What is the odds of being a professor at a top tier university?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the competitive nature of securing a professorship at top-tier universities like Harvard and NYU, revealing that only a small number of PhDs are hired in fields such as mathematics and philosophy. Analysis indicates that approximately 60 PhDs are produced in a decade, with only 2-3 securing professorships, leading to a 1/30 chance for top graduates. The conversation highlights the misconception that non-academic jobs are inferior, emphasizing that many PhDs contribute significantly outside of academia, particularly in fields like medical physics. The overall unemployment rate for PhDs in Science, Engineering, and Health is reported at 1.7%, but underemployment remains a concern.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of academic career paths and the hiring process in higher education.
  • Familiarity with the structure and ranking of universities, particularly in the context of PhD programs.
  • Knowledge of the job market for PhDs in various fields, including academia and industry.
  • Awareness of the concept of underemployment and its implications for PhD graduates.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the hiring trends and statistics for PhDs in specific fields, focusing on academic positions.
  • Explore the career trajectories of PhD graduates in medical physics and related industries.
  • Investigate the concept of underemployment and its impact on PhD holders across disciplines.
  • Learn about alternative career paths for PhDs outside of academia, including roles in research and development.
USEFUL FOR

Graduate students, aspiring professors, academic advisors, and professionals in research fields seeking to understand the academic job market and alternative career opportunities for PhD graduates.

  • #31
It sounds like the only reason you want to be a professor, PhysicsMonk, is for the ego boost. To show the world you're the best.

You may make it. You may become a professor at an ivy-league university. You may have graduate students who worship the ground you walk on (at least, until they get that slip of paper and they're no longer your slaves). But will that make you happy forever knowing you will be the professor teaching the course every student just has to "get through" so they can get their degree because you don't even care about the students or their success?

If you really want to teach at an excellent school, please do it because you love the work, not for the bragging rights. I imagine that most people get bored of those rights after a few years and kinda wish they'd done something they actually like (or pays the bills) than something they can use to say to an average Joe on the street, "I teach at Yale! Yeah, that school you hear about in movies! You'll never make it there! Bahaha!"

I'm not insulting you. Just trying to help you. Think what will make you happy. Forget about everyone else, about all the possible accolades, rewards, power, or praise you can receive from everyone else. Think about what YOU want to do.

PhysicsMonk said:
I think it is pretty sad you have a lot of people with many years of experience from getting their phd, and do a job that any HS drop out can do.

Have you ever thought about people who clean junior high schools because they enjoy it and don't care about what other people think of them?
 

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