Programs Age and Academic Careers: Impact of Age on PhD Graduates

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a nearly 29-year-old PhD candidate in astrophysics seeking postdoctoral positions. Despite attending prestigious institutions, the candidate reports difficulty receiving offers, attributing this to younger graduates with similar qualifications being favored. Participants in the discussion emphasize that age is not a primary factor in hiring decisions, suggesting that the candidate should focus on improving their CV, research statement, and publication record. They note that it typically takes 5-7 years to complete a PhD in astrophysics, making the candidate's timeline relatively standard. The conversation also touches on the importance of strong recommendations and interview skills, while some express skepticism about the candidate's readiness for postdoc applications given their prior inquiries about PhD programs. Overall, the consensus is that competition is stiff, but opportunities remain available, and the candidate should concentrate on presenting their qualifications effectively.
matt.harvard
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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>
 
Last edited:
  • #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.
 

Similar threads

Other Average Age for PhD Graduates in Maths/Physics
Replies
5
Views
6K
Other Am I too old to become a Prof?
Replies
18
Views
2K
Admissions Minimum GPA & GPA-Importance for Top PhD Programs
Replies
4
Views
3K
Programs Advice on decision for a US vs UK/EU PhD [Particle Physics]
Replies
12
Views
2K
Admissions What are my chances of getting into a competitive physics PhD program?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Programs Difference between an astronomy and astrophysics PhD?
Replies
2
Views
3K
Admissions Getting into a top tier Physics PhD Program with a Masters Degree
2
Replies
50
Views
9K
Programs How Can I Transition from Physics to a Career in Medical Physics?
Replies
6
Views
5K
Studying Age Impact on Academic Career: German Study & PhD at 30+
Replies
18
Views
4K
Programs Should I pursue an Engineering or Physics track?
Replies
12
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top