The Journey to Pursuing a PhD: Motivation and Realization
Every aspiring researcher faces the question: What makes you interested in a PhD program? For me, the answer was not immediate or empirically grounded. However, the question has sparked a journey full of personal and professional motivations.
The Empirical Quest for Knowledge
One of the most intriguing questions I grappled with was how to push the boundaries of human knowledge through empirical discovery. The desire to answer important research questions drove me forward. This quest was fueled by the belief that each piece of knowledge contributes to the greater understanding of our world.
Varying Motivations for a PhD
The journey to a PhD is often fueled by diverse motivations. Money, the acquisition of specialized knowledge, and the desire to perform tasks that cannot be done without a doctoral degree, are among the common reasons. However, for some, the ultimate goal might be to secure a position in academia.
My own motivation, however, stems from a deep-seated desire to improve workplace safety. I have always been passionate about this cause, driven by personal experiences and a desire to positively impact the lives of workers.
Impact on Workplace Safety
During my time working with firefighter training, I realized the importance of ensuring that firefighters were well-equipped to handle their dangerous tasks. My son’s safety in the heavy construction field further fueled this passion. Seeing the state of safety training in both firefighting and construction led me to believe that a doctoral program was necessary to drive the required research.
I enrolled in a doctoral program in distance education, focusing my research on competency analysis. My goal was to make this process cheaper and more accessible for organizations, thereby ensuring that the correct skills were being imparted to each occupation. This indirect motivation came from my wish to keep workers as safe as possible.
Unfulfilled Aspirations and Reflection
Sadly, my journey did not end where I had hoped. I struggled to find a strong enough motivation to complete my PhD. It was a complex decision, but in the end, I was content to be halfway through the journey.
Additionally, I decided not to pursue a second PhD. My journey started in college, with the goal of earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. However, my passion for learning exceeded the value I placed on degrees. Over the years, I obtained six degrees, of which I hardly could recall the locations of the pieces of paper now.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that the path to a PhD is a reflection of personal and professional growth. The pursuit of knowledge, regardless of the degree, is what truly matters.