Benefits of a PhD

For those who want to take their education to the highest level, there are a few types of doctorate degrees available that can help you meet your goals. One of these options is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. A PhD, along with other types of doctoral degrees, is considered a terminal degree, meaning that they are the final step in academic achievement. 

For those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree, know that there are many benefits to completing this type of program. Although it may be a difficult journey, the advantages that come with the degree and the skills you'll learn while completing the program are sure to be worth it. Keep reading to learn about some of the benefits of a PhD degree.

Creates a Sense of Accomplishment and Credibility

Completing a PhD program is a respected accomplishment — and for good reason. Those who earn a PhD have invested considerable time and effort in completing their degree program. Completion is often associated with prestige and credibility along with a personal sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching the highest level of academic achievement.

Not only will this accomplishment impact you personally, but it will also influence your professional life. Many employers value the knowledge and skills that come with earning a PhD. This will give you credibility in the job market, showing both employers and coworkers that you’re a hardworking and dedicated professional.

Gives You Transferable Skills for All Industries

While earning your PhD, you will not only gain specialized knowledge within your field but also transferable skills that you can use no matter what career path you ultimately follow. Learning proper research methods and how best to take notes is an invaluable skill that you can use in most workplace settings.

You will also learn important communication skills, including presenting and writing. Employers value job candidates who have good writing skills and who are comfortable presenting information to other employees. Communication skills are critical in every workplace and are constantly ranked among the most important skills for successful professionals.¹

In addition, whichever PhD you choose to pursue will give you a different skill set, depending on your focus. For example, a PhD in Educational Technology Integration will help you learn how to incorporate technology into different settings, including the academic world as well as other organizations and communities. 

Opens Career and Advancement Opportunities

Because earning a PhD gives you credibility in the workplace as well as highly valuable transferable skills, you will find that having this degree opens opportunities in fields or positions where having an advanced degree is recommended or required.

It’s a common misconception that a PhD only prepares professionals to enter the world of academia. A PhD can prepare you to enter a profession in any field, depending on the focus of your degree. Although you can still choose to pursue a career as a professor or researcher at a university, you can also look into a career in your chosen industry or a higher-level position in your current profession.

For example, with a PhD in humanities, you would be able to pursue careers in a variety of professions, such as publishing or grant writing, counseling or civil service. A PhD in business would prepare you for a variety of data analytic positions or even consulting.² These are just a few examples of jobs outside academia that you could pursue with a PhD, so take time to research what careers might interest you if you’re looking for a career change with your new degree. 

If you’re already in a career that you enjoy, you may find that earning a PhD can open higher-level management positions or a better salary. Given that you will now have a highly desired skill set, you might also be able to advance more quickly in your current career and gain more benefits after earning an advanced degree.

Builds Important Relationships and Connections

Throughout the process of earning your PhD, you will most likely be collaborating with professors on research efforts and writing your dissertation. Getting to know professors in your current or desired field is a great opportunity, whether you are looking for a job or not. Networking with professionals is often how people find job opportunities that they wouldn’t have found just looking online, and you can learn from the mistakes and successes of long-term professionals in your industry. 

You will also be building connections with other graduate students in your classes. They can be a great source of knowledge and support if you ever need it while earning your PhD and beyond. These connections can become part of your professional network and valued lifelong relationships.

If you’re interested in pursuing a PhD, Grand Canyon University offers a variety of online and evening options for you to choose from. To learn more about your online PhD and other doctoral degree options at GCU, click the Request Info button above.