I'm planning to do it locally, ya, there might be 'saying' that oversea is better (I can't deny it is) but I do believe when it come to the end, performance is what matter. That's what I been telling myself; comfort/lies?...i not so sure now.

P/S: My financial status doesn't allow me to go oversea; even with scholarship.

Are the currency you mentioned in MYR?

If you're an engineering student, I'm pretty sure you heard about BEM & IEM, from these two bodies, you could gain P.Eng which is Professional Engineer.

1. D.Eng or so, I guess is the other name for PhD in engineering. If I'm not mistaken, different country has different naming for it. Yet in M'sia, no matter what course you are, be it an engineering, biochemistry, etc. all under one PhD.

2. In M'sia, we use PhD. There is MPhil which is inferior to PhD; given to those who can't meet the requirement of completing a PhD.

3. That's PhD for business.

Hope it helps.

I think you misunderstand my meaning. P.Eng is a title for professional engineer accredited by BEM and IEM. Different case form D.Eng, etc.

For D.Eng (that I'm not so sure about it, but I would give it a guess it's either different naming for PhD in Engineering or a Post-Doctorate title) [ask lord google for better confirmation]

I believe to go for DBA, you need MBA. Eventhough I have seen many that go for MBA with Engineering Deg. [ask lord google again]

Erm...personal opinion: the salary of an engineer will be saturated at some level; that is when most of the engineers some sort of convert to management. The advantage of being a manager with technical background would be you really understand the whole process of your product flow, rather than just manage the manpower.

Normally, they will promote you to manager after certain level, no more other position that they can promote you to.

Finally, I made my decision, I will go for fast track PhD in one of our local University. 3-4 years of devotion.

I shall start with proposal writing. Thank you guys for your comments, and point of view.

This post has been edited by ShrugsLova: Jul 19 2011, 12:32 AM

Do anyone know about the conversion program?
Msc/PhD conversion program. Many of the local unis are offering this. If you do know about this, enlighten me more.

Let me do a quick recap/update: I'm still working while waiting for my scholarship to be approved. So basically, I still haven't step in for any research, etc. From my realtime experience, and well trust me; working experience at one extent will become saturated and somehow you will only repeat what you did everyday. Saying this, I believe after (let's say 4 years working in one industry, you'll learn almost EVERYTHING about your work and from there onward, you just repeat your tasks everyday). And please bear in mind, EXPERIENCE doesn't always equal to MONEY. I've met many, yes MANY engineers working for 6-10 years plus but still getting pay below 5k). In industry, like it or not, what they talk about is PERFORMANCE rather than EXPERIENCE.

So if you're relating EXPERIENCE=MONEY=SUCCESS; I don't think so.

PhD will somehow sharpen your analytical skills and with good analytical skill= better PERFORMANCE. PhD is actually an non-work related experience gaining also but in a longer term (4 years). If you're smart, maybe you can tailor made your PhD based on what you want to work as. Example: PhD on Solar Cell---> First Solar.

For engineering, big MNC like Intel, Motorola, Agilent do recruit PhD holder for Senior Engineer. Their salary should range between 5k-6k.

USM too, in fact even UK and SG university.

Undeniable, most of the PhD holder will end up as a lecturers because the reason they took up PhD at the first place is to research. Not many company can afford a R&D group, only MNC can, the other alternative is to stay at university; furthermore most of the research uni do have a complete range of equipment for research.

This post has been edited by ShrugsLova: Dec 16 2011, 05:02 PM

haha, this post still alive. Let's continue the debate.

I have gotten a scholarship to study in SG and will depart this august. Thank for your concern. Right now, I'm still working to get enough pocket money for the traveling fees and such.

Just want to summarize/share some opinion of mine:

1) Don't waste time doing PhD if you're aiming for money. In term of cash, experience will be forever on top of PhD.

2) PhD does open more opportunity, but I can't say it is a better one.

3) Only go for PhD, if you have a strong interest in the field you're taking. Also, the mentality to stay 'student' for the next 4 years. Forget about buying assets/marriage in this 4 years period.

4) 4 years commitment is not short, don't start if you're not sure. I don't want you to waste your time+money and stop half way.

5) If you're not sure what you want, opt to work first (you can stop anytime you want) then only decide. Don't go the other way round (PhD need 4 years commitment). Also, by working first, you will cherish your PhD more - provided if you're a research lover.

6) I'd agree with a forumer; PhD does change your lifestyle. At least, you'll be labelled as nerd for another 4 years.

7) Lastly, follow your heart. It can't be wrong.