Why PhD? Understanding Motives behind Pursuing a PhD

Abstract

The present paper examines the rationale of earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree as the doctoral education is a challenging, but valuable, academic and professional route to development. Although the conventional wisdom tends to explain doctoral study as a way of career advancement or academic curiosity, the new ways of thinking are diverse and changes as time goes on. The aim of the current research was to comprehend the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations that affect the choices of those scholars who decide to join doctoral programs, as well as the factor of mentorship, financial issues, and difficulties they faced in the course of their studies. Qualitative research design was used, with data gathered on a sample of fifteen PhD students who had recently (2020 to present) joined the University of the Punjab and the University of Okara by taking an open-ended questionnaire using an online platform. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the responses and made it easier to identify patterns and meanings that recur in the experiences of the participants. Results showed that personal interest, intellectual curiosity, and love of research were also the major motivators of many respondents. There were also extrinsic factors such as career progression, money and professional needs, which also significantly contributed. Also, mentorship and orientation proved to be important in decision-making, and motives to work were identified to be changing depending on the academic challenges, finances, and balance between work and life. It is concluded in the study that doctoral motivation is dynamic and situation specific and it is formed by both individual aspirations and realities of the structure. The knowledge of these factors can be used to help institutions and policymakers create favorable doctoral conditions that strengthen persistence, well-being and successful completion.