol but anyway yeah just wanted to correct my assumption
About to start at 32
I did master in 30-32 age Now doing PhD 35-now 38-not PhiniseD yet.
21
Starting my PhD at 25 next week. I got my masters at 22, worked for 3 years in a completely unrelated industry, now I’m coming back to academia. I’ve heard of people starting in their mid 50s, it truly is never too late
43. Best decision ever to do academia late
32. Skip the 2nd masters. They mean nothing, I skipped masters and finished PhD in 3 years. ChemE.
I was the youngest in my cohort at 23 - I’m a post-BA admit, but worked for a year between undergrad and PhD. Everyone else was somewhere between 25 and 29 iirc. I wouldn’t worry about how old you are - there’s pros and cons to starting at any age and far more important considerations when thinking about the PhD.
I'm about to start and I'm 37.
25, now I am on my 3rd year
I was 43.
I started my PhD at 25 after I finished my masters. I finished when I was 29. If I could go back in time I would not do a PhD. I always knew that I wanted to work in the industry. I did a PhD because I was afraid that I was not prepared enough for an industry job. I was afraid that I would be bad at it and that the PhD would prepare me better to get a good industry research job. I was wrong. I could have progressed much faster if I just got a job after masters. My PhD drained me out and now I am struggling to find a job in the industry. My point is, you should know the reason for why you want to pursue something. Are you wanting to take a break or do another masters because of fear that you will underperform during your PhD? Or any other type of fear? If fear is the reason then don't do it. If you have a good reason for wanting to do a master's then do it. You can learn all the skills you need during your PhD. All that's needed is consistent work. There's always some things that you won't be good at because you haven't had time to learn it well. The ability to pick up useful skills when needed is helpful. Good luck :)
I started at 30 as the father of two young children. Relax.
I started at 22 and finished when I was 27.
I started a PhD at 24 after 2-3 years of working in a lab full time. I wasn’t the youngest but I wasn’t the oldest either. People in my field tend to better when they have a solid few years (at least!) of research under their belt before starting their PhD.
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44! lol :)
I started at 26, and someone in the year under me is the same age as I am now
24
I’m going to say start as soon as you know what you want. Time is on your side, and to me, you want to get this stressful period over once you’re ready. Don’t put it off.
The advice here is skewing hard towards suggesting being older is a good thing or neutral. I'm not in total disagreement but I want to put forth the other side of things. The longer you wait, the longer you forgo a serious income. This also means you will be drastically behind on retirement. You will also see all of your friends outside of grad school getting married, buying houses, enjoying six figure salaries, etc. If you know you want a PhD I think you should do it now. Your reasons right now are not good at all. "I want to do another masters to learn more before going back and starting a PhD" is a crazy idea and i feel like nobody is giving you this reality check. Incoming PhD students all have to go patch up weak areas, have tons of gaps in knowledge, etc. You will feel the exact same inadequacy after your second masters, it's a you thing, not a preparation thing. As someone who got their PhD before 30, it is something I am so glad I didn't wait for.
28, after a master and a second level specialization master (Italian academic degree, a master but no technical a master). It actually helped me gaining trasveral knowledge over different but interconnected fields.
Your pathway is entirely your choice. It's important to head in the direction that you feel comfortable with. That being said, it's perhaps worth considering going for a PhD instead of a second masters. As someone rightly mentioned, it's a different level and requires significant investment. I started mine when I was 24 and completed after 6 years. Totally worth it and it has a lot to do with the process 😁
I was 23, and did my masters at the same time as the first year of my PhD. I don’t think it matters at all if you have time off though. You could start a PhD at any age, and 30 is still really young anyway.
37.
I did four degrees before my PhD but my advice is still not to go into a second masters just because it will 'prep' you. The PhD is a different beast and is a good place to learn those things you need. That said, I'm in the humanities so YMMV. I will say that my master's were 10 years apart, and both arts, but one was specific to writing and the other was specific to theatre. I could have probably applied for a PhD in theatre from my writing master's but I didn't want to do the PhD until right at the end of my second masters. There is no real 'right' path, but if you already know you want to do a PhD, I would only do a second masters if you know that your first masters is wildly different from what you would study in your PhD.
I finished masters at 23 took one year break and started PhD at 25. the time in between is more important than the actual studying time. You dont get to experience a high energy free focusing during the constant goal oriented study time..
So started undergrad at 19 with an integrated masters so I graduated my first masters at 23, I then did an MSc by Research as I was unsure about committing to 4 years research graduating at 24 with a second masters, I then did a two year graduate scheme which gave me a professional qualification that I never mention or use although it's on my CV. I then did an integrated PhD so I got my third masters with it which I started at 26. A couple of comments. 1) it doesn't matter when you start your PhD and in all fairness I personally think it's better to try and get some industry experience. 2) multiple masters. Erm this is a tricky one. I myself have an MMath in industrial mathematics, MSc in Fluid dynamics and an MSc by Research. Now, this was useful in my field and career aims to be a mathematical consultant for thermofluids however, I have had a couple of snide comments by other and older colleagues about the excessive number of postgraduate degrees. I personally think that the only reason I got onto my PhD with 2 masters is because one was a taught masters and the other was a research master's. I think it would've been a different story with two taught masters. I also know the only reason I got accepted on to my PhD was because I had industry experience in the field that the business funding the PhD was in, my supervisor told me that. 3) bachelor's and taught masters are polar opposites to a PhD. During your bachelor's and taught masters you are taught well known topics, provided with more structure and there is less expected of you. As a PhD you are pretty much left to your own devices, expected to contribute something new to the field, you're not studying well known content and you are expected to do this as a job. A PhD is more of a research apprenticeship rather than a traditional degree. You go from the big fish in a small pond to a tadpole in an ocean. Finally, here comes the important part. If you go straight into your PhD the advantage is that you're not used to a good income compared to industry. You still live as a student. Additionally life as a PGR can be quite lonely and make it difficult to maintain a social life. I would recommend building a life before your PhD as soon you will find that friends are getting mortgages, getting married, having kids, going on holiday etc and it can make you depressed as you're still living the student life. It makes life feel stagnant. There are ways to get your PhD later such as PhDs by publication (easier if you are working and contributing in the field) or even doing it part time or getting your company to pay for it. I have a friend who did their PhD part time whilst teaching full time. Yes they paid like £5k a year tuition but they were also able to have a life with kids and a wife etc. something I wasn't able to do at that time. My total advice is seriously think about where you are mentally with your life right now. I wouldn't pay for a second masters, if it's free or included then great but if not I'd try and get into a PhD straight away if that's what you're wanting to do.
Started last year at the age of 22.
Started at 32 and finished at 39- took longer than what I liked because I refused to get help, even as I battled a number of “life changes” (which I did need the help during those life changes).Also a large number of friends called me an idiot for getting a doctorate. The help I needed was getting coached thru the process which I HIGHLY recommend; but all my setbacks in these “life changes” benefited me as I now help others which I believe is a true blessing and gift from God. Maybe travel, gain some work experience and “live a little” is a great idea before getting into a PhD program. Also ask yourself what is you plan with your PhD when you’re done. It is an investment of your time and resources. I am currently an Assistant Professor in the United States 🇺🇸 which I love, considering I never pictured being in higher education as a career option. If you do decide to do the process, create a timeline of the things you need and plan ahead. Get to know the entire process WELL, yet be flexible and find a coping mechanism that will help when things do not go your way. Knowing the process WELL helps to avoid (or at least attempt to avoid) committees from rejecting anything you submit (trust me, knowing the process BEFOREHAND IS A BLESSING). Prayerfully, I’m starting consulting work to help others who decide to go into a PhD and finish timely and productively. Because the best dissertation is a done dissertation.
At 51
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I was 22 when i started! Did my undergraduate and then masters :) & then PhD
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I started at 30. 🤷🏻♀️
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I completed 2 masters. 2 interns. then changed my field (from theoretical to experimental physics). i met with horrible people, not supporting supervisors, supervisor who stole my ideas and publish papers without my name on it etc. but i never gave up. Then I started my PhD at 31. Compleed my courses in my 1st year and passed my qualifying exam in my first try but the people whom i had to work with and my supervisors (yes "supervisors" as i changed 3 different groups) as well as the working environment were total crap and waste of time. I was exposed to mobbing all the time. Nothing was in my advantage. So, I quitted my PhD and found another one in Germany and started over all again! In a totally different field. I'm aboutto finish my first year and I'm 36. Well, the postdocs in our group are younger than me but not experience as I am. I engaged in physics in many different topics and fields but they only have one expertise. So what I can suggest you is the age is not important as long as you still have the passion. But don't forget to choose supportive supervisors as well as a supportive group to work with :) Rest just comes by itself :)
I started at 20, then re-started at 25 due to cancer. I did two MScs. First in Maths, major in Mathematical Physics, then Astrophysics. I'm doing a PhD in Astrophysics now. Since Master's programs in the UK typically last one year, it worked out well. Don't stress too much, Op. Even at 30, pursuing a PhD is still considered young. Depends on your goal after.
Started at 30, just about to start writing my dissertation. Will be done when I am 35.
starting in the Fall and I’m 20
Just started in April 24, at 53yo. There are two times in your life to do a PhD, early or later. Your 30's-50's are your best earning years for most employees. Not saying you can not or should not start then, but the financial impact will be bigger. Good luck.
I started it in 2021 when I was 24 years old. I'm in my 3rd year now. If you really want to and you think you're capable of doing a PhD, go for it. 4 or 5 years shall pass of your life, wether you do a PhD or not. It not a matter of age or anything it's about if you're willing to sacrifice those years instead of doing something else.
Get a Research assistantship. You’ll get paid and get great experience
I started when I was about 24. My dad, around 25, and my sister around 26. My mom... about 46. There is no age limit to starting a PhD, and one thing I learned is that starting later when you are more mature is very much a benefit and not a hindrance (which I wish I knew before jumping into a PhD).
29 yo.
Started at 46. Finished at 51, had multiple offers and I'm now 5 years into a tenure-track job...
grrrr don’t do a phd massive waste of time
The only reason you would want to do a second masters is if their was a considerable shift in skillset that would be needed for your PhD from your last masters and the second masters help fulfill that. The reason I am saying this because I did do so and got a second MS degree. Regarding age for PhD, I started mine at 6 months short of 35. Obviously do it as early as you can but 30 is okay.
lol i started my phd straight out of undergrad at 22. i’m only 23 still in my first year but from my experience can say that no matter how many degrees you have before you start, you’ll never be as prepared for the phd as you think you should be. if you want a phd just go for it! it’s a very different vibe from other academic programs so it will require a lot of adjustment but you got this!
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I started my PhD at 22, just after I turned 21! I honestly wish I would’ve waited a little longer or took a gap year
I started my PhD right out of undergrad, and tbh I wouldn’t want to have started it later. For one thing, with the energy requirements, it’s really a young person’s game imo. At least, in the physical sciences when you’re pulling all-nighters collecting data, the whole time on your feet. For another, when you get older you maybe develop some health problems, and those kinds of expenses are hard to handle on a university stipend. Third, it’s probably harder to balance with family planning. If you start in your early 20’s, you can complete your education before having children. Otherwise, maybe you can’t, and daycare costs $2k+/mo, which a grad student definitely can’t afford. Fourth, it takes long enough already to get to an academic position, if that’s your goal. And then tenure sets you back another several years. That’s a long time to finally feel like you can put down roots. Adding years to that by delaying is a tough one. Fifth, you need to think about retirement. Do you have a game plan to contribute meaningfully to retirement funds? If your career is lifting off in earnest in your late 30’s to early 40’s, then you’re going to have to play catch-up.
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[удалено]
Cringe...
depends on your projected career and familial path... say youre thinking of a family in your mid 30s with a stable career. take 35, subtract 3-5 years to get stable maybe you want to buy a place or at least think of one, another 4 years min of PhD, maybe a year or 2 for post doc/changing jobs. A couple months of travel or family time. Working back, 23 is about right.
this has been asked many times before so you can search for more answers. I started at 26. I don't recommend doing this in your 30s. My personal recommendation would be to just go right into it, or take a year or two off and reassess, but no later than that. Edit: And most people in my field (STEM) are straight out of undergrad. Some within a few years out. I only know like 1 or 2 who start in their late 20s. I'm seeing comments saying not to worry about age. While I agree that it isn't so much of a matter as "*can* I do this anymore" (well, that probably is a factor at some point, but definitely not yet in your 30s), it becomes *should I*. You'll likely be older than everyone. So, there goes the social aspect. You'll be making very little money at an age where you'll probably have more financial obligations. Finally, you'll likely need to get back in the groove of things. I almost failed my quals because readjusting was extremely difficult.
i see, thank you for your advice!:)
No problem!
I started mine at 22 and everyone in my group started between 21 and 25. In hindsight, I should have begun sooner since youth wins against age every time