How a PhD can Benefit You

Author: Kennagh Spowart, PhD Performance student, University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

Considering PhD study? UWS student, Kennagh Spowart, shares her experience on how studying for a PhD can benefit your future and career.

There are many reasons an individual may wish to undergo PhD study: their passion for research, their desire to become an expert within their field or simply the drive for a challenge, to name a few. 

But of course, a PhD journey is certainly no easy feat and those considering taking on this level of study should think about how it will benefit their future and careers. 

So, grab yourself a cup of tea, prop your feet up and let’s discuss where your PhD can take you!

Career advancement

A PhD will no doubt make you stand out in a job application or interview! With around only two percent of the UK holding a PhD degree, this will allow you to apply for higher positions within your field and perhaps could be the deciding factor amongst employers, especially within competitive industries. Of course, not all positions will require a high-level degree, so I advise you to investigate jobs that interest you and to research their requirements and desirable criteria before taking on a PhD!

Teaching

One of the main reasons that I decided to undergo a PhD, and I believe a lot of others will decide this as well, is to teach at university-level and to work within research and academia in my field. Later in my studies, I will be met with opportunities to teach alongside completing my PhD, to gain more experience and insight into education at this level. 

I find a lot of fulfilment in teaching having previously worked as a music educator in schools and communities, and as a musical theatre and dance coach with clubs and councils, however, whilst I found teaching younger age groups very rewarding, I knew that I wanted the challenge to educate adults who wish to become experts in the arts and to continue growing my own knowledge. Undergoing a PhD and taking on the teaching opportunities that arise later will absolutely help in becoming a lecturer in higher education.    

Research networking

Studying a PhD will open opportunities to network with other PhD students, researchers and experts amongst your field, which can ignite new research ideas and collaborations. You’ll be attending conferences and events, getting to hear about other work and get the opportunity to present your own research. Engaging with other scholar’s is a massive benefit of the journey and who knows, perhaps you’ll make some long-lasting friendships and work with someone you’ve admired for a long time!  

Overall

Obtaining a PhD is a fantastic achievement, both personally and professionally, displaying a multitude of skills and qualities in an individual, and those who undergo such a task should absolutely be proud of themselves. Whether it's to get that dream job, become a university lecturer, work in research or to collaborate with other experts within the field, a PhD will open new and exciting opportunities for many early academics and your work and expertise will forever be part of your field.

Thinking of studying for a PhD at UWS? Take a look at what subject areas UWS specialise in and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.

Blog written by Kennagh Spowart, UWS PhD student | February 2025