Age and Academic Careers: Impact of Age on PhD Graduates

[matt.harvard]

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

 

[Bitter]

Just putting this out there, but it might be how your resume is presented that may be the root to you problem.

 

[Philbin]

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...

 

[Philbin]

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.

 

[jtbell]

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.

Good catch! :rofl:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=1095330#post1095330

 

[mathwonk]

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.

 

[ZapperZ]

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.

 

[theperthvan]

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.

 

[verty]

... says someone who 'probably wouldn't recommend' buying a PhD. <removed unnecessary comment>

 

[mathwonk]

silly me, i assumed he was getting a phd from harvard.

 

[verty]

Let's just say that some people don't share a love of the ideal.

 

[J77]

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.

 

[theperthvan]

... says someone who 'probably wouldn't recommend' buying a PhD. <removed unnecessary comment>

I was taking the piss ...

 

[complexPHILOSOPHY]

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.