Academic Superheroes: Is PhD Over Supply a Symptom?

In summary, the article "Academic Superheroes" from Science Daily discusses a study on academic job advertisements and how the specific criteria make it difficult for candidates to meet them all. Some descriptions can even be contradictory and confusing. The ideal candidate is expected to have a PhD, 5 years of relevant work experience in 3 different countries, fluency in multiple languages, and be 22 years old. The article also mentions how famous physicists can be compared to superheroes, with Heisenberg being compared to The Watcher and Schrodinger possibly being another option due to his famous "cat" experiment.
  • #1
Choppy
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I saw this article: Academic Superheroes over at Science Daily today and thought people might be interested. It talks about a study of academic job want adds and how the criteria are so specific it's nearly impossible to meet them all.

Is this just a symptom of an oversupply of PhDs?

From the article:
The study's authors, Inger Mewburn and Rachael Pitt, highlight how some overly specific descriptions could become contradictory and confusing. One sentence in a lengthy job description stated that the candidate was "expected to exercise independence and creativity while being a part of the team, and to be prepared to learn new skills and adapt to new problems."
 
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  • #2
"expected to exercise independence and creativity while being a part of the team, and to be prepared to learn new skills and adapt to new problems."
Oh well. Everyone has those qualities to some extent, just make sure you mention them. More interesting are harder criteria. The ideal candidate has a PhD, 5 years of job-relevant working experience in 3 different countries, speaks all those languages fluently, and is 22.
 
  • #3
Feynman = Spiderman
Pauli = Dr Strange
Fermi = Dr Doom
Heisenberg = The Watcher
 
  • #4
Hornbein said:
Heisenberg = The Watcher

Schrodinger might be another option as he "watches his cat" to see if it's alive or dead.
 

1. What is the current state of PhD over supply?

The current state of PhD over supply is a debated topic in the academic community. Some argue that there is an oversupply of PhDs, leading to a lack of available jobs and low pay for those with PhDs. Others argue that the demand for PhDs is increasing in certain fields and that there is not an oversupply. Overall, there is no clear consensus on the current state of PhD over supply.

2. What factors contribute to PhD over supply?

There are several factors that can contribute to PhD over supply, including an increase in the number of PhD programs, a lack of job availability in certain fields, and a decrease in funding for research and academic positions. Additionally, societal pressure to obtain a PhD and the perception that it guarantees a higher salary can also contribute to an oversupply of PhDs.

3. How does PhD over supply impact the job market for PhD holders?

PhD over supply can have a significant impact on the job market for PhD holders. It can lead to fierce competition for available academic positions, resulting in job insecurity and low pay for those with PhDs. It can also limit job opportunities outside of academia, as many industries may not require or value a PhD degree.

4. What are the potential consequences of PhD over supply?

The potential consequences of PhD over supply include a decrease in the value of a PhD degree, as well as a decrease in the quality of research being produced. It can also lead to a lack of diversity in the academic community, as individuals from underrepresented groups may face additional barriers in obtaining a PhD and securing a job in academia.

5. What solutions are being proposed to address PhD over supply?

Some proposed solutions to address PhD over supply include limiting the number of PhD programs, providing better career guidance and job training for PhD students, and increasing funding for research and academic positions. There is also a growing movement to re-evaluate the value and expectations of a PhD degree in order to better align with the current job market.

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