Hi everyone...

It was really good to read the comments posted here (although I didn't read everything but what I did read has been food for thought).

I am writing because I essentially have the same problem...whether to go for a PhD or to work....except that I don't have time on my side (I am not very young ). I was hoping for some comments from the people here...I was just wondering what you guys think considering that some of you have the experience....

First some background on me...I graduated from Universiti Teknologi Petronas (1st class honours)...then worked in an oil and gas contractor company for 2 years..got bored (although the pay and colleagues were good)..applied for a Japanese Government scholarship to do my Masters and was lucky enough to get it. So I did my Masters in the University of Tokyo (took 2.5 years ...which I admit is long) and I have just got back from Tokyo.

Honestly I love learning...I enjoyed my time in Tokyo.....the research work I did was entirely different from what I was doing (my research was in atmospheric chemistry...while my background was in chemical engineering (processes)). Despite the difference, I enjoyed it....I learnt about new techniques to measure the pollutants in the atmosphere...I got to pick up some Japanese....it was great fun.

So since I enjoyed it so much....I applied for the Erasmus Mundus PhD scholarship program and got it! The PhD program (focused on developing a renewable energy product) will take about 4 years and includes an internship period...I also will receive a stipend of 1400 - 2800 (euros).

Sounds good right? And I was honestly pretty happy about the entire deal. I was aiming to work in Europe for a few years after my PhD but since coming back to Malaysia, circumstances have forced me to rethink my plans...so was hoping for some feedback.

I found out my dad is not well...I did not know this until my aunty told me....my dad has some heart problems and I am the only child...so I'm thinking maybe I should forgo the scholarship and work here. Then again, I thought..the scholarship wasn't so easy to get and perhaps I could go (while keeping in touch with my parents everyday and sending them part of my stipend) and then come back to Malaysia after having my PhD....

But some questions I do have are:

1) Assuming I do go to Finland (where my home university is) and complete my PhD, I'll be 32. Do you think it is realistic to get a job as an engineer (as opposed to a lecturer) in Malaysia?

2) I don't actually mind being a lecturer but since coming back, I've applied to some colleges (Taylor's, SEGI, Manipal International University) for the position of foundation studies lecturer but haven't really gotten any replies. It's been a month now and honestly, it's slightly discouraging....is this normal in the education industry? Can anyone give me some feedback on this?

3) I was also looking through the website of companies in Malaysia which do hire PhD holders e.g. Shell, McKinsey etc.. I was wondering if anyone here knows of PhD holders who managed to get a job with Shell Malaysia? One of the options I am considering is to apply to Shell after my PhD (am hoping to work as a Product or Process Researcher there). Umm...I'm not sure if this is relevant..but I did get an offer from Shell right after I finished my undergraduate studies but I rejected it because honestly, I wasn't confident that I would do a good job. Even then, I applied to be a Researcher there but I got an offer to be a Technologist (which I suppose was reasonable, considering I had zero experience). So I'm not sure if my previously rejecting Shell's offer would affect my future chances there. And there's always the fact that I'll be 32 after I complete my PhD.

So those are my questions...I am really sorry for the long post (I am pretty long-winded..apologies for that!) and I am really hoping to hear what you guys think. Thank you so much!!

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!