Weighing options for a PhD in electrical engineering
Hello,
I am looking for any feedback on considering a PhD program.
My background is 7YOE in industry as an electrical engineer before starting a graduate program last year. I started a research masters program in electrical engineering in Canada. I am really enjoying the research that I am doing and am coming up on the halfway point of my 2 year program.
My advisor recently approached me and asked me whether I would consider sticking around for a PhD. It would be a direct continuation of my masters research. My initial plan was to return to the workforce after completing my masters program as I liked industry but always wanted to complete higher education before moving on to other stages of life.
After the request to continue with a PhD, I am now reweighing my options. I had raised initial concerns of missing out on prime years of investment compounding and the length of a PhD program delaying the moving on to other stages of life. My advisor said that I could likely get the PhD program done in 2 years due to my work output, and that they could help financially by increasing my salary at their startup at which I already work.
My next steps are deciding whether the PhD opportunity is the right program for me. I plan to review job postings of interest and determine whether a PhD in electrical engineering would be necessary. My intention at this point is to return to industry even if I do complete the PhD program. I also want to discuss with my advisor and determine what would be considered "good enough" to target a 2 year completion. This would be the 2 year masters program and 2 year PhD program for 4 years total.
I'm looking to get feedback and guidance from the community. Were any of you in a similar situation? Did you feel that you made the right choice by sticking around academia a bit longer than intended? Do you have any wisdom for deciding whether to pursue a PhD program? Thanks all!