Well said, that's what I keep telling myself despite most of my friends telling me that experience is more important and so on..

You can always earn your experience later. If you have the determination to continue post-grad studies, especially research base, which is known for its boring routine and years of mental torture, I don't see why you will have problem working in the industry and gaining the experience later on...

in malaysia la,

which company u can work for when u get your phd other than teach in public institution?

can give example of company instead of naming the industry?

its easy to give general answers like say pharmaceutical industry or research industry but when u really tink about it..

too many senior managers, and top gov officials (> N48, 52) who currently doing Master told me to find a job first before continue PhD ... I've been attacked almost everyday ...     

A few examples:

The director (with a Dr. title) from First Solar came to my campus to give a talk on solar technologies weeks ago. He was a lecturer before he was appointed as the director of the company..

Intel sponsor their graduate trainee to further their studies in USM, which is what my senior doing now.

Motorola provides grant for students to apply for post-grad research in MMU.

Seriously, it's really hurt inside when any opinion or cases study (despite it's relevant) rejected or looked down just because lack of experiences ... lucky only one month left ...     

I'm doing MM (IT),  core MBA subjects with IT as electives. But still, I've to admit .. 97% of my classmates including MBA is working people. But, what is wrong of doing PhD without experience? Isn't that at worst, I can get a job as a lecturer if no one want me to be a researcher?     

Still easy to get a job? No? 

Most of the lectures I know are suggesting to any students to do direct PhD instead of doing Master. The reason, wasting time . 

Hi Sandy90,

First of all thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I really appreciate it. I'll be taking your advice and calling up the colleges first thing tomorrow morning. May I ask another question? Would you know what is the average age for a young lecturer? These days, you have 25 year olds with a PhD so I'm thinking there'll be tough competition.

Also thank you for the suggestion that I look into foreign universities in Malaysia. If it is okay, may I know which ones you might be referring to? I admit I have only taken a look at the Monash University website and unfortunately there aren't any PhD scholarships on offer that is in my field. But I'll keep checking because you never know. I also know of Nottingham University's Malaysian campus...but other than that I admit I don't know much about foreign universities which have set up base in Malaysia (I will need to do my homework on that).

Finally, I'd appreciate any insight or experiences you'd like to share being in the education field (if you're free and have the time).

My plan right now is either to a) accept the scholarship and then return immediately to Malaysia(should I be successful in getting the PhD) or b) forget about the scholarship and just start working. I'm having a headache right now deciding (although I'm aware that having choices is a privilege), so any input from anyone that will help me make a somewhat informed decision will be welcomed.

Once again, thank you!