Is Ph.D. important for you?

I was asked by many friends and colleagues, "how did you start your Ph.D in Netherlands? "how did you get scholarship?"

Before I asked those question and share my experience, there are several questions for your self to be answered; e.g. Why do I want to get a Ph.D. degree? Is Ph.D. important for you? Is researcher or scientist is your long term goal? Do I have enough capability to pursue Ph.D. study? Those questions arise since Ph.D. study is a hard way (for many people, I suppose).

I've tried many ways and possibilities to find university and scholarships. I intended to pursue graduate study abroad since long time ago. I’ve learn that each donor agency has its own rules and regulations which have to be followed by the applicant.

What did I do prior to pursue Ph.D. study?

1. Define subject
2. Used search engine (subject, university, adviser/supervisor, rules/regulations)
3. Communicate with good references, scientists, and others
4. Networking (active in international seminar/congress/meeting)

Fund is one of the main constraints of study. My Ph.D. study was not secure without research grant. I’ve submitted the proposal to many donors. We can use search engine and information about fund raising and donor possibility. It is my lucky to work with some international institution at the same time. Learning is a never-ending process. I’ve been learning that working with international institution improve my skill and knowledge, better insight, wider perspective, horizon and networking. This is a long way to pursue Ph.D. study, which needs everlasting effort, spirit and hard work.