Back in 2002 I pursued PhD to (a) get out of my old job, also a chance to (b) get out of Malaysia and basically to jump start a © new career in academia. I achieved (a) and (b) but not ©! I did finally get a PhD at Cardiff University but my interest in academia waned. By then I got my PR, a reasonably decent job, my kids are in college and I am 'tired' and 'middle-aged'! I'm just happy and contented and the challenge (to better myself career-wise) don't excite me anymore. Good luck to anyone wanting a PhD, but for goodness sake start earlier, perhaps in your late 20's or early 30's. A PhD takes at least 3 years, often drags on to 4 or longer. Ask yourself if you have the stamina and tenacity to sustain the long and often lonely struggle! Lol. Don't forget the impact on your finances as well. I was pretty lucky, I guess, being able to get a job less than a month settling in Cardiff.

Sth to share, I am a 2nd year phd student in UK and one of my phd colleague over here is an assist. professor (i.e Prof. Madya) in the Malaysia. Am appalled that you don't need to have a phd to become a professor/ assistant prof in Malaysia.

can someone share where is the best location to pursue study in Phd at oversea especially in engineering management?

what is the step to further there? i have qualification from local university and now  looking for next step to gain the knowledge at oversea.

hope someone mind to share.

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Added on April 11, 2011, 2:42 pm

wow looked likes very tough experience here, sad to hear that but i just wondering if to become a phd, someone should be very strong knowledge in their expertise...if they can challenge your expertise it mean you not competent enough..

Teaching offers little rewards. PhD is a license to publish credible papers. The more you publish in key journals, the better your reputation and prestige. That's why where you got your PhD is important. Also the subject matter. Otherwise your PhD is just a piece of junk even toilet paper is worth more. At least you can wipe your backside with it!

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Added on April 15, 2011, 2:19 am

The key to getting to a good university is to write a good PhD proposal. Usually about 1000 - 2000 words. There are many good websites that can help you. A visit to Mabecs will be beneficial especially if you are planning to pursue PhD in Britain. They can offer valuable guidelines. The importance of a good proposal cannot be understated. You must aim to attract the best supervisors. Remember, your supervisor will later act as your future reference, not to mention you will also want to colloborate with him/her for future research and papers. Hence it helps to do some research on your potential supervisors. Understand what their interests are and read some of their papers. Then 'tailor-make' you proposal to match their broad interests. In the UK, and I am sure its the same in most good research based universities, publishing papers in quality journals are key indicators for higher rankings. Its really a cut throat business in academic world. There is a saying 'publish or die'.Thus, the supervisor is also keen to attract 'quality' students' whom they can do joint research with in view of future publications. Again if you are planning to study in UK, look out at the minimum the 'Russell Group' universities. These are the cream of British uni's as they get the most funding.

Of course, if all you want is a PhD and then 'balik kampung' to Malaysia merely to to teach, then any uni or supervisor will do. Most sponsored malaysians seems to follow the easy route. But I recon it is a waste of money and talent. Do your homework and get to the very best uni and supervisor you can get!