<p>Well?</p>
<p>The title says it all.</p>
<p>Both are pushing for me to get a PhD. One even suggested I reach for top schools.</p>
<p>I don’t want one. :/</p>
<p>I was in a similar situation years ago. I was pretty direct about it. Actually, some of these conversations with professors about this were some of the most frustrating conversations of my life. Be prepared. It is a good question and not a trivial issue.</p>
<p>Basically my profs wanted me to get a Ph.D. in a hard science and I wanted a Masters in a type of Engineering. Ironically, after getting the Masters and working in Industry as an engineer, I am in a Ph.D. program in Engineering.</p>
<p>It was not a good decision for me to pursue a Ph.D. at the point were I had the original conversation with these professors. It was an even worse decision for me to pursue Ph.D. in a Hard Science where the opportunities are more limited.</p>
<p>My recommendation is to clearly explain your alternative to getting a Ph.D. Also, keep the idea of a Ph.D. open for the future. Explain to them that you may want to do other things before pursuing a Ph.D. I never though I’d ever pursue a Ph.D. when I went for a masters after undergrad. Things can change! You still may want these professors as references some day, so be kind and appreciative. Really give these supportive professors the time of day.</p>
<p>I can definitely relate to this experience. During college, I felt pressured to pursue a PhD because I was among the brightest students in my major (I am also an URM.). After graduation, I decided to listen to my gut feeling and take a break. Now, I’m enrolled in a top-ranked dual-master’s program (with funding) that is a perfect fit for my academic and professional interests. During my break, I learned so much about myself, including what I should absolutely avoid! I will still keep the PhD open for the future, but right now, I am glad I decided to go the master’s route first.</p>
<p>Thank you both for answering my question!</p>
<p>I thought I was the only one. </p>
<p>I think it’s a great idea to let my professors know that I’ll keep a PhD open for the future (even though I really don’t want one!) That will soothe them over. </p>
<p>It seems like they are so focused on reproducing themselves (academics) and not being practical- Unless I go to a top school, a PhD in my field isn’t worth it, and even then…</p>
<p>One thing that is important to remember when dealing with professors is that most of them believe that they have the best job in the world. It is really, truly difficult for them to understand why anyone who has the potential to make it in that career field would not choose to do so.</p>
<p>Once you are out of college, drop your professors a line once in a while. If you do decide to pursue graduate studies in the future they will be delighted to write your LORs.</p>
<p>Just explain that you appreciate their support, but you aren’t interested in a career of research.</p>