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PhD Simulator

research.wmz.ninja

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Re: PhD Simulator

#111

Post by [deleted] »

whatever1 wrote: post #53
eagleseye wrote: post #52

I notice a lot of negativity and "do not recommend" regarding pursuing a PhD on HN recently. That raises the question: Why would you go for it?

1. If you manage to get through it, you will be a world expert in a niche that can be valuable. $$$$$$$$ 2. You will develop the invaluable skill of not giving up even when all the odds are against you 3. You will be able to swim by yourself, parsing enormous amount of literature, identifying what is useful and useless and solve problems that no one else before you has solved. 4. Access to academic positions that off…

[deleted]

Re: PhD Simulator

#113

Post by jack_riminton »

jack_riminton wrote: post #44

Now do an arts PhD!

lol at the downvotes, you know it's true. Most of the made up papers in the "Sokal squared" affair that made publication are considered PhD level within those fields and they're literal nonsense https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grievance_studies_affair

Re: PhD Simulator

#114

Post by glomgril »

This is just brilliant. Brings back memories, some fond others less so. Only addition I'd suggest is a subplot involving teaching/TAing duties and/or money problems.

Good to be occasionally reminded that slacking off is a legitimately important part of the scientific process. Wish this view was more popular in the industry.

Re: PhD Simulator

#115

Post by warent »

I've never gone for a PhD, so I can't relate to the experience of this simulation, but found this game was actually really easy.

I completed my PhD in 4 years and 11 months, which feels quite reasonable. My "hope" never dropped below 45, and by the end, hope was 76.

If anything, this simulation just made me think getting a PhD would be a fun opportunity to do a lot of study, and didn't put me off at all.

EDIT: Why downvote? haha I'm just sharing my experience.

Re: PhD Simulator

#116

Post by johndhi »

warent wrote: post #115

I've never gone for a PhD, so I can't relate to the experience of this simulation, but found this game was actually really easy. I completed my PhD in 4 years and 11 months, which feels quite reasonable. My "hope" never dropped below 45, and by the end, hope was 76. If anything, this simulation just made me think getting a PhD would be a fun opportunity to do a lot of study, and didn't put me off at all. EDIT: Why do…

My experience was: damn, I need to do tons of reading and research and writing. Like a full time job, not just chilling.

Which is a bummer. I was hoping I could just chill.

Re: PhD Simulator

#117

Post by fho »

lqet wrote: post #5

This is great and exactly captures the PhD experience. Both in the simulator and in real life, I mostly survived until the end by slacking off frequently, and needed around 5 years. Some highlights: > INBOX: Based on the reviewers' comments, we regret to inform you that your manuscript has been REJECTED for publication. One of the reviewers pointed out that there is no comparison with a state-of-art method. > You cam…

> Growing family obligations (marriage, kids, trying to write a thesis at 3am with a crying baby next room)

Oh ... I felt that one :-/

Re: PhD Simulator

#118

Post by waveBidder »

chias wrote: post #54
lqet wrote: post #5

This is great and exactly captures the PhD experience. Both in the simulator and in real life, I mostly survived until the end by slacking off frequently, and needed around 5 years. Some highlights: > INBOX: Based on the reviewers' comments, we regret to inform you that your manuscript has been REJECTED for publication. One of the reviewers pointed out that there is no comparison with a state-of-art method. > You cam…

One dynamic I experienced that also isn't in the simulation: if you focus too much on classwork early on in order to pass your RPE, it can actually be hard to find an advisor. Classwork is basically dead-end work and the more you focus on it the less you have to show for yourself when trying to convince an advisor to work with you. Your goal should be to optimize for doing just well enough to pass your classwork. Als…

> Classwork is basically dead-end work and the more you focus on it the less you have to show for yourself when trying to convince an advisor to work with you.

nearly half of my year didn't get this and had to master out when we got to quals.

Re: PhD Simulator

#119

Post by b555 »

logifail wrote: post #70

In the sim, at "Year 3 Month 9" I apparently "lost all hope and quitted your PhD". In my real one (20+ years ago), I submitted my thesis after 3 years and 6 months, by which point I was no longer on speaking terms with my supervisor and was hanging on to my sanity by the skin of my teeth. My viva went surprisingly well, after which I did the minor corrections that were requested, handed in a copy of my thesis, packed…

if given a chance to do it all again, would you?
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