by Mariam Nundu

Created on: April 15, 2009

A doctorate degree (PhD) is the highest level of university education one can attain. The PhD level is aimed at installing a higher level of knowledge in an area ofindividual'sinterest so as to credit the individual with a recognized level of expertise in the subject.

It is this acknowledgement of "expertise" that distinguishes PhD graduates from other degrees such as Bachelors or Masters. Hence PhD graduates are awarded the "Doctor" title or have the initials "PhD" after their name to highlight this level of expertise.

The pursuit of a PhD is demanding as one would imagine, but can too be very gratifying. However not everyone is cut out for a PhD nor does everyone need a PhD. So why would one pursue a PhD? Well there are several reasons as follows:

1) Respect: The very fact that a PhD certifies an individual as an "expert" in a field is an attraction enough for some to pursue a PhD. The knowledge that one is regarded as an expert can be a great confidence boost to some. Our society is known to treat people differently and hence having the initials PhD after one's name (or the "Doctor" title) commands a higher level of respect from others.

2) Credibility: Having a PhD does enlist credibility in an individual in regards to the area of study chosen. Again going back to the expertise point, a PhD graduate is automatically regarded as an expert in the chosen field. This expertise and thus credibility has many advantages in one'scareer path.

A credible candidate can be favored in high post jobs over a less credible one. Thus obtaining a PhD can lead to better job prospectus in many fields. In fact in some fields such as the scientific field, PhD are required in order for one to qualify for certain job posts.

Other fields may not have this requirement however holding a PhD in any field does boost both income and career options for many. Credibility is also a great marketing tool, in fact studies have shown that generally people trust favor those who have credibility than others.It's no wonder that books by authors with a PhD tend to do better than those without (books in the non-fiction/creative areas that is). Television (and even radio) programs too follow this trend in so much as in fields such as psychology and scientific. It's thosewith PhD that are called in for their expert knowledge.Anyone familiar with diet programs in the UK such as "Youare what you eat" will see this clearly or anyone familiar with Oprah program and it's many PhD holders called upon for their

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