A PhD Is Not Enough!: A Guide to Survival in Science by Peter J. Feibelman (PDF)

Description

Everything you ever need to know about making it as a scientist. Despite your graduate education, brainpower, and technical prowess, your career in scientific research is far from assured. Permanent positions are scarce, science survival is rarely part of formal graduate training, and a good mentor is hard to find. In A Ph.D. Is Not Enough!, physicist Peter J. Feibelman lays out a rational path to a fulfilling long-term research career. He offers sound advice on selecting a thesis or postdoctoral adviser; choosing among research jobs in academia, government laboratories, and industry; preparing for an employment interview; and defining a research program. The guidance offered in A Ph.D. Is Not Enough! will help you make your oral presentations more effective, your journal articles more compelling, and your grant proposals more successful. A classic guide for recent and soon-to-be graduates, A Ph.D. Is Not Enough! remains required reading for anyone on the threshold of a career in science. This new edition includes two new chapters and is revised and updated throughout to reflect how the revolution in electronic communication has transformed the field.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review “It took me over forty years to learn from experience what can be learned in one hour from this guide.” ―Carl Djerassi”Breezily written, irreverent, and filled with useful information. I wish something like it had been available when I was starting out.” ―Michael Weber, Cancer Center Director, University of Virginia, Charlottesville”I loved A PhD Is Not Enough! I couldn’t put it down. His writing is delightful, and he is on targed with virtually all of his advice.”―Steven H. Strogatz, author of The Joy of X About the Author A Senior Scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, Peter J. Feibelman received a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California at San Diego, did postdoctoral research at the C.E.N. Saclay (France) and the University of Illinois (Urbana), and taught for three years at Stony Brook University. Feibelman lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐The book arrived in good conditions. It’s particularly useful for PhD student close to finishing or early post-docs, and not so much for early career PhDs. Since it was written a long time ago, some of the information is somewhat outdated, but most if it is still relevant. It just misses some new aspects, like the importance of social media presence and looking for jobs online and so on.

⭐This book only has value if you are in the physical sciences (and maybe math and engineering). Since I am not in and have limited knowledge of these fields, I cannot comment on the validity of the author’s specific advice for those who are.Originally published in 1993, this book contains “revisions” made in 2010. These revisions are only apparent in an additional chapter or two, but they seem like they were written over a decade ago. Feibelman rhetorically asks several times if he is too old and out of touch to give meaningful advice, and even devotes an entire chapter “Advice from a dinosaur?” to the topic. Throughout reading this book it become clearly apparent how out of touch Feibelman really is:- The revisions are largely because of the internet (you don’t have to write to the author or ask secretary/staff to make you photo copies of articles now!) and powerpoint presentations (instead of overhead projectors).- Anger over having to learn important very relevant guidelines and safety procedures in scientific research: “Your research progress may be impeded by incessant demands to take internet or live courses-on protection of intellectual property, “export control,” shop safety, types of fire extinguishers, and… you name it.!” (page 83). While yes these are annoying and hassle, the critical importance of issues such as intellectual property and data regulation were well established before 2010. Why does he not care about fire safety? Maybe because postdocs and grad students are replaceable, so who cares if they die in lab because they can’t use the fire extinguisher in an emergency.-To help get tenure “… maintain at least minmal moral standards (love affairs with your students are SOMETIMES frowned upon)…” ) page 71. Yes I do know it is not unheard of a PI and a grad student becoming involved, but this sounds like the a misogynistic “don’t touch, but if you it’s not a big deal” mentality reminiscent of the 1960’s.-Writing grant proposals is a waste of time for grad students and postdocs, so stick to your research and let your PI take care of that (not a quote but paraphrasing from pages 137-138). This is the STUPIDEST advise ever. Even if you want to go into industry, grant writing is tremendous learning experience in writing and securing your own independent funding is a highly desirable achievement for both grad students and postdocs, especially if staying in academia.- There is a central theme emphasizing not to collaborate. I do understand and completely agree these types of decisions need to be very careful thought out and considering how beneficially it will actually be to you in the immediate and long term future. But as research becomes ever increasingly specialized, collaborations are often required to answer the hardest questions.For those in any biology related field do not waste your time with this book. As someone who obtained a PhD (’12) and am currently starting my 3rd year as a postdoc, most of the advise would make no sense for those like me in the biomedical sciences. Reading why one should “skip” being an assistant professor and apply for a higher academic position after time in industry or a national lab sounded like the words of a crazy person to me. Feibelman argues to publish a lot of shorter papers with less data then a larger one with a more complete story because the higher the number of papers published looks better on a CV. While I will be the first to acknowledge the Impact Factor index is an unfair and hierarchical measurement of one’s contributions and achievements, unfortunately where one publishes is more important than shear volume in academia. There is some is some general universal advise, but most likely nothing you haven’t heard before.This book was such a waste, it is the first book I placed in the trash instead of donating.

⭐First off, let me point out that I’m reviewing the first edition of this book (1993) which I very recently bought. Had I known a second edition was coming out so soon, I would have bought that instead. Anyway, this book is basically advice for young people who are interested in a career in science. If you are planning to go to graduate school (for a Ph.D.), it will be especially of help. There are 8 easily readable chapters that take you from graduate school all the way up to establishing yourself as a reputable scientist. Given that the book is only 100 pages or so, the material is obviously succinct. There is also some useful material on preparing (and delivering) scientific presentations, and writing science papers.As a young scientist myself (in academia), I can relate to much of it and also learned a few things (e.g. in terms of what to expect at this point). The only issue I had with the book is this. While Feibelman’s background is physics, his advice his still largely applicable to people doing research in other areas. However, his perspectives are very US-oriented. The depictions of processes and life in both academia and industry are therefore not very accurate if you look at science and scientists in other countries. In fact, taking his advice – assuming it all works the way he says they do – in *your* country, could actually be detrimental to your career. I found myself shaking my head at times, realizing that this may be how it is in the US, but it’s a bit different where I’m from. Some things are better, some things are worse. Ultimately, as a scientist (whether in academia or industry), you should basically want to do the best science you can in the time you have. If your intentions are genuine and work thorough, you are more likely to be the most satisfied at the end of the day.

⭐Currently I’m an undergrad applying for graduate school, and I think having a book that outlines what the various career paths are is very helpful. If you haven’t had a professor or family member to talk to you about what career options will (and won’t) be available for post Ph.D. then I think this is a must read. If you already have a pretty good idea of what you envision post Ph.D. I would still recommend giving it a quick read to hopefully give you that extra confidence in your decisions.This book does focus on the options of a Ph.D. in academia, but does touch on the industry prospects you might have. Understanding the career path is important. When you are in a company the ladder to climb (and how to climb it) are pretty straightforward. I don’t think it is as clear cut in academia (especially if you are like me as an undergrad who knows relatively little about what is to come).

⭐I was pointed to this book prior to starting my PhD during a talk by someone with moderate success in engineering/biotech. I picked up a second hand copy and believe its really worth a read.If at first it seems a bit demoralizing, keep on, it should help you get your thought planned out and identify the cases described in the book in your own department.If you’re joining a PhD program or are considering further education I would highly recommend this book. Alternatively give it as a gift (as the previous owner of mine had) its quite a witty present but genuinely useful.

⭐This book is best read after attaining your PhD not during.

⭐This books will help you with taking informed choices both after doing your PhD as well as even before thinking about one (that whether you are capable of traversing the real world after PhD which is not as rosy as you might like to think).You might think why 4 stars. Well there are couple of reasons: (1) This book seems to be very specific to the research climate in the US. I am quite sure this is not the case (at-least entirely) in other countries. If you are in the US or are thinking to do your postdoc there, this book is of immense value. Otherwise, it is still definitely worth its silver but it would be hard on the author to expect so otherwise. (2) The book is solely for ‘scientists’. This is mentioned in the cover of the book also. But like me, you might expect that there are some nuggets of information for humanities folks, but that is not the case here, not even a footnote.All the best!

⭐Sobre el envío: Llegó a tiempo y en buenas condiciones.Sobre el libro: Excelente guía rápida que describe las implicaciones de meterse en el mundo de la investigación, sus ventajas y desventajas. Además proporciona útiles consejos para no morir en el intento. Me parece que es un libro muy útil no sólo para estudiantes y graduados de Doctorado, sino para aquellos que apenas están considerando estudiar uno. Ya que no todos contamos con alguien que te describa la realidad a la que se enfrenta un estudiante recién graduado de Doctorado, del área que sea.

⭐

⭐People who undertake doctoral study tend to want or expect to have an academic career of teaching, studying, writing, publishing and making a contribution to their field if not to the world. While they may get the technical training that they need to succeed in their field, especially as students, they often don’t get the training that they need to survive in the job market, which is tough and getting tougher. This small book focuses on just that missing information and does an excellent job of it. In 10 relatively compact chapters author Peter Feibelman provides wonderful advice on what students need to do to survive graduate school, to develop professional skills and contacts, and to position themselves for the academic job of their dreams. He covers topics such as choosing a mentor and an advisor; postdoctoral work; preparing and giving presentations; publication; the comparative merits of jobs in academia, industry and government; what to expect from job interviews; grant proposals and funding; and establishing a research programme. Finally, he ends with a short checklist of reminders. Feibelman himself refers to his advice as common sense, but it is really only common sense to someone who has already been through the process. As a useful guide it provides a “road map” to follow. Doctoral students and recent graduates should read it, and then re-read it on a regular basis.

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