Introduction

Hi folks,

About me
My name is Patrick McCorry and have recently graduated with a BSc in Computer Science at a Russel Group university. I did not specialise in any field and did a bit of everything (networks, security, real-time programming, databases, graphics, etc). Thankfully, I was lucky to get a 14 month placement in Hursley which allowed me to experience what it is like to work in industry (agile methodologies, plenty of java and a little assembler).


Why a PhD?
I have always wanted to be Dr Patrick McCorry (like most geeks) while I was at school. Of course, I never knew why I wanted to be a Dr (what does being a Doctor really mean? does it have benefits?) and I had no idea what I would do it in! All I knew, is that is what I wanted to do.

When I was working in industry was the first time that I properly considered the advantages and disadvantages of undertaking a PhD. Does a PhD make you more employable? Is it required in this industry which thrives with very frequent innovation? Would I benefit more from having a job in the industry as opposed to self-study?

Thankfully, I was able to meet a lot of Doctors in a variety of fields. Some loved their PhD, some hated it, and some only did it as it was 'natural progression' in academia. What I discussed with these people is a post for another time - but in general these discussions had a general theme -> if you choose to do a PhD - make sure you do it on the right topic! As you are stuck with it for three years.

Returning to university to complete my final year was a strange experience - coming out of a 9 - 5 job and having to do work in the evening / weekends - not many people enjoy that type of change. But, it was during this year that helped me make my decision. I was given the chance to study interesting topics (especially in Cryptography) and found it a challenge to understand - something that industry just did not give me. I did Java most days and was more an engineer than a scientist - I want to explore and learn new things, not connect pipes.

For example, RSA (public key encryption, aka allows you and your mate to chat securely) is based on the difficulty to factorize two prime numbers. Factorizing is something you are taught at school (and I was really bad at!). The fact this simple technique protects me checking my online banking is fascinating. (I know, very sad!)

But then... I was offered a job with an attractive starting salary

At the end of the day, I do believe that money is not everything the world - it is nice to have, but I am a simple person, living a simple life - I don't know what I would do with a lot of money! (probably have a stash of Jaffa Cakes). I decided that doing a PhD would be more interesting and rewarding. Why? I get the chance to learn - to be more educated,  explore topics that have changed the world and in the future people could be studying the work that I undertake in academia.

Why this blog?
Making the decision to do a PhD instead of getting a graduate role is the most difficult thing I have ever had to do in my life. In the end I might end up getting a graduate role after these three years like the Doctors at Hursley. Documenting my experiences of further study may help someone in the future to make the same decision. After all, knowledge is power - and understanding the choice you make will affect your future career, relationships and wealth. I hope you enjoy my blog, and if you know someone who is thinking of doing a PhD, make sure to share it with them!