Age and Academic Careers: Impact of Age on PhD Graduates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of age on academic careers, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by PhD graduates in securing post-doctoral positions. Participants explore the average age of PhD completion, the relevance of age in job applications, and factors influencing hiring decisions in academia.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes they will be 28.5 years old upon completing their PhD in astrophysics and expresses concern that younger graduates with similar qualifications are securing jobs more easily.
  • Another participant suggests that the issue may lie in how the resume is presented rather than age.
  • A different participant argues that the typical duration for obtaining a PhD in astrophysics is around 5-7 years, implying that the original poster's age is not unusual for their field.
  • Some participants question whether hiring committees actually consider the age of applicants when reviewing CVs.
  • There is a suggestion that competition for post-doctoral positions is stiff, but new opportunities continue to arise.
  • One participant points out that the original poster's previous inquiries about PhD information raise questions about their current postdoc applications.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of having a strong thesis, impressing advisors, and performing well in interviews as key factors in securing a position.
  • Concerns are raised about the credibility of the original poster's claims regarding their PhD status, with some participants expressing skepticism about their situation.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of research experience and publications over the prestige of the institution attended.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of age in academic hiring, with some suggesting it is a factor while others argue it is not. There is no consensus on the impact of age versus the quality of application materials and research experience.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference the variability in PhD completion times across different countries, indicating that cultural and institutional differences may affect perceptions of age and academic careers.

matt.harvard
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I'm currently finishing my phd in astrophysics and ill be 28.5 yrs old when i do so. I'm now looking for a post-doc job and it seems to be difficult. I've attended top undergraduate and graduate schools but seem to have no offers or call-backs on my applications.I'm being told that younger phd graduates (with the same qualifications) are getting the jobs i want.

My question is, What is concidered the average age of someone getting their phd starting from high school (average age of 18)? Does age matter when trying to find a acedemic career, if so at what age does your chances diminish? Most graduates from the years 1900-1960 graduate at 24.5 but now that seems like an unlikely task unless you are gifted or have graduated high school earlier.

Any feedback is appreciated
 
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Just putting this out there, but it might be how your resume is presented that may be the root to you problem.
 
I'm not really seeing where you're coming up with this. As you undoubtedly well know, it takes most people about 5-7 years to get their astrophysics PhD (generally 5-6 years at the better schools) after finishing undergrad at 21-23, so you're hardly unusual. Besides, do you think that professors are actually looking at graduation years and estimating how old their applicants are?

I'm with Bitter...it's your CV/research statement/publishing history/recommendations you should be looking at. You also undoubtedly know that the school you graduate from, while important, won't save you with a poor research record, or a good research record that's presented poorly.

Or, you may just have stiff competition. But new jobs are being offered all the time, even if we're getting to the end of the main season...
 
Actually, because of your spelling of "programme" in https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=1218605", I guess you're not in the US. So sure, it tends to take somewhat less time in most other places, but I've known several European and Asian postdocs in their late 20's and early 30's, so it doesn't seem to matter too much.

Though given that you said four months ago that you were looking for info on PhDs, I'm a little bemused as to how you're applying for postdocs now, but hey.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
your advisor should be able to answer this question much better than we can do.

try to: 1) do a good job on your thesis,

2) impress your advisor,

3) interview well,

4) have faith in yourself.

you will likely find a chance to prove yourself.

good luck.
 
Philbin said:
Though given that you said four months ago that you were looking for info on PhDs, I'm a little bemused as to how you're applying for postdocs now, but hey.

There is certainly something fishy going on here. Let's just say that there better be a very good explanation for this from the OP.

Zz.
 
You can buy PhD's for a few hundred bucks from some dodgy websites. But you would have little (if any) research experience. So probably wouldn't recommend it.

But instead of slamming matt.harvard, he should get the benefit of the doubt.
 
... says someone who 'probably wouldn't recommend' buying a PhD. <removed unnecessary comment>
 
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  • #10
silly me, i assumed he was getting a phd from harvard.
 
  • #11
Let's just say that some people don't share a love of the ideal.
 
  • #12
matt.harvard - how many publications do you have? I'd say that was more a distinguishing part of getting to the interview stage, not the schools you've attended.
 
  • #13
verty said:
... says someone who 'probably wouldn't recommend' buying a PhD. <removed unnecessary comment>

I was taking the piss ...
 
  • #14
I understand the confusion that is being presented but I just can't understand what one would gain from pretending to be completing a PhD, if they in fact weren't and then ask questions about post-doc. Especially since most of you guys have PhD's or are working towards one.

Matt, where you at homie? Provide some clarity to this distorted situation.
 

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