Will Switching Schools During My Ph.D. Hurt My CV?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of switching schools during a Ph.D. program on a CV. Participants explore concerns about how this transition may be perceived by future employers or academic institutions, particularly in relation to the absence of a master's degree and the representation of teaching and research experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Ryan expresses concern about how switching schools after two years of his Ph.D. program may negatively impact his CV, particularly since he does not have a master's degree from his previous institution.
  • Some participants note that switching schools is a common occurrence among graduate students, suggesting that it may not be viewed negatively.
  • Ryan questions whether he should include an explanation of his school switch on his CV to clarify his academic journey.
  • George asks why it is necessary to mention the original school, suggesting it may relate to including teaching assistant experience.
  • Ryan clarifies that he wants to mention his teaching assistant experience from the first institution, despite not teaching at the new school due to a research fellowship.
  • George proposes a format for the CV that includes a brief note about the school switch in the Education section, allowing for clarity without extensive elaboration.
  • Ryan indicates that he currently has a structured CV format that includes various sections like Education, Research, and Teaching, and appreciates the suggestion from George.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether or how to mention the school switch on a CV, with differing opinions on its necessity and implications. Some agree that it is common for students to switch schools, while others raise concerns about distinguishing oneself from peers who may have been dropped from programs.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the best way to present their academic history, particularly regarding the inclusion of experiences from different institutions and the potential perceptions of future employers.

Norman
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Hello all,

I thought I might pick some of your brains with a potential problem I might have. I switched schools after 2 years of my Ph.D. program, since my research advisor took a job at a different school. I followed him to his new school since my previous institution did not have a particle physicist anymore, let alone one who was familiar with all the previous research I had done on the subject.

I did not get a masters from my previous university since it would have been a big pain in the rear. I know I was lazy and should have just wrote a masters thesis, but I would have had to do some research in a field I had no experience with and that would have just delayed the work I wanted to do.

Well now I wonder if this will look badly on my CV. I have 2 years of a Ph.D. program on there with nothing to show for it from that institution. Should include an explanation somewhere? Is appropriate to have a statement like that on your CV?

Just wondered what you all might have to say about it.
Cheers,
Ryan
 
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I've heard of this happening a lot: about four grad students at my school are going through the same thing. I'm sure someone will see that and probably infer that this is what happened.
 
That is good to know that it is common, but is it appropriate to mention is somewhere on my CV? I also know a couple grad students who have been dropped from programs and transferred to other schools. How do I distinguish myself from those students?
Thanks,
Ryan
 
Why do you have to mention the school at which you started your Ph.D.?

Edit: Is it because you want to include TA experience at the first institution?

Regards,
George
 
Last edited:
George Jones said:
Why do you have to mention the school at which you started your Ph.D.?

Edit: Is it because you want to include TA experience at the first institution?

Regards,
George

In fact I will not be doing much teaching (most likely none) at my new institution since I have a fellowship for research. So I would like to have that included since I was one of the best TAs there and my reviews show it. In addition, I have done research during my time there and took almost all of my class work for my Ph.D. there.
 
A suggestion: Include a brief separate Education section that summarizes your degrees, like

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, Physics, University of ?, 20??. (Started at U of ?; advisor changed institutions.)

Bachelor of Science, Physics, University of ?, 20??.


Also have other sections with titles like Awards, Work Experience, Teaching Experience, Research Experience - whatever headings that suit you. The fairly short parenthetical comment in the Education section then explains everything.

As I said, this is only a suggestion - you should have a format with which *you* feel comfortable.

Regards,
George
 
That is the basic format that I have right now,
Education, Research, Teaching, Awards, Publications, Conference Talks, Academic Societies, and a small paragraph that explains my current research activities.

Thanks for taking the time to respond George.
Cheers,
Ryan
 

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