doing phd and working full time

Is it possible to earn a PhD while working? The brutal truth

Working alongside your PhD seems like an attractive proposal until you look at all of the different commitments you need to make to actually get a PhD and submit your dissertation. Working part-time may help PhD students financially but it often comes at an academic cost.

It is possible to earn a PhD while working. However, it requires strict time management and can be very complicated. You have to balance any other significant commitments inside and outside of your PhD.

A PhD is typically the equivalent time commitment as a full-time job. The majority of the PhD students I know work at least 40 hours a week. So, trying to get a PhD while working is very time intensive – 80-hour + weeks.

Some students drop down to a part-time PhD in order to balance all of the particular commitments of a PhD program and working hours.

Whether or not you are a part-time PhD student or you are studying your PhD full-time, here are all of the aspects you should consider if you are considering working alongside your PhD research. This is what you need to know if you are considering getting your doctorate while working.

Can you work during a PhD?

Some institutions full-out ban their PhD students from working full-time alongside a full-time research commitment. They want to make sure that you’re working 100% on your PhD because balancing work isn’t easy.

Although it may not be banned in some institutions it is generally expected that students focus on their research and coursework full-time during a PhD and are therefore not typically able to hold down a full-time job.

Some programs may allow for part-time work, but it is generally not recommended as it can interfere with academic progress.

Additionally, many PhD programs offer funding in the form of stipends or fellowships which can help support students financially during their studies.

There are a few things to consider if you are thinking of working during your PhD.

The first is whether or not you will have enough time to dedicate to both your work and your studies. You don’t want your work to suffer because you are spending too much time on your PhD, or vice versa.

Another thing to consider is how working will affect your funding.

If you are receiving PhD funding or a scholarship from an external source, they may have stipulations on whether or not you can work while receiving their funding. Be sure to check with them before taking on any paid work.

Lastly, you will want to make sure that the work you are doing is related to your field of study. Working in a related field can help you with your research by giving you real-world experience that you can apply to your studies.

Even though some institutions allow you to work, should you?

Should you work during your PhD?

Some students feel that they need to work in order to support themselves during their PhD, while others feel that they can focus solely on their studies.

There are pros and cons to both approaches.

Working during your PhD can help you to cover your living expenses and may even allow you to save some money. However, it can also be a distraction from your studies and may make it more difficult to find time to do research.

I know that I wouldn’t be able to balance the pressures of a full-time job with my PhD studies and, therefore, decided to not have any jobs during my first year – this included jobs inside the University such as demonstrating in undergraduate laboratories.

Therefore, it is possible to do a PhD whilst working full-time but you really have to consider the impact of the extra pressures and commitments

. It is much easier to work alongside your PhD if you have a strong research-based masters degree and your job outside of your degree is flexible enough to allow you to attend different academic commitments such as attending seminars, meeting with advisers, and travelling to conferences.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to work during your PhD is up to you.

Consider your financial situation and how working would impact your studies before making a decision.

It can be difficult to juggle work and study commitments, and you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed. You may also have less time to socialize and enjoy your student life.

So, it’s important to think carefully about whether working during your PhD is right for you.

What type of work can you do during a PhD? Part time or Full time?

During your PhD there are a number of different options that you could consider if you want to (and you are allowed to) get a job.

I do not recommend working full-time alongside your PhD but, there are some options for part-time work to earn a little bit of money alongside your studies.

Full time work

My recommendation is that you do not try to fit a PhD alongside full-time work. Trying to work full time is asking for trouble.

There will be so many more pressures on you that it will not be a very enjoyable experience.

A PhD requires you to be creative.

Creativity comes from having enough mental space to allow your mind to connect new and interesting ideas together. If you are busy with work you will not have the mental capacity to be able to do this effectively.

Therefore, I recommend that you consider at least dropping down to part-time work if you are insistent on pursuing a PhD alongside employment.

I have seen PhD students complete a PhD part-time supported and partly funded by their current place of employment.

Part time work

If you want to know more about the best PhD student part-time jobs check out my full guide – click here for the full article.

There are a variety of part-time jobs that can easily supplement your income during a PhD.

The best PhD student part-time jobs will have flexible hours, provide you with a reasonable hourly rate, and not distract you from your primary goal of completing your PhD.

I have highlighted in my YouTube video, below, all of the different side hustles that PhD students can try if they need to earn a little bit more money.

The common part-time jobs for PhD students include:

• Hospitality
• Customer service
• University-based jobs – such as tutoring, marking exams, student services and working in laboratories
• Online jobs such as user testing, notetaker, and translating.
• Freelancing. Selling a skill that you have two people on services such as Upwork .

Why Should You Worry About Working During Your PhD

There are a number of reasons why you should worry about working during your PhD.

The most important is balancing workload, the fact that you were extending your time in academia by a significant amount, the increased risk of burnout, and ensuring you have enough resources to keep you going for multiple years.

A PhD is just like a full time job.

Therefore, getting a PhD while working full-time will be incredibly difficult. Both commitments will require at least 40 hours per week each.

Nonetheless, if you are able to have full flexibility on your work schedule and you are capable of distance learning for some part of your PhD it may be much more possible.

Many PhD students struggle with just the commitments of earning a doctorate. Consider working alongside your PhD very carefully.

Time it takes

A PhD will typically take between three and seven years. During this time it is extremely stressful and you need to make sure you’re capable of researching at your best for the entire time.

I have always said that a PhD is a marathon and not a sprint. Adding extra years to your PhD if you need to can be worth it. However, you must consider the amount of time it will take you to get your PhD and the potential return on that investment.

Unless you have a particular career secured or in mind for after your PhD the extra years it takes to complete a doctoral degree part-time are generally not worth it.

Burnout is a real consequence of doing a PhD.

By working alongside your PhD you’ll increase your chances of burnout significantly. This is true even if you like to study.

If you are prone to feelings of being overwhelmed I would stay away from earning a PhD whilst working full or part-time.

Slowly introduce part-time work if you need to once you have settled into the general routine of your PhD.

Tips for Earning Your PhD While Working

Here are a few general tips that may help you if you find yourself having to work alongside your PhD:

Talk to everyone involved

Everyone involved in this process needs to be on board. There will be times when you need to ask favours from your supervisor, colleagues, work supervisor or others.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Whether it’s from your supervisor, colleagues, or friends and family, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

This is not a sign of weakness, but simply a recognition that we all need assistance from time to time.

Stay Organized and on Track

Find a routine: Try establishing a set schedule for at least most days of the week and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you to stay focused and make the most of your limited time.

Get Involved in the Research Community

Remember to stay in touch with your research community.

Working part-time or full-time can mean that you miss out on the exciting recent advancements and collaboration with people in your field. Make an extra special effort to attend seminars, talks, and networking events to help progress your research and your academic career.

Don’t squirrel yourself away!

Work with your strengths

Know yourself: Be honest about how well you work under pressure and how much free time you realistically have.

If you know that you work better with a tight deadline, then try to structure your work schedule accordingly.

Personally, I need as much free mental space is possible to perform at my best. Just do what is best for you.

Wrapping up

This article has been through everything you need to consider if you are tempted by earning a PhD while working.

Your PhD programme may dictate whether it is possible to work alongside your PhD. Whether or not it is a good idea will be down to you and if you are able to balance an insane amount of commitments and work.

My general recommendation is that you should focus 100% on your PhD journey and although it is definitely possible you’re going to be at risk of burnout.

Combining part-time PhD’s, part-time jobs, and finding a flexible job that will help keep you focused on the primary goal of finishing your dissertation is the most sensible way of working alongside your PhD.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

You're viewing this site as a domestic an international student

You're a domestic student if you are:

• a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
• an Australian permanent resident, or
• a holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

You're an international student if you are:

• intending to study on a student visa,
• not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
• not an Australian permanent resident, or
• a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia.

Can I do a PhD while working?

Study tips Published 31 Mar, 2022  ·  4-minute read

Completing a Doctor of Philosophy requires some serious dedication. But committing all your time to research can leave a significant gap in your income. So, can you work and do a PhD at the same time? Let’s find out.

We spoke with two UQ PhD candidates, Chelsea Janke and Sarah Kendall, to get some insights into whether you can get a PhD while working – and how to balance your work with your research.

Can you get a PhD while working?

The simple answer is yes, but we wouldn't exactly recommend it. There’s nothing technically stopping you from continuing to work (at least, to some extent) while you pursue a PhD, but doing a higher degree by research is a big commitment. So, you need to think carefully before you attempt to juggle both.

The more complex answer is that it depends heavily on the type of work you’re doing and how quickly you want to complete your research.

PhD candidates can continue working part time while completing their research. Of course, this depends on the nature of their research and other work.

Keep in mind : some PhD scholarships are only available to full-time candidates and may not allow you to earn more than a certain amount to remain eligible. If you’ve applied or plan to apply for a scholarship, make sure to check the relevant terms.

For  international students , some extra restrictions apply. You can work up to 40 hours per fortnight, but this must not interfere with your full-time study load or your academic performance. Further limitations may apply if you're on an RTP scholarship (maximum 270 working hours per year) or being sponsored by your government.

Doing a PhD while working: full time, part time or casual?

Chelsea is quick to warn us that both working and researching full time is a recipe for disaster.

“A full-time PhD could not be done whilst working full time,” she says.

Doing both part time is feasible, but only if you’re happy to wait a few extra years to see the fruits of your labour.

“I know people who have worked part time and done their PhD part time – usually in the same research group or field,” says Chelsea.

“But keep in mind it took them 7-8 years to finish their PhD; it’s not the most efficient strategy.”

Committing to a full-time PhD while doing some incidental work on the side seems like the most popular approach for candidates, in Chelsea’s experience.

“Most full-time PhD students will pick up some casual work tutoring, marking, helping the lab manager, or assisting other researchers with their work,” she says.

“This means they can do a few hours here and there without their own PhD work being too disrupted.”

Sarah’s circumstances allow her to maintain a part-time job while completing her PhD, though she acknowledges you have to be lucky to be in a position to do so.

“PhD candidates can continue working part time while completing their research; of course, this depends on the nature of their research and other work,” says Sarah.

“Both my research and work are very flexible, and I can complete them whenever suits me.”

Learn about Sarah’s research or read her series about becoming an academic in law .

How to balance work with your PhD

If you plan to work whilst doing your PhD, you will need to manage your time well.

It’s one thing to ask can I do a PhD while working – actually managing to juggle the two is a whole other challenge. Sarah and Chelsea agree that time management is the most important part of making this work.

Sarah suggests keeping a strict schedule to divide your time evenly between your commitments, as this is what works for her.

“I find that I maintain a balance best by setting specific hours to work on my PhD (usually from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday) and then on my other work commitments (usually Saturdays and sometimes a couple of hours before dinner),” she says.

“The hours you set to work on your PhD and other commitments will depend on whether your other work has set hours though, as well as when you work best – you might get some of your best research and writing done at 5am!”

Top tips for working while doing your PhD

• Only do so if you really want/need to and if you know you can manage the dual workloads.
• Tell your boss. Make sure your employer knows about your plans to juggle a PhD with your workload. See if there’s anything they can do to make the journey easier for you. For example, just like Sarah, your employer may be able to provide you the flexibility to complete your work on a schedule that accommodates your research hours.
• Consider a part-time PhD if cutting your hours or quitting your job isn’t a viable option. Yes, it might take longer. But if it means maintaining a comfortable balance between your research and your current career, it might be the best choice for you.
• Chat with your PhD supervisor. They’ve been there and done that, making them a great source of wisdom when it comes to pursuing a PhD while also balancing your other life commitments. You may also have peers currently doing a PhD who can provide some advice.

Haven’t chosen your supervisor yet? Read these tips for finding a suitable academic. It’s also a good idea to be upfront with your supervisor about your intention to work/research part time, as some supervisors prefer to work with full-time PhD candidates.

• Seek casual work at your university and in your field where possible. By keeping your work and research close together (both in terms of location and mindset), you may find it less challenging to keep on top of both.
• Make sure you’re passionate about your PhD topic . If your research just feels like a second job on top of your usual work, you’ll likely burn out before long. When developing your research proposal , make sure your thesis is providing that spark of curiosity that’s going to keep you inspired to follow through with your research – even on nights when you’re drained from work.

Ready to get started? Whether you’re dedicating yourself to a full-time PhD or keeping a balance between research and work, The University of Queensland is ready to support you.

Learn more about completing your PhD at UQ

Share this Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email

Related stories

How to get a PhD scholarship or funding

3-minute read

How long does a PhD take?

How to find a PhD supervisor

5-minute read

Is a PhD worth it?

9-minute read

Community Blog

Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders.

5 Things to Consider Before Doing a PhD While Working

• By Nicholas R.
• August 19, 2020

Those interested in getting a PhD but dreading the several years of no income or a stipend that doesn’t meet their needs may consider a part time or even a full time job. That way, they can gain experience in the field, save up a little money and have a non-academic route they could later make use of. After all, if you’ve already made it to the point where you’re eligible to study at PhD level, you’ve already proven that you have great time management skills and that you can dedicate yourself to your studies, right?…

It might sound like a workable plan to many, but getting a PhD while working might not be as easy as you may think. Take it from many PhD students and postgrads who warn that it a slippery slope from a part time PhD to no PhD at all.

If you decide to go down this route, keep the following considerations in mind to give you the best chance of succeeding.

1. Know Your Programme

Some part time PhD programmes, especially the ones offered by online universities and distance learning schools, are well suited for those who want to work and study at the same time. Some aren’t as rigorous or time-consuming as others, and in some fields, the experience of working in industry through your current career will be a great benefit. A part time PhD will also have a more manageable workload , and supervisors will usually be more experience in providing support to working students. But keep in mind that some PhD part time programmes will not be eligible for financial aid or funding , at which point part time study may no longer be personally worth it.

2. Know Your Job

If your work is related to your field of study and your employers understand and support the requirements of your PhD, you will have a much less stressful few years. Therefore, one of the first things you’ll want to do is to get your employer on your side.

You can go about this by sitting down with them and explaining what your research will be about, how it will benefit your professional development and how it will benefit them as a business. You will also want to reassure them that you’ll be able to remain committed to your job during your studies, as this is likely to be their biggest concern. Don’t just stop at their verbal support, ask your manager to sit down with you to discuss the possibility of funding support, study days and the assignment of a mentor if your workplace has a doctorate holder.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

3. Know Your Situation

If you have young children, a sick parent, or generally any commitments that require hours of your time, it’s probably best to stay a full time student. If your field requires many publications or relies heavily on being able to network and interact with other researchers, keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to live up to their expectations if you already have work commitments you need to keep up.

4. Know Your Supervisor

Your supervisor should be supportive of the fact that you’re attempting to carry out a PhD whilst working part time rather than seeing it as a hindrance. As is to be expected, part time students generally struggle more than full time ones due to having greater external commitments, less contact time and a longer programme duration (beyond five years). You will want to find a PhD supervisor who is aware of these challenges, and if at all possible, try to get one who has taken this path themselves.

A good supervisor won’t only limit their support to physical help , such as introducing you to other researchers, suggesting relevant literature and facilitating data access, but also to emotional and mental support. A supportive supervisor maintains a good attitude and demonstrates concern for your research project. They should be keen to see you excel, help you refine your research skills and make you feel confident enough to experiment with your research approach and share your work whenever the opportunity presents itself, whether it is at a conference or in your place of work. Although you will be responsible for navigating yourself through your doctorate, a good supervisor will act as your safety net for when you get a little lost.

5. Know Yourself

Even the most organised people aren’t prepared for the workload that comes with a PhD. Make a time chart and be truly honest with yourself about how much time you have in the day, it might not be as much as you would think once you’ve factored everything in. Doing a part time PhD requires about 15-20 hours of commitment per week – will you have 15 hours to spare alongside your job, family and friends and other obligations? If not, then working and studying at the same time will most likely be out of your reach.

These considerations will hopefully put you in a better position to tackle a PhD while working part time (or dare I say it, working full time!). Even still, tackling a several year long PhD programme whilst working is probably one of the hardest things you will do, so if you decide to go down this road, much kudos to you.

The scope and delimitations of a thesis, dissertation or paper define the topic and boundaries of a research problem – learn how to form them.

A science investigatory project is a science-based research project or study that is performed by school children in a classroom, exhibition or science fair.

Find out the differences between a Literature Review and an Annotated Bibliography, whey they should be used and how to write them.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Browse PhDs Now

How should you spend your first week as a PhD student? Here’s are 7 steps to help you get started on your journey.

An abstract and introduction are the first two sections of your paper or thesis. This guide explains the differences between them and how to write them.

Emmanuel is a year and half into his PhD at The Open University School of Ecosystems, Earth and Environmental Studies. His research is on understand the influence of environmental and social factors on smallholder macadamia production.

Elmira is in the third year of her PhD program at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, researching the mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia cells resistance to targeted therapy.

Join Thousands of Students

Masters Compare - Find your perfect masters course.

• Living as a Postgraduate student

Working and studying for a PhD at the same time

Share this article.

• Facebook Sharer
• Twitter Sharer
• LinkedIn Sharer

Explore other topics

• Funding a Postgraduate course
• Popular masters degree subjects
• Student Wellbeing
• Studying a Postgraduate degree
• Finding a PhD or Masters Course

Think Postgrad

Frequently asked questions.

In short, yes, you can work while studying for your PhD.

The hard part to juggle is finding the time to do both. You may find that part-time study is more flexible for you but it takes longer to complete. An excellent way to combine work and study is to get a job within the university you are studying at.

Check out other sources of support for PhD Students .

There are several benefits to both full time and part time PhD study. It can be extremely difficult to juggle a full time postgraduate position alongside working. It’s not called full-time for nothing! This is intensive but you can complete a full time PhD faster than it’s part-time equivalent.

Studying for a PhD is a big commitment, either full time for 3-4 years or part-time for generally 6-7 years. If you want, or need, to be working and studying for PhD this could have an impact on your study: here are some of the things you may find it helpful to think about before starting your PhD.

Is funding for a PhD in the UK enough to live on?

If you are fortunate enough to have full funding for your PhD, your studentship should cover both fees and living expenses and be tax-free. The stipend levels for students studying for a PhD in the UK is set by UK research councils for their own studentships, and this is followed by Universities for their own studentships. These will provide enough to live on and not to have to be working and studying for a PhD.

If you are looking for PhD Funding, you can search for your ideal studentship from the many opportunities we have listed on Postgraduate Studentships. We have a section for Charities and Trusts who are set up to support students looking to get additional financial help with their studies.

How much work is included in a Graduate Teaching Assistantship?

Some PhD studentships are called Graduate Teaching Assistantships – this means that you will be teaching for a certain number of hours in each academic year and this is part of the conditions of the studentship. It is advisable to find out exactly how this works with the University advertising the opportunity. Will you receive separate payments or is this part of the studentship? How many hours will it involve and how will that relate to your PhD? Will you receive training?

If you are considering an academic career, there may be some advantage in getting some initial experience. However you may also struggle with working and studying for a PhD at the same time.

Should I study my PhD full-time or part-time if I need to work?

If you need to work and study, it’s important to think about how you will manage that. Can you study full-time and work at the same time and if so how much work can you do? A full-time PhD is regarded as a full-time commitment. So anything other than a supplementary job for a few hours per week is challenging. Some students start with a full-time PhD and then move to studying the PhD part-time. So you would need to discuss this with your university first.

Planning to study a part-time PhD takes longer overall but it may also give you the time to do your PhD and to make the money you need. If you do decide to study part-time you may already have a job that will allow you to have flexible hours. Think also about part time work in a field that relates to your study. If you need to look for a job that will help you do your PhD, your University is likely to have temporary or part-time jobs that students can apply for on campus – most universities have a database of these jobs for students so you can find out in advance what the pay rates are and if that would be enough.

Universities also have a range of part-time jobs which may be administrative or involve working in labs. If you apply for one of these jobs, especially in your own department, it’s important to make sure you work out how you will manage this. This way, you're prepared for when you are working on your PhD and when you are working on your job.

What if I am an International Student?

If you are an international student in the UK there will be restrictions on how many hours you can work. The UK Government has made some improvements to this. There are more opportunities now to study and work in the UK .

Talking to your University about your options

Your university wants you to succeed at your PhD. It has experienced students working whilst studying and works and what doesn’t. If you are planning to work whilst studying it’s a good idea to talk to your department. These questions may form part of your application process because your Supervisor will want to make sure you have the means to conduct your research as well as support yourself.

Many students study for a PhD and work for at least part of the time and complete their PhD successfully. If you look at the options beforehand, you can plan what works best for you. This way you can get the most from your PhD whilst working at the same time.

Looking for PhD Funding? There are a wide range of study funding opportunities for intending PhD students on PostgraduateStudentships

Receive Email Updates of the latest PhD and Masters opportunities and funding from PostgraduateStudentships and MastersCompare .

• Advertisers
• Cookie Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Sorry! You need to sign up

Sign up to Postgraduate Studentships

Sign up to compare masters

Opportunity added!

Thanks for making your selection. Click below to view your list.

Course Added

Thanks for making your selection. Click below to view your comparisons.

Think Postgrad Ltd 2008-2024 Website By Parachute

• Architecture Faculty Job
• Aeronautical Faculty Jobs
• Automobile Faculty Job
• Agricultural Engineering
• BME Faculty Job
• Civil Faculty Job
• Chemical Engg Faculty Job
• CSE Faculty Job
• EEE Faculty Job
• ECE Faculty Job
• EIE Faculty Job
• Mechanical Faculty Job
• MBA Faculty Jobs
• MCA Faculty Job
• Science and Humanities
• View All Departments
• Polytechnic
• Arts and Science
• Research Jobs
• School Jobs
• Post your Recruitment
• Privacy Policy

Is it worth doing a PhD while working?

Pursuing a PhD is a big commitment that requires time, work, and attention. For many working professionals, the question arises: is it worthwhile to pursue a PhD while working? Balancing work and PhD studies can be difficult, but it can also provide unique benefits and opportunities.

Those who want to pursue PhD studies while working, those can opt for the PhD for Working professional program. This blog discusses the benefits and drawbacks of getting a PhD while working, as well as strategies for navigating this rigorous dual route.

What is a PhD for a Working Professional Program?

A PhD for Working Professional Program is meant to assist professionals in obtaining a doctoral degree while continuing to work. It provides flexible scheduling and online components to fit hectic work schedules.

The program emphasizes advanced research and practical applications relevant to the professional sector. Individuals can improve their skills and professional possibilities without taking a break from their jobs.

Here are the types of PhD for working professional  programs that are specially designed by considering working professionals:

• Part-Time Ph.D: It allows you to work while earning your degree.
• Executive Ph.D: It is intended for senior professionals with extensive job experience.
• Online/Distance Ph.D: They provide the option to study remotely.

What are the benefits of a PhD Program?

Here are the few benefits of pursuing a PhD for working professionals program are listed below:

What are the tips for Successfully Balancing Work and PhD Studies?

Here are a few tips for successfully balancing work and PhD Studies are mentioned below:

• Effective time management: Time management is essential for balancing work and PhD study. Make a precise calendar that sets aside certain periods for work, study, and personal activities. Use calendars, planners, and time-tracking applications to stay organized and manage your responsibilities successfully.
• Communicate with employers and advisors: Open communication with your workplace and academic advisors is critical. Similarly, advise your academic counselors about your professional responsibilities. They can offer assistance and flexibility to help you manage both tasks.
• Set boundaries: Set clear limits for work, education, and leisure time. Avoid multitasking and concentrate on one work at a time to boost productivity and reduce stress. Set aside discrete places for work and study to create a comfortable setting for each activity.
• Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to seek help from coworkers, family, and friends. Their encouragement and understanding can make a major difference in balancing work and school responsibilities. Sharing experiences and recommendations can lead to great insights and motivation.
• Care for Your Health: Maintaining your physical and emotional health is critical when juggling a job and a PhD program. Taking care of your health can boost your overall well-being and ability to handle many duties.
• Be flexible: Flexibility is essential for managing the unpredictability of work and academic demands. Prepare to change your schedule and plans as needed.

How College Vidya Helps:

College Vidya is an online web platform with over 100 reputable online institutions that are UGC-DEB, AICTE, and NAAC-approved. Furthermore, the website is user-friendly. All you need to do is visit the website once and complete a few questions about your selected course, credentials, and budget. Based on your response, College Vidya will only propose institutions that meet these requirements. Furthermore, you may evaluate different colleges based on accreditations, pricing, and other factors to find the perfect fit for you.

Furthermore, there is no need to worry about fraud because College Vidya only displays institutions that are government-approved and have all of the necessary approvals to provide an excellent education.

Conclusion:

Pursuing a PhD while working is a difficult but rewarding flexibility. Its financial security, real-world experience, professional development, and networking opportunities can all help you further your career and academic goals. The PhD for working professional program holds the same recognition as the regular PhD program and this program is specially designed for working professionals.

However, it is fraught with difficulties such as time limits, limited focus, personal sacrifices, and a lengthy period of study. Successful balance necessitates excellent time management, open communication, clear limits, support from others, health considerations, and flexibility. By carefully weighing the benefits and drawbacks and applying ways to balance job and academic duties, you may make an informed decision about whether pursuing a PhD while working is the appropriate option for you.

Finally, the worth of this flexibility is dependent on your unique aims, circumstances, and ability to negotiate the demands of both.

Get Daily Job Alert in WhatsApp , Telegram , Facebook

• Share on twitter
• Share on facebook

Can you combine a PhD and a full-time job? Yes, but it can be challenging

Doing a part-time doctoral degree while working full-time is rewarding, but it can be demanding, says pat culhane.

• Share on linkedin
• Share on mail

Last September, I missed my first All-Ireland Hurling Final in 20 years. I have loved the sport and the final since I was six years old.

It’s the biggest fixture in the sports calendar and an annual gathering of most of my oldest friends. I probably won’t see some of my friends again until the 2018 final in August.

Why? Because I was under ferocious pressure to meet a submission deadline for part of my doctoral thesis.

There’s nothing that I value more than time spent with family and friends; it’s nourishment for the soul. Sometimes, I wonder why I am putting myself through five years of the torture of a doctoral degree while I have a full-time job.

After all, nobody’s forcing me to do it. Not giving into guilt and regret is a constant battle and fuelled by prolonged periods of isolation, when I am tied to my desk.

Search our database of more than 7,000 global university jobs

A sense of regret over not being around is one of the toughest parts of balancing a doctoral degree and work. However important the hurling match or social gathering, I simply can’t afford to take time off. When studying at this level, sacrifices in your spare time are inevitable. You need to be very protective of your spare time outside work.

This isn’t just about one-off events either. I’m normally up by 7.15am, but often I’ll wake earlier to squeeze in an hour’s study at my desk in the spare room of our small Dublin town house. It can take 20 minutes before I’m in study mode.

I’m conscious of the need to help my wife get ready for work, such as removing the ice from her windscreen, as she’s heavily pregnant with our first child.

I enjoy a brief chat with her before I head to work, listening to an audiobook or a lecture related to my studies during my commute by bike.

My office is in Croke Park, an 83,000-seat stadium with great views over the city. I really like my job. It is very important to me and I always prioritise it over my studies. I’m on my computer or phone for most of the day and there are regular meetings, but I’m generally home at about 6pm.

My wife usually gets home before me and we prepare dinner, eat and chat. This is my favourite part of the day. I clean up afterwards and, at this point ,I want to relax, but I don’t.

I drag myself upstairs to my study. Often, I feel selfish because I am not spending more time with my family and friends. However, none of them make me feel this way. They are very supportive of my studying, as they know how much it means to me. My employer is also very supportive. Without all this backing, I just wouldn’t be able to do a PhD. 

Many people would presume that the most challenging element of undertaking a doctoral degree, on top of a full-time job, is finding the motivation and time to meet the demands that it poses. These are challenging, of course. However, the most difficult part of the doctoral degree is coping with the guilt of not being around for my loved ones as much as I could be.

My parents are getting older, and as my friends begin to have children, they have less free time to meet.

There have been a few days when I have felt like throwing in the towel – especially when I’m under pressure to meet a deadline and when life throws things at you, such as the serious illness of a loved one.

By about 10pm, I’m dizzy with tiredness. I often feel like I should have done more. Then I tell myself that I’m working full-time and not to be too hard on myself.

As intense as the doctoral degree is, I wouldn’t change it for the world – it feels right. This feeling is very difficult to describe. I continually strive to be a better person and to live a fulfilling life.

I thrive on facilitating the development of others and believe that you can’t do this unless you consistently develop yourself.

Since commencing the doctoral degree, I have never been as focused on and appreciative of the most important things in life.

Every week, I engage in more meaningful activities, whether it is going for walks with my wife or sitting round the kitchen table having a chat with family or friends.

Although the amount of time that I spend with them may be smaller, I have peace of mind knowing that the quality is higher.

Pursuing a doctorate is a very serious commitment, especially alongside a full-time job. It forces you to be honest with yourself and, as a doctoral student, you need courage to live with this honesty to endure and enjoy the journey.

The closer I get to the finish line, the more I believe that, ultimately, it is others who will benefit most from all that I am learning and from the person I am becoming. That’s what keeps me going.

Pat Culhane is a third-year part-time  doctoral student at Glasgow Caledonian University . He works full-time as a national development officer with the Gaelic Athletic Association, Ireland’s biggest sport and cultural organisation. He can be contacted through his blog patculhane.ie or via  @Pat_Culhane .

Register to continue

Why register?

• Registration is free and only takes a moment
• Once registered, you can read 3 articles a month
• Sign up for our newsletter

Or subscribe for unlimited access to:

• Unlimited access to news, views, insights & reviews
• Digital editions
• Digital access to THE’s university and college rankings analysis

Already registered or a current subscriber? Login

Related articles

David Willetts: ‘I plead guilty’ on part-time student decline

MPs also hear Lord Browne say government changes to his review’s system meant ‘it started not working’

Will Brexit dent doctoral student numbers?

Some believe the momentous referendum result may harm the UK’s ability to compete for the world’s best PhD students

Essential PhD tips: 10 articles all doctoral students should read

PhD advice: from choosing the right topic to getting through your thesis

Tips for doctoral examiners: it’s all in the preparation

There’s little help on offer for those making their first formal review of a PhD candidate and thesis, but Pam Denicolo has some useful pointers

Related universities

Glasgow caledonian university, reader's comments (1), you might also like.

Dartmouth suspends Greek houses after student’s death

Body found in river after gathering of a fraternity and a sorority that both had histories of alcohol-related violations

Featured jobs

How to Pursue a Doctoral Degree While Working Full Time

Balancing a career while pursuing a doctoral degree—or any degree for that matter—is not easy, but it is possible. With the right plan and support system in place, you can achieve your academic goals. Doctoral students learn—through research-based theory and practice—how to address the many challenges encountered across an array of professional fields. While obtaining a doctoral degree, students begin to integrate the practical skills that they are learning into their own professional careers, to ultimately emerge as leaders within their workplace or field.  We recently spoke with a few Endicott College employees—Brittany Potter ’16 M’17, Assistant Dean of Academic Success, Sendy Suazo ’14 M’16, Community Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator, and Ian Menchini, Director, Graduate Enrollment & Advising—who are all currently pursuing their doctoral degrees while working full time. Here’s what they want you to know:

Leverage your everyday work

As you progress through the program, you’ll begin to notice that when you’re at work, you’re actually doing coursework—you’ll be able to relate real life experiences to the theories you’re learning. Recognize that you should be absorbing and taking your professional experiences into your academic assignments, it will be beneficial to your degree and you’ll see the relevance in your work.

Get organized

Understand that you are weaving your doctoral pursuits into your lifestyle.  To figure out how it will fit, create a schedule and find your rhythm. Keep your goals in mind and plan your time strategically to account for coursework, but also for periods of rest.  

Build a support network

You won’t be navigating through your program alone, your family, friends, and coworkers can all help to support you along your journey. Once you’ve identified a support network, determine how those people can assist you. You will be assigned a mentor who will act as a resource for you throughout your program and who will also serve as your dissertation advisor.  Additionally, identify one or two members from your cohort to connect with—whether for assistance on projects or for accountability.

Your research topic

Choose a dissertation topic related to your career and identify a problem of practice within your professional field—your research will focus on how to solve that problem. Your mentor will help you narrow your topic, through concept mapping, continuous research, and further narrowing. S/he will help you figure out how to gather pertinent data and how to apply it to your topic.  If you are unsure about your topic, your mentor will assist you in navigating through your interests to find what topics you are really passionate about.  You’ll actually enjoy conducting research for your program because it's related to what you love to do. Click here  to learn more about Endicott’s doctoral programs. 

• Working While you Study for Your PhD

Written by Hannah Slack

It's possible to work during a PhD with careful time management. You might choose to do this if you need a job to help cover the cost of a postgraduate degree. Or, you may want to learn industry-based skills to benefit your future career. This page will take you through the different types of work PhD students often undertake, and the pros and cons of maintaining a job alongside such an intensive degree.

Can you work during a PhD?

The simple answer is yes, you can work while studying a PhD and in fact, many do. The most common form of work is teaching during your PhD . But some students may also have part-time (or full-time jobs outside of the university).

Depending on the amount of work you plan to undertake, you will have to consider whether it would be better to do your PhD part-time or full-time. It’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to do a full-time job alongside a full-time PhD. However, it is possible to work part-time alongside a full-time PhD (or vice versa).

What type of work can you do during a PhD?

There are many different types of work PhD students can apply for. When someone says that they work alongside their PhD, most will assume that they have a stable, permanent contract. However, many PhD students work short-term contracts.

Contract work

The most common job for doctoral students is teaching undergraduates. Most departments will offer teaching opportunities to second-year and above researchers, paying you for training, seminar time, prep work and marking. Usually, you'll be able to decide how many seminar groups you wish to take on, allowing you to schedule work around your research. Teaching is an excellent chance to experience the other responsibilities that come with working in academia .

Another popular type of contract work is assistance roles . Many academics run outreach programmes that require more hours than they’re able to put in. Usually, emails will be sent around the departments advertising a short-term role. Jobs often include data entry, content management and research assistance. Again, these can be a great opportunity to build up workplace specific skills and receive a small financial boost.

Permanent roles

Some PhD students may also work more permanent roles. Often, self-funded students have to seek employment in order to financially afford tuition and living expenses. These students usually work part-time in industry . This can be both within and outside of the university. The types of roles students may undertake include admin, hospitality and even marketing. It’s a good idea to search for roles that match up with your skill set and future career goals .

Given the academic pressures of a PhD, many universities advise students not to work more than 16 hours a week . Otherwise, they may find themselves falling behind on a full-time PhD programme.

Pros and cons of working during a PhD

Working during a PhD can be a great opportunity to learn new skills and refine your current ones for future job applications. In fact, many Research Councils often require their funded students to undertake some form of work experience in order to build industry related skills.

However, managing a job on top of your own research can be stressful and limit the amount of free time you have available. Here are some of the most important pros and cons to consider before applying for a job.

• Gain more industry related experience
• Helps reduce financial pressure
• Regular forced breaks from your research can help refresh the mind
• Make connections with work colleagues, reducing the isolation often associated with PhD research
• Less time in the week to work on your PhD
• Schedule clashes could mean you miss out on academic opportunities, such as conferences
• Potential feelings of isolation from the academic community if you’re committed to an industry job

Tips for working during a PhD

#1 prioritise workload management.

The main thing to consider before applying for a job during your PhD is how you’re going to manage the workload. The PhD already comes with a hefty amount of work and so adding to that can cause additional stress.

The key is to set your priorities and manage your time effectively , taking regular breaks. Just like a job allows you to take holiday, do the same for your PhD. If the workload gets too much, be willing to consider the necessity of your job or whether it would be possible to reduce your PhD from full-time study to part-time .

#2 Talk to your supervisor

You should also discuss your situation with your supervisor so they’re aware of your wider responsibilities and time restraints. They’ll then be able to better advise on your progress. Additionally, you should make your industry boss aware of your PhD commitments. They too may be able to assist you. This might mean offering flexibility to your hours in case of last-minute academic events or allowing extended holiday to prepare for the viva .

#3 Don't forget to get involved in the research community

Working while studying can be time-consuming, but it's important to stay in touch with the wider research community nonetheless! Make sure you still find the time to attend conferences, seminars and networking events. This will help you form academic connections and get the most out of your doctorate.

Looking for a PhD?

Head over to our course listings and search by topic, location and funding available.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

What happens during a typical PhD, and when? We've summarised the main milestones of a doctoral research journey.

The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral degree. This page will introduce you to what you need to know about the PhD dissertation.

This page will give you an idea of what to expect from your routine as a PhD student, explaining how your daily life will look at you progress through a doctoral degree.

Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a PhD in the USA.

Is your supervisor moving universities? Or have you discovered another doctoral programme that better suits your goals? In this guide we take a look at how you can transfer a PhD to another university.

Ever wondered how hard is a PhD? Our guide can help you learn the level of a PhD compared to Masters study, what hurdles make a PhD hard, and why they occur.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

• Interesting for you
• My settings

How to Successfully Combine Work with a PhD?

However, the trend among PhD students over the last years was to either opt for a part-time PhD and a full-time job or completely dedicate to a full-time PhD programme, keeping open the possibility of having a job or some kind of paid collaboration that requires working for only a few hours a week.

A part-time PhD is another preferred option for those that have decided to study an online degree and this way, they don’t have to commute.

Find PhD degrees worldwide

In this article, you can find details about:

• Why most students choose a part-time PhD?
• Why working at the university is ideal for PhD students?
• Useful tips in combining a job with a PhD programme

Part-time PhDs are the best option if you want to have a stable job

A part-time PhD would mean that it will take twice as long to complete the programme, but it will also give you a few advantages: after graduation, you will not only have a PhD diploma, but you would have also added a few years of work experience to your resume.

On the other hand, you should not consider that a part-time PhD is actually easier compared to a full one. Students that have decided for part-time PhD studies often find it more challenging as this situation requires giving equal attention and importance to study and work. A PhD degree means intensive reading and research work that involves more hours of learning, compared to a Bachelor or Master degree.

The biggest challenge part-time PhD students have to face is not knowing which of the two (the job and the PhD course) is more important. You should also keep in mind that some more demanding jobs often require you staying late at the office, which leads to sacrificing the time that was supposed to be dedicated to studying for a PhD at the bottom of the list with “things to do”.

Another concern of PhD students that are employed is when to find the time to write for their PhD thesis. As they are busy with the job and always feel tired at the end of the day, they keep postponing the moment when they sit in front of their laptop or computer to start their research and writing.

With a little time management and organisation, a part-time PhD combined with a full-time job is not impossible. One useful tip is to try to make some of your research at the end of your working hours at the office, not when you arrive at home, when you will be already too tired. You will also have to sacrifice some of your free time during weekends and in the evenings to dedicate yourself to writing the thesis.

Work opportunities at universities are ideal jobs for PhD students

PhD students that had the opportunity to work at a university (the same university they were enrolled) whether as teaching assistants or in other positions, have declared it was not only a good work experience, but it was also pretty well-paid and usually flexible in terms of working hours.

Most universities post their job offers for students so it’s important to check out their announcements and apply in advance if you’re considering these kind of opportunities. Some jobs within universities involve administrative work, others are focused on lab work, and if you are lucky enough to find a job position that fits with your field of study, that is even better. You get to make the research for your thesis during your job and also get paid for it.

Useful tips

1. If you get a job or collaboration that is somehow related to your PhD, this situation will be very helpful for your overall learning performance. It will keep you focused on thinking and finding new ideas for your PhD thesis and it will increase the chances of being a top PhD student.

2. When you consider your PhD programme, pick a topic you’re passionate about that stimulates you. Any PhD degree involves a lot of hard work, but if you select a field you really like, you will not consider your PhD as a burden or as a difficult task in the long run.

3. Find the right supervisor for your PhD thesis. Ideally, you should choose a teacher that you really admired during your PhD programme or a previous degree and that you consider you would really enjoy working with.

The supervisor-student relationship is very important and will determine the success of your PhD thesis; a constant dialogue and a good communication with your supervisor are essential from keeping you stress free and it will enable a continued and stable progress in your learning.

View PhD degrees worldwide

Interesting programmes for you

Explore more than 10000 Ph.D. Degrees from all around the world with Studyportals.

Go to your profile page to get personalised recommendations!

Can You Get an Engineering Degree Online While Working Full-Time

Many engineering professionals look for ways to advance their careers without pausing their jobs. The traditional classroom setting is evolving, and online education has become a viable and flexible option for working professionals looking to enhance their career skills.

Balancing a full-time job while pursuing a graduate degree might seem daunting, but advancements in online learning have made it more accessible than ever before. Online degrees allow engineers to enhance their skills and knowledge without sacrificing their current employment or personal commitments. 

Let's explore tips on how to balance earning your engineering degree online while working full-time and the professional and personal benefits of this educational route. 

The Evolution of Engineering Education

The shift from traditional classroom settings to online learning has made it feasible, and in some cases more beneficial, for working professionals to earn a master's degree in engineering while continuing their careers. Online programs offer flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace and schedule, making it easier to balance work and education. 

How to Balance School and Work: Tips for Working Graduate Students

Each student's schedule varies, but below are a few tips to help you manage full-time work alongside graduate school.

• Set a schedule: Create a daily routine where specific times are dedicated to work, study and personal activities. On your calendar, block out class times, study sessions, work hours and breaks to maintain a balance.

Maximize online resources: Take full advantage of the flexibility and resources provided by online programs. Utilize recorded lectures, online forums, and digital libraries to fit study time around your work schedule.

• Stay connected with peers and professors: Engage with your classmates and instructors through emails, online discussions and group projects. Building a support network can provide both academic assistance and moral support, making it easier to manage the challenges of working full-time while pursuing your degree.
• Plan for downtime: It’s important to schedule breaks and leisure activities just as you would work or study sessions. This could include time for hobbies, exercise or other activities where you find fulfillment. Consistent time for rest can prevent burnout and improve overall productivity.

The Benefits of Working as an Engineer While Earning Your Master’s Online

Advances your engineering career path .

A master's degree in engineering can significantly increase your career earnings and open up new growth on your engineering management career path . Pursuing a master's degree online can allow you to still earn an income while advancing your engineering career. By continuing to work while studying, you not only avoid the financial strain of leaving your job but also gain valuable work experience that complements your academic achievements.

Flexibility allows you to balance personal commitments

For those balancing work and family responsibilities, pursuing an online master's in engineering offers valuable flexibility. Designed to accommodate busy schedules, online programs feature asynchronous courses, allowing you to study at your own pace. 

Application of new-found engineering knowledge in real-time

The ability to apply new engineering knowledge and skills directly to your current job during your master's program in engineering creates an experiential learning process. This real-time application deepens your understanding and retention of the material, making the learning experience more impactful. 

Why a Master's is More Important Than Ever in the Current Engineering Job Market

The current engineering job market demands advanced skills and specializations due to technological advancements and the complexity of engineering projects. Obtaining a master's degree in engineering is crucial for staying competitive in the job market, as it equips you with specialized knowledge in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy and advanced materials.

An online engineering degree opens doors to advanced careers in research and development, higher-level management and specialized technical roles, all of which often require a master's degree as a minimum qualification. Online master's programs provide a flexible and accessible way to achieve these goals while maintaining your full-time job.

Advance Your Career in Engineering With an Online Master's in Engineering from Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt School of Engineering offers online master's programs in computer science and engineering management specifically designed for working professionals. These programs feature asynchronous classes and allow students to balance work, study, and personal commitments. This setup is ideal for those juggling multiple responsibilities while pursuing advanced education.

“As a husband, new father and working professional, pursuing this degree online affords me the opportunity to learn at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities without inhibiting my ability to realize family goals and professional responsibilities.” - Jonathan Washo M.Eng. in Engineering Management, Class of ‘21

Take the next step in your engineering career with an online master's degree from Vanderbilt and request more information today. 

Subscribe to the Blog

← All Posts

Media Inquiries

615-322-6397 Email

Latest Stories

3 reasons why earning your online master’s degree in engineering is worth it, 5 best engineering master's degrees for the 21st century innovator, how to get an engineering internship: 4 essential steps, keep reading.

Explore Stories by Topic

• Construction Management
• Engineering Research
• Surgery and Intervention
• Engineering Online
• Cyber-physical Systems
• Computer Science
• Engineering Management
• Risk, Reliability and Resilience
• Engineering Careers

What went wrong? How did Secret Service allow shooter to get so close to Trump?

Investigations into the sniper shooting that injured Donald Trump and killed a local firefighter must focus on whether several key Secret Service protocols were violated, current and former law enforcement officials said Sunday.

Chief among them: Why wasn't a building well within 1,000 yards of the former president locked down enough to prevent the shooter from nearly assassinating the presumptive GOP presidential nominee?

In an exclusive interview, former Secret Service Director Julia Pierson told USA TODAY that maintaining such a sniper security perimeter is part of the agency's responsibility for safeguarding "protectees" like Trump from harm. Yet the man identified as the sniper, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks , fired off numerous rounds from a building top about 150 yards from Trump's lectern at Saturday's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“I think 1,000 yards is the sniper capability that we have a concern about for the President. So anything that's within that range, that is a professional, makable shot... and you want to know about it,” Pierson said.

“When you think about it, it's a football field and a half … and that is a makeable shot by an individual.  And obviously an inch would have made a difference in this case and Trump wouldn't be with us,” said Pierson, who spent three decades with the Secret Service, much of that on presidential protective operations, before becoming director in 2013.

Crooks managed to fire off numerous rounds , injuring two other people in the crowd, before being killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper sharpshooter from another nearby roof. On Sunday evening, the FBI clarified that Crooks had used an "AR-style 556 rifle ."  

Rep. Ruben Gallego, a former Marine and Arizona Democrat, said that those "responsible for the planning, approving and executing of this clearly insufficient security plan need to testify before Congress and be held accountable."

"There should never have been a clear line of sight on the former president. My Marine Corps training taught me that,” said Gallego, an Iraq veteran who is running for Senate in Arizona.

President Joe Biden also weighed in, directing Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to review all security measures for the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday in Milwaukee. He said he had ordered an independent review of the security measures taken at the Trump rally to "assess exactly what happened."

First assassination attempt against a former or current President in 43 years

The shooting marks the first assassination attempt against a former or current U.S. president since President Ronald Reagan was injured in a March 1981 shooting at a Washington, D.C. hotel. Before that, in 1975 a member of the Manson Family cult tried to shoot President Gerald Ford at close range in Sacramento, California but failed to chamber a round into the gun.

The Secret Service has confirmed that it is investigating how a gunman armed with an AR-style rifle was able to get close enough to shoot and injure Trump in what appears to be an epic failure of one the agency's primary duties of protecting VIPs. The FBI, state police and the U.S. Congress also will be seeking to answer the many swirling questions.

Some of those questions: How did Donald Trump’s would-be assassin gain a high-ground vantage point to fire off a potentially fatal head shot against the former president? Why didn’t Secret Service counter-sniper teams neutralize Crooks before he got off so many rounds from his high-powered rifle, killing one Trump rally-goer and injuring two others?

Also, if Crooks had been flagged by local authorities for acting suspiciously as some media have reported, why was he then able to climb atop a nearby building with a rifle, firing a shot that grazed Trump's ear? And why did Secret Service agents allow Trump to stand back up defiantly and do three fist-pumps when it wasn't clear that the threat had been fully neutralized?

Could this have been stopped before it started?

John Miller, a former senior FBI and New York Police Department official, said on CNN that Crooks had been observed acting suspiciously near the magnetometers, or metal detectors stationed outside the event by local law enforcement agencies.

Those officials then shared those concerns with the Secret Service and other authorities “and people had his description and were looking around for him,” said Miller, who’s currently a CNN analyst.

At some point, Miller said, Crooks “left the magnetometer area. And then at some point, people start to point out there's a guy who's climbing on that roof, and he has a rifle and police are putting that over the radio.”

According to some video and media reports, the Secret Service counter-sniper on a nearby rooftop was aiming at the shooter, perhaps before he took some or all of his shots.

“The counter sniper appears to be looking through his scope as if he's scanning for something. … And then, when the shots are fired, takes out the shooter from his position almost immediately,” said Miller, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism until 2022. “So we have to fill in those gaps. What happened during those seconds? What were the communications? What did he see through the scope, and did he act at his first opportunity? And we'll learn that later.”

Miller said the counter-sniper succeeded in eliminating the threat quickly. “That part worked,” he said. But, he added, “What about the front end? Could this have been stopped with faster or more clear communications or a more intense search?”

Investigations have already begun

It’s possible and even likely that the Secret Service security plan for the rally, in conjunction with local and state authorities, took into consideration the building from which Crooks allegedly sprayed bullets. It could have been locked down from the inside, prompting Crooks to have to climb to the roof from the outside as part of the security plan put in place by authorities before the rally.

But the entire sequence of events will be investigated to find out what went so wrong that Crooks was able to gain access to the roof of the building, including whether he might have surveilled the site ahead of time to find the best way up, according to current and former law enforcement officials.

William Pickle, a former special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Vice Presidential Protective Division who oversaw Vice President Al Gore’s detail, said there are provisions in any Secret Service security survey that nearby buildings are accounted for. The Secret Service regularly secures public areas such as parade routes peppered with large buildings, and advance teams interview building owners and business managers to determine who has access to the building and at what times to determine if agents need to stand watch.

“We know who’s there, why they’re there, we have control over those buildings,” Pickle said. “It seems like somewhere in this security survey, someone dropped the ball on those particular buildings.”

Though Pickle said the counter-sniper that took out the shooter did an “outstanding” job, he questioned if the Secret Service had posted additional counter-sniper teams to sufficiently cover the entire event perimeter. “A gunshot knows no boundaries except by the velocity and distance a bullet can travel,” Pickle said. “This was a relatively easy shot, and Donald Trump may have been the luckiest man in the world yesterday. He survived by about half an inch."

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told USA TODAY on Sunday that he was traveling to Milwaukee, the site of the upcoming Republican National Convention, and would not be in a position to talk until later in the day. At 2 p.m., he said he was still "unable to respond" to claims that the Secret Service made mistakes in allowing the shooter to gain such a close vantage point.

Three hours later, another senior Secret Service official also declined to comment on whether the agency failed in its mission to protect Trump at the Saturday rally.

“Any questions regarding yesterday’s event can be directed to our public affairs office out of DC,” said Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the agency’s coordinator for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Speaking at a news conference there, she said she could only discuss convention security measures.

In a news conference early Sunday morning, the FBI special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh field office, Kevin Rojek, had confirmed that the FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting and that it “is our assessment at this time” that law enforcement did not know the shooter was on the roof until he began firing.

“It is surprising,” Rojek said when asked about the gunman’s close vicinity to the rally. He said that proximity is among the details that will be a focus of the investigation. Rojek added: “The Secret Service really needs to answer that question. They conduct the initial site survey.”

At the midnight news conference, State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens had deferred questions about whether there was anything about the venue that made it particularly difficult to secure by the Secret Service, which did not have representatives at the televised briefing.

Bivens also said he would not speculate on “how close a call” it was for Trump.

But Bivens confirmed that law enforcement is following up on a “number of suspicious occurrences” including accounts from witnesses who said they tried to flag police about the activity of a person outside the rally moments before the shooting.

Calls for answers from both sides of the aisle

Sen. James Comer, a Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Oversight committee, was one of several lawmakers who called for an immediate investigation into potential lapses by the Secret Service.

Comer said in a statement that he has already contacted the Service Service for a briefing and he called on Cheatle – the director – to testify about what went wrong. His committee will send a formal invitation soon, Comer said.

"Political violence in all forms is unamerican and unacceptable," Comer said in his statement. "There are many questions and Americans demand answers."

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat, also called morning for an urgent investigation to explain what happened. Several hours later, however, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, also a Democrat, sidestepped a question at his own news conference about potential Secret Service failures in preventing the shooter from climbing atop the building.

"I'm not getting into ... any questions regarding the ongoing investigation," Shapiro said. "I trust that the FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police will keep you posted throughout the day and in the days ahead as to their investigations."

Contributing: Melissa Brown, a state political reporter at The Tennessean in Nashville, Tennessee.

Get the Reddit app

A subreddit dedicated to PhDs.

Working full time and doing a PhD?

Anyone here working while doing a PhD? Im in a unique program with my employer and university (funded by my employer). Have one more year to defend, currently wrapping up my 2nd publication paper. My field is in Power Systems/Electrical Engineering.

Watch CBS News

2024 Republican National Convention begins today on heels of Trump assassination attempt. Here's what to know.

By Caitlin Yilek

Updated on: July 15, 2024 / 5:23 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — Former President Donald Trump will officially become the GOP nominee for president at this week's Republican National Convention, days after surviving an assassination attempt .

The four-day event kicks off on Monday, just two days after a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, grazing Trump's ear. Rally attendee Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed, and two others, identified as 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaver, were wounded. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by a Secret Service sniper.

The attack has put federal, state and local law enforcement officials on even higher alert heading into the convention . Changes to the security measures were being planned after Trump was wounded at the Pennsylvania campaign rally. 

What security measures are in place for the RNC?

Multiple law enforcement officials told CBS News that planning is underway to expand the perimeter at the RNC and create buffer zones around the events. The gunman at Saturday's rally opened fire with an AR-style rifle outside the security perimeter set up by Secret Service, law enforcement sources said.

The FBI, Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies sent a joint threat assessment to law enforcement officials in anticipation of the convention calling for heightened awareness. No credible or specific threat was identified in the assessment, a law enforcement source told CBS News. 

What happens at the RNC and how does it work?

About 2,400 delegates from around the country will come together to officially nominate Trump during a roll call vote Monday.

States announce how many delegates they will be delivering to each candidate. State party rules affect how delegates may vote during the convention. Typically, a candidate's home state delegation will push him or her across the threshold to officially secure the nomination. In Trump's case, it would be Florida. 

But the vote is considered a formality because Trump clinched the nomination in March, amassing the 1,215, delegates needed to become the presumptive nominee. Trump earned 2,243 delegates by the end of the primary process, according to CBS News' estimate. 

Trump is expected to officially accept the nomination for the third time since 2016 in a speech on Thursday night.

Besides the pageantry, the Republican Party will adopt a new platform that softens its language on abortion and says the issue should be determined by individual states. The platform also proposes building a missile defense shield over the U.S. and promises tax cuts and mass deportations of people who are in the U.S. illegally. 

Where is the Republican convention taking place?

This year's convention is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Fiserv Forum arena. 

Milwaukee is considered a Democratic stronghold, but hosting the convention in Wisconsin, a battleground state, puts the Republican Party's message in front of key voters. 

Republicans selected the location in 2022 after former President Donald Trump narrowly won Wisconsin in 2016 before losing it to President Biden in 2020 by a similar margin. 

When does the RNC start and end?

The convention begins Monday and ends Thursday. The first official session is scheduled to begin Monday at 12:45 p.m. local time. The marquee speeches will be delivered in the evening on each day. 

Who will speak at the 2024 RNC?

The RNC and the Trump campaign released a list of speakers for this week's convention on Saturday, which is made up of lawmakers, television personalities and members of the former president's family, among others. 

Names like Tucker Carlson, Vivek Ramaswamy and House Speaker Mike Johnson are on the list, which also includes a number of Republican senators, Senate candidates and representatives. 

Trump's wife, Melania Trump, is not among the speakers, nor is his daughter Ivanka Trump. The former president's two older sons are slated to speak, along with his son Donald Jr.'s fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Lara Trump, who is married to Eric Trump.

Lara Trump , who is also co-chair of the Republican National Committee, teased the lineup earlier this week, saying there will be "unlikely people, celebrities who maybe you've never heard from, who support Donald Trump and support conservative values and the Republican Party." Among the list are country music stars Lee Greenwood and Chris Janson, along with rapper Amber Rose.

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton and Florida Rep. Byron Donalds will have prime-time spots, a source with knowledge of the convention's planning told CBS News. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will also give a speech. DeSantis, once considered Trump's most daunting challenger for the nomination, dropped out of the primary in January and quickly endorsed the former president. 

Nikki Haley, another Trump primary rival, has also accepted an invitation to speak at the convention, two sources familiar with the planning told CBS News. The development was a reversal from an earlier statement from her spokesperson, who said "she was not invited, and she's fine with that." Before the convention, Haley released the several dozen delegates she won in the primaries and encouraged them to vote for Trump, in the interest of party unity.

Of course, remarks from Trump and his vice presidential pick are the most anticipated. Trump announced Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate on Monday.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and North Dakota Gov.  Burgum, who were  on the shortlist  to be Trump's running mate, are also slated to speak at the convention. 

When is Trump speaking at the RNC?

Typically, the vice presidential nominee speaks Wednesday, and the presidential nominee addresses the convention on Thursday, the last night of the convention. Trump said in a social media post Sunday that after the assassination attempt, he considered delaying his travel to the RNC by two days but instead "decided that I cannot allow a 'shooter,' or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else."

He arrived in Milwaukee late Sunday afternoon and may speak on more than one occasion during the convention.

How to watch the 2024 RNC with cable

CBS television stations will have coverage beginning at 10 p.m. Eastern during the four days. Find your  local CBS station here .

How to watch the 2024 RNC without cable

CBS News 24/7 will have coverage of the convention throughout the day and will stream each night's keynote speeches, and can also be viewed on your  mobile or streaming device .

Fin Gómez, Major Garrett and Caitlin Huey-Burns contributed reporting. 

• Republican National Convention
• Republican National Committee
• Donald Trump
• Republican Party
• 2024 Elections

Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at CBSNews.com, based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation.

More from CBS News

2024 RNC Day 1 fact check of the Republican National Convention

Ahead of Milwaukee RNC, Wisconsin officials decry "horrific act" after Trump assassination attempt

Trump makes first public appearance since assassination attempt

See RNC roll call of state vote results for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Is it possible to pursue a PhD while working full time and living in another country?

I work full time as a Chief Operating Officer for a company and would like to pursue a PhD and study the population I am working with (women workers in fisheries).

I have been researching different programs in Gender Studies centers, mostly in English speaking countries.

I want to know if it is possible to pursue a PhD while working full time and living in another country? And if there are universities that are more flexible than others?

• international-students
• working-time
• distance-learning

• Some (most?) PhD programs have residency requirements. Look for that at specific programs you are intersted in. –  Richard Erickson Commented Mar 29, 2017 at 16:07
• I did see a CV once that showed that the person had earned a remote PHD, but with some onsite visits. Don't remember the name of the institution. It might not be very rigorous to go that route. Why don't you just take remote classes, and look for a mentor to help you with doing the study you have in mind? Do you really need the doctorate for your long-term goals? –  aparente001 Commented Mar 29, 2017 at 17:42
• Thank you very much for your answer. I have been working with women in this field for a long time and if I want to make a real change in the whole region, it starts with a solid base. I can do a study alone but a PhD will give it the autority it needs for officials and other companies to take it "seriously". –  Salma Commented Mar 30, 2017 at 8:08
• 1 Also, you will need advance approval from your university before you begin any research with human subjects. –  GEdgar Commented Nov 14, 2018 at 18:43

3 Answers 3

In regard to living in another country, at least in the US, most universities have a residency requirement (for example, Cornell's ) that means you have to live there for some amount of time.

As far as working full-time, sure, it can be done. It will be extremely difficult and it may be a challenge to convince an advisor to work with you. A PhD is hard enough doing it full-time. Part timers seem to take 7-9 years in my field and finish with fewer publications.

Something that a potential advisor will ask you is why do you want a PhD if you already have a job and are going to continue working in that position? A PhD trains you to do research but you aren't really doing research as a CTO are you? If you just want knowledge in the field, then take some classes or study on your own.

• I do some research but it's linked to the production so it's a whole different thing. It's because I'm going to keep working in this field (maybe not in the same position) that I want to do research. I have been trying to develop a management system that is different from a traditional one. I'm spend a lot of time around these women, trying to find the best answers to their needs, but I think that most of what I did until now is experimenting and guessing. It's time to go deeper into things. –  Salma Commented Mar 30, 2017 at 8:15

I would say that it is almost impossible to pursue a PhD while you are living in another country. It would also be impossible to pursue a PhD while working full-time. PhD's require full time dedication because you will be required not only to work on your studies, but also contribute to the university's research advancements, and perhaps even being a TA for undergraduate courses. I highly doubt there are any accredited universities that would be that flexible with you working full time and living in another country.

• 3 The part about PhD students having to work full time is only relevant for some countries like the US. By contrast, in Germany unfunded PhD students (it is reasonable to assume that the topic starter can self-fund his studies) don't have any obligations neither do they have courses to attend. –  greenb Commented Mar 29, 2017 at 22:02

I’m doing it. It’s rough. I work very long days and am publishing, but it’s quite painful and I’m afraid it may be hard to compete with others with teaching experience. Don’t do it if you can avoid it. Do one or the other and give it your all.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged phd job international-students working-time distance-learning ..

• Featured on Meta
• Upcoming initiatives on Stack Overflow and across the Stack Exchange network...
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process

Hot Network Questions

• Is Shunt Jumper for Power Plane jumper, a good idea?
• QGIS SQL (Virtual layer) How to change values where two geometries are equal, otherwise keep value?
• Has Blue Origin carried out any flight or landing tests of the New Glenn first stage?
• Substitute for "has turned into"
• What happens if a leading Presidential candidate dies with no running mate?
• Has an aircraft ever crashed due to it exceeding its ceiling altitude?
• A321XLR pair of bulges on the belly
• Legality of company mandating employees to work late hours
• Can only numeric username be used in Ubuntu 22.04.04 LTS?
• Does quick review means likely rejection?
• How do Trinitarian Christians respond to these differences between Jesus Christ and God
• A paradox while explaining the equilibrium of books
• Finding probability of winning in this game
• Was Macbeth considering murdering Duncan before Lady Macbeth encouraged him to?
• Schengen visa rejected 3 times
• If class B extends A, can we say that B depends on A?
• Fantasy novel with a girl, a satyr, and a gorgon escaping a circus
• HPE Smart Array P408i 2GB performance drop
• Relation between energy and time
• Reference request: Software for producing sounds of drums of specified shapes
• Winload.exe booting process
• Sorting with a deque
• convert geopotential height's unit from m**2 s**-2 to hPa
• Wikipedia states that the relativistic Doppler effect is the same whether it is the source or the receiver that is stationary. Can this be true?

Trump disavows Project 2025, but he has long-standing ties to some key architects

As President Joe Biden’s campaign seeks to rebound from his rough debate performance two weeks ago, it has increasingly tried to turn the attention to former President Donald Trump about Project 2025, an expansive conservative plan backed by more than 100 groups for Trump’s potential second administration.

Over the last week, Trump has tried to put some distance between himself and Project 2025.

"I know nothing about Project 2025," he said in a Truth Social post Friday. "I have no idea who is behind it.”

He doubled down in a social media post Thursday morning, saying, "I have not seen it, have no idea who is in charge of it, and, unlike our very well received Republican Platform, had nothing to do with it."

But many of Trump’s key allies have been directly involved in producing the project, which includes a 900-plus page policy road map and personnel database gathered by the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank leading the effort.

Trump also spoke highly about the group's plans at a dinner sponsored by the Heritage Foundation in April 2022, saying: “This is a great group, and they’re going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do and what your movement will do when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America.”

The project’s website bills it as a “governing agenda” that would “pave the way for an effective conservative Administration.”

The website also notes that the project is backed by over 100 conservative organizations , many led by close allies of Trump, including Turning Point USA, the Center for Renewing America, the Claremont Institute, the Family Policy Alliance, the Family Research Council, Moms for Liberty and America First Legal — the latter of which is led by Stephen Miller, a top former Trump adviser.

Former Trump administration officials who have been directly affiliated with Project 2025 include former Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, former deputy chief of staff Rick Dearborn and former Justice Department senior counsel Gene Hamilton.

Vought, one of the key authors of Project 2025, is also the Republican National Committee’s platform policy director.

The RNC this month adopted its official policy platform for the 2024 election cycle, a document that is less conservative than the Project 2025 handbook — including on key issues like abortion .

Despite the differences between the official platform and Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation is intertwined with the RNC and has been for years.

A spokesperson for the Heritage Foundation told NBC News that it will have a sponsored presence at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, as it did at the GOP conventions in 2016 and 2012.

The group was also intimately involved with Trump's transition to the White House in 2016. Beginning that August, top Heritage officials — including Ed Meese, Ed Feulner, Bill Walton and Kay Coles James — became key players in identifying personnel to fill out the administration. 

The Trump campaign declined to comment on who could be a part of a 2025 transition team. Typically, a party’s nominee selects a transition team several months before the general election.

In a statement to NBC News, Biden campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitka called Project 2025 "extreme," and said it's, "written and led by [Trump's] own inner circle — the same extremists who stacked Trump’s first administration with loyalists and fired anyone who opposed his dangerous instincts, and the same enablers who will help Trump go even further to ‘terminate’ the Constitution, get ‘revenge’ on his enemies, and govern as a ‘dictator on day one’ if he wins this November. Donald Trump and Project 2025 are one in the same — and they’re both going to lose this November.”

Although the RNC’s official platform and Project 2025 differ, the goals espoused in Project 2025 are similar to some of the campaign promises Trump makes at his rallies.

He has promised to cut the Education Department, mirroring Project 2025’s proposal that “ the federal Department of Education should be eliminated .”

He has also promised to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Biden, alleging that the justice system under the Biden administration is “two-tiered” and “weaponized.”

Project 2025’s handbook echoes th at , saying the Biden administration has executed an “unprecedented politicization and weaponization of the [Justice] department,” which demands “a comprehensive response from the next Administration.”

Still, Trump’s campaign denies that the authors of Project 2025 are in any way shaping his plans for a potential administration.

Senior campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles said in a statement last year that “unless a message is coming directly from President Trump or an authorized member of his campaign team, no aspect of future presidential staffing or policy announcements should be deemed official.”

Vaughn Hillyard is a correspondent for NBC News. 

Alexandra Marquez is a politics reporter for NBC News.

Project 2025: What is it? Who is behind it? How is it connected to Trump?

• Medium Text

WHAT IS PROJECT 2025?

Is it connected to the trump campaign, what are the project's main proposals, does trump agree with the project's proposals, why is project 2025 such a big deal at the moment.

Sign up here.

Reporting by Gram Slattery, editing by Ross Colvin and Rosalba O'Brien

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Thomson Reuters

Washington-based correspondent covering campaigns and Congress. Previously posted in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Santiago, Chile, and has reported extensively throughout Latin America. Co-winner of the 2021 Reuters Journalist of the Year Award in the business coverage category for a series on corruption and fraud in the oil industry. He was born in Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard College.

World Chevron

Four killed, several wounded by gunfire near mosque in Oman, police say

Four people were killed and several wounded by gunfire in the vicinity of a mosque in Oman, the Omani police said on Tuesday, a rare breach of security in one of the most stable countries in the Middle East.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Students Target Teachers in Group TikTok Attack, Shaking Their School

Seventh and eighth graders in Malvern, Pa., impersonating their teachers posted disparaging, lewd, racist and homophobic videos in the first known mass attack of its kind in the U.S.

By Natasha Singer

Natasha Singer, who covers technology in schools, reported from Malvern, Pa. She welcomes reader tips at nytimes.com/tips .

In February, Patrice Motz, a veteran Spanish teacher at Great Valley Middle School in Malvern, Pa., was warned by another teacher that trouble was brewing.

Some eighth graders at her public school had set up fake TikTok accounts impersonating teachers. Ms. Motz, who had never used TikTok, created an account.

She found a fake profile for @patrice.motz, which had posted a real photo of her at the beach with her husband and their young children. “Do you like to touch kids?” a text in Spanish over the family vacation photo asked. “Answer: Sí.”

In the days that followed, some 20 educators — about one quarter of the school’s faculty — discovered they were victims of fake teacher accounts rife with pedophilia innuendo, racist memes, homophobia and made-up sexual hookups among teachers. Hundreds of students soon viewed, followed or commented on the fraudulent accounts.

In the aftermath, the school district briefly suspended several students, teachers said. The principal during one lunch period chastised the eighth-grade class for its behavior.

The biggest fallout has been for teachers like Ms. Motz, who said she felt “kicked in the stomach” that students would so casually savage teachers’ families. The online harassment has left some teachers worried that social media platforms are helping to stunt the growth of empathy in students. Some teachers are now hesitant to call out pupils who act up in class. Others said it had been challenging to keep teaching.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .