More than a thesis: Exploring the challenge of doing a PhD in Argentina
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25260/EA.25.35.3.0.2588Keywords:
PhD students, atrition consideration, stress, satisfaction, Latin AmericaAbstract
1. Pursuing a doctorate is influenced by multiple factors. Aspects such as the relationship with the work team, academic demands and time available for recreational activities may affect motivation and permanence in the scientific system. Although the factors influencing PhD students in their careers have been studied, most of this data comes from the Northern Hemisphere, leaving a significant information gap for Latin America.
2. The objective of this study is a) to explore the experiences of PhD students in Argentina based on interpersonal relationship within the workplace and in relation to the demands of the doctorate, and b) to evaluate how these factors are associated with stress, satisfaction and consideration of attrition. To achieve this, we distributed an online survey among PhD students in natural sciences and related fields from January to April 2024.
3. The results, based on 192 responses, reveal that self-perceived student stress and satisfaction were positively and negatively associated with consideration of attrition, respectively.
4. Finally, 39.6% of respondents considered abandoning their doctorate, mainly due to issues related to their relationship with their supervisors, recognition and appreciation of their work, and particular economic issues.
5. The open responses reveal that the perceived reasons were broader, including lack of financial remuneration and the high levels of demand and uncertainty to which they are exposed during the development of their theses.
6. Implications. In this work, we consider it extremely important to focus on and continue addressing the aspects we identified as relevant to the development of doctoral careers in Argentina, with a particular emphasis on good practices in supervisor-PhD student interaction, recognition and appreciation of the PhD students’ work and state funding.
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