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Three questions to ask yourself before quitting your PhD

It’s normal for PhD candidates to consider abandoning their studies. Here’s how to take emotions out of the decision.

Gemma Conroy

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28 July 2020

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Amid lab shutdowns and cancelled fieldwork, many PhD students are facing tough choices regarding the future of their research career.

Roughly 45% of PhD students expect to disengage with their studies within the next six months due to financial hardship related to the pandemic, according to a new survey of 1,020 doctoral candidates in Australia.

While walking away without a doctorate will be the right choice for some – and perhaps the only choice for those with inadequate financial support - it’s important to ask the right questions before making a decision.

“Students need to separate the fake and real reasons for leaving,” says Shane Huntington, deputy director of strategy and partnerships at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences in Australia.

“Some of the most common reasons students quit have nothing to do with their ability to do a PhD.”

Below are three questions that can help a candidate decide whether to quit or continue with their doctoral studies.

1. Are your problems solvable?

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Kate Kenfield

Shane Huntington

A disengaged supervisor, toxic lab culture, or a string of failed experiments might feel like reason enough to quit your PhD, but these are not insurmountable problems.

Huntington suggests switching labs if poor supervision or an overly competitive environment are causing you distress.

“I try to get students to determine whether their reasons for wanting to quit are really about them, and not just due to systemic problems. My advice is to map out what the problems are and explore how they can be solved.”

Struggling with specific tasks, such as writing, isn’t a sign to start drafting a withdrawal letter, says Inger Mewburn, director of research training at the Australian National University in Canberra.

“This is a fixable problem,” says Mewburn, who edits a popular blog called The Thesis Whisperer .

“But if you just aren’t enjoying what you’re doing each day, then those feelings need to be critically examined.”

2. Have you talked to someone about it?

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It can be difficult for students to admit that they’re struggling, but reaching out to supervisors and other lab members can offer some much-needed perspective, says Frey Fyfe.

“There is a lot of pressure to only convey the positive,” says Fyfe, who quit their PhD in volcanology at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom in 2018, and has not returned to academia.

“I wish I had spoken to someone in my research group, as pretty much every PhD student wants to quit at some point.”

Huntington recalls that a quick chat with his PhD supervisor saved him from quitting his own PhD in physics in the late 1990s. The discussion led to weekly meetings where other lab members could help him find solutions to his experimental problems.

“My supervisor told me that most students want to quit at least three times, which sort of gave me permission to feel the way I did,” says Huntington.

He says the weekly meeting helped him feel supported. “We were able to work through the low points.”

Fyfe says that viewing a supervisor as a fellow collaborator, rather than someone to win approval from, can make it easier to communicate more openly.

“It’s not a one-way street,” says Fyfe. “You need to be able to communicate what’s going right and what isn’t.”

3. Does your PhD fit with your long-term goals?

how to quit phd from iit

Inger Mewburn

Embarking on a PhD is a major career milestone for many students, but it’s important to consider how it will further your aspirations in the long-run, says Mewburn.

For example, if a candidate wants to end up in a research-focussed job that doesn’t involve teaching, gaining experience from an industry placement could be a more strategic investment than spending years on a PhD.

It’s also important for candidates to make a realistic assessment of the job prospects in their field, particularly in the wake of pandemic-related hiring freezes and job losses .

“You’ve got to explore your options,” says Mewburn. “Is there even going to be a job in your field when you finish your PhD?”

A common mistake students make when deciding whether to quit or continue is focussing on the sacrifices they have made, instead of considering where they want to head next.

“People often think of the past, rather than the future. There’s a lot of guilt about what they’re giving up [if they quit],” says Huntington. “But it’s a myth, because you are not giving up on all the hard work, you’re just taking it in a different direction.”

Whether choosing to quit or stay, it ultimately comes down to feeling confident about your underlying reasons, says Huntington.

“Students should have some power over their destiny. Make the right decision on the right basis, and feel good about the choice you’ve made.”

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Thinking about quitting your PhD? Maybe that’s the right decision

Sometimes not completing a PhD is the rational choice, and having open conversations around it helps stop people feeling isolated and uncertain, says Katherine Firth

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Katherine Firth

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Sometimes quitting your PhD and leaving academia can be the most rational move for students

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We know that 30 to 50 per cent of PhD candidates don’t complete globally. Countries such as the UK and Australia, where about a quarter of students don’t finish their PhD, actually congratulate themselves on their efficient completions. While my day job involves trying to help more people finish on time, I also know that choosing to stop can sometimes be the right decision.

People stop their PhD for a variety of reasons, including to pursue job opportunities, to focus on external life priorities or simply because they lose interest. Over the past two years, there have been even more disruptions than usual: researchers haven’t been able to travel or do fieldwork; they have had to give up in-person conferences and avoid busy labs and libraries; they got sick or the pandemic exacerbated existing health conditions; or their priorities changed.

Supervisors, candidates and universities need to be more open to having conversations about quitting. Why do candidates choose to quit, how many people do so and what happens to them afterwards? It’s almost impossible to get detailed, accurate data about completion rates. People who quit leave the university and, therefore, we often don’t see what they do next. If we don’t talk openly about stopping, people who are considering it feel isolated and uncertain. But it isn’t rare, and supervisors are in a privileged position to recognise the signs early – and then, as appropriate, support their candidates as they successfully navigate away from the PhD.    

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Academics don’t always like to acknowledge it, but your health, family, career and community are more important than any scholarly accolade. People generally think about quitting for reasons including family responsibilities, mental health or their financial situation. Or they choose to leave because other opportunities come up. These can be rational, practical choices with sensible long-term outcomes.

After all, graduating with a doctorate is not the only pathway towards contributing to knowledge, discovering new information or being recognised as an expert. That incomplete doctorate might be suitable for a patent or to spin out into an industry application. Perhaps it makes sense to publish your findings in an academic article – or a public-facing book. Similarly, the skills that candidates have already developed in pursuing their research might be an asset in their job beyond academia.

It’s important for candidates to know that not finishing a PhD doesn’t make you a failure, and it doesn’t mean you’ll never have the opportunity to do a research degree in the future. Sometimes, now is not the right time or you’re not in the right field. You wouldn’t be the first person to return to academia after a decade in industry, or when your circumstances changed, or when your research project was safe to pursue again. The past two years have been particularly challenging for researchers who had to totally change their planned research projects. When it is just not possible to pursue the PhD you signed up for, it can be a valid decision to do something else instead.

However, I wouldn’t want to suggest that the only two options are gritting your teeth or leaving. Universities increasingly have opportunities for flexibility or support, which candidates should explore. Some adjustments are quite common if you ask around. It’s often possible to press pause on your candidature, take a leave of absence or change to part-time study. Work with the equity team or researcher development team to improve accessibility or get support. It might also be helpful to negotiate changes in the supervision team – realigning it to better support your methods, specialisation or preferences.

There are more drastic options, too. It’s possible to convert your PhD to a master’s by research. Candidates might even explore taking their project to another faculty, another university or another country where it fits better. Leaving your current situation might mean losing out on your funding or burning bridges or hurting feelings. It tends to require a lot of extra time, effort and work. It’s an extreme option, but if you’re already thinking about leaving, you are already considering radical action.

I recently wrote a book with Liam Connell and Peta Freestone, Your PhD Survival Guide , based on Thesis Boot Camp , our award-winning programme for helping get people over the thesis finish line. In our experience working with thousands of doctoral candidates around the world, having non-judgemental conversations about quitting frees people from having to pretend that everything is fine.

Supervisors, peers and mentors can also help identify what changes are possible to make or support candidates to weigh up their options and make a considered decision about whether to carry on or put down the doctorate, for now or for good, and pursue other priorities. PhD researchers are smart, resilient, persistent problem-solvers, and they contribute in so many ways to our world, whether or not they gain the title “doctor”.

Katherine Firth is lecturer in research education and development at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, and a founding member of the Thesis Boot Camp team. Her most recent book on doctoral success is Your PhD Survival Guide: Planning, Writing and Succeeding in your Final Year with Liam Connell and Peta Freestone.

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Knowing when to quit PhD: Signs to look for and what to do next

Not many know of the harsh realities of the PhD program when they first start out and many struggle to be fully convinced that PhD is indeed the right career choice for them.

So, somewhere along the journey they start feeling stuck with no real progress being made and start questioning whether or not to continue . It is at this time, they need to make the tough call and often they lack the know how to be able to decide how to proceed thereon.

In this article, we will look into the signs that indicate it’s time to quit your PhD program, what to do after quitting, and alternative career paths to consider. We’ll also discuss managing finances and prioritizing mental health during this difficult time, as well as the importance of a healthy relationship with your PhD supervisor.

Finally, we’ll explore how a change in personal goals can affect your decision to leave the program and provide resources for those considering leaving their PhD program. Contrary to the other blogs that touch base on this topic, we will also look into how you can resume your PhD journey after a brief hiatus if you decide so instead of quitting.

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Signs it’s time to quit PhD

Making the decision to quit PhD

Next steps after quitting phd, alternative career routes after quitting phd, resume your phd journey, key takeaways, signs it's time to quit phd.

There are some tell tale signs that you can look out for to know if it’s time to quit your PhD.

Lack of Passion

Your passion for your research should be what drives you to continue your PhD. If you find yourself lacking excitement or interest in your work, it may be time to re-evaluate your goals and consider quitting.

Emotional and mental health issues

The stress of a PhD program can take a toll on your mental health. If you find yourself constantly anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed, it may be a sign that the program is not worth sacrificing your health.

Financial Hardship

PhD programs can be expensive and do not always offer enough funding or job opportunities to support your lifestyle. If you are struggling financially and cannot see a way out, it may be time to consider other options.

Lack of Support

A strong support system is crucial during a PhD program. If you feel isolated or unsupported by your colleagues or mentor, it can make the program even more challenging.

If you recognize any of these signs, it may be time to take a step back and evaluate your options. It’s important to remember that quitting your PhD program does not mean you have failed. Here are some steps to take next:

Speak with a trusted mentor or advisor to discuss your options.

Consider taking some time off to re-evaluate your goals and explore other interests.

Look into alternative career paths or programs that align with your interests and values.

Connect with a therapist or mental health professional for support during this transition.

Poor relationship with supervisor or lab members

If you’re experiencing conflicts with your supervisor or lab members, it can create a toxic work environment that affects your ability to perform. This can be especially challenging in a PhD program that is often heavily reliant on the relationship with your supervisor. If attempts to resolve conflicts have been unsuccessful, it may be time to consider moving on to a different program or workplace. Remember that your well-being should be a priority and it’s okay to make changes that support that.

Change in personal goals or circumstances

As we grow and change, our goals and circumstances can shift. If you find yourself no longer interested in pursuing a career in academia or if personal circumstances make continuing the program difficult, it’s important to consider whether the PhD is still the best path for you. Keep in mind that it’s never too late to make a change and pursue a different career path that aligns better with your current goals and needs. Remember to seek support and guidance from trusted advisors and professionals as you make these decisions.

The decision to quit your PhD is a difficult one, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about your needs and goals. Remember that quitting does not mean failure, and it’s never too late to make a change. Here are some steps to help you make this decision

Weighing the pros and cons

When making the decision to quit your PhD program, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Some pros of continuing may include a strong passion for your research, a supportive advisor, and opportunities for career advancement. However, some cons may include financial strain, mental and emotional exhaustion, and a lack of interest in your work.

Reflecting on your goals and values

Reflect on your goals and values and how they align with your current situation. Are you still passionate about your research? Is the PhD program aligning with your personal values and goals? Reflecting on these questions can help provide clarity when making the decision to continue or quit the program.

Seeking advice and support

Speak with trusted mentors, advisors, and professionals to discuss your options and gather information. It’s important to seek advice and support from people who understand the demands of a PhD program and can help you make an informed decision.

Trusting your intuition

Ultimately, the decision to quit your PhD should come from a place of intuition and self-awareness. Trust your instincts and listen to your body and mind. If you feel that continuing the program will have a negative impact on your well-being and happiness, it may be time to consider other options.

Remember that quitting your PhD program does not mean you have failed. It takes courage to acknowledge when something is not working and make a change. Trust yourself and do what is best for you and your future.

If you have decided to quit your PhD program, it’s important to have a plan for what comes next. Here are some steps to consider:

Take time for self-care

Leaving a PhD program can be a major life change that can have an emotional impact. It’s important to take time to reflect, process your feelings, and engage in self-care activities that help you feel grounded and supported.

Re-evaluate your career goals

Reflect on your interests and career goals and explore alternative career paths that align with your passions and values. Consider taking courses or workshops to develop new skills and broaden your options.

Network and build new connections

Connect with professionals in your field of interest and attend industry events to expand your network and gain insight into new career opportunities. Building new connections can help you find new opportunities and grow your professional circle.

Seek support and guidance

It’s important to connect with a mentor, advisor, or therapist who can offer support and guidance as you navigate this transition. They can help you overcome any obstacles or self-doubt you may have and provide valuable insights and resources.

Consider further education or training

If you are interested in pursuing a different academic path, consider further education or training in a new field. This can open up new opportunities and help you gain new skills and knowledge.

Embrace the change and stay positive

Leaving a PhD program can be challenging, but it’s important to embrace the change and stay positive. Remember that this decision is an opportunity for growth and new experiences. Focus on the positives of your decision and stay open to new opportunities that come your way. With time and persistence, you can forge a new path that aligns with your passions and goals.

If you decide to leave your PhD program, there are many alternative career routes to consider. Here are a few options to explore:

Consider exploring career opportunities in industry that relate to your research interests. Industry jobs can offer more stability and a faster career trajectory than academia.

If you enjoy teaching, consider pursuing a career as a high school or community college teacher. You can also consider teaching positions in non-academic settings, such as museums or community centers.

Entrepreneurship

Starting your own business or consulting firm can be a rewarding career path that allows you to apply your research skills in new ways. Be prepared to invest time and energy into building your business.

Non-profit work

Non-profit organizations offer a variety of career opportunities that align with your values and interests. Consider working for a non-profit in a role that utilizes your research skills or knowledge.

Government work

Working for the government can provide stable employment and opportunities to make a difference in your field of interest. Consider working in a government agency related to your research area or in science policy.

Freelancing

Freelancing or consulting can offer flexibility and the opportunity to work on a range of projects related to your research or interests. Be prepared for the challenges of self-employment and building a client base.

Remember that there are many alternative career paths to consider after leaving your PhD program. Take time to explore your interests and goals, and seek advice and support from trusted professionals as you navigate this transition.

Consider your options carefully and make a decision that aligns with your values and goals. Remember that it’s okay to change your mind and pursue a different path. Take time for self-care, re-evaluate your career goals, network and build connections, seek support and guidance, consider further education, and stay positive.

As opposed to quitting, if you give it a second thought and decide to resume with your PhD, here are some steps to help you through it and your approach from the past. Don’t worry if you’re feeling unsure; this is a normal phase for many.

Reconnect with your advisor and lab members

It’s important to reconnect with your advisor and lab members after a hiatus. Schedule a meeting with your advisor to discuss your plans moving forward and any necessary steps to re-integrate into the program.

Review and update your research plan

Take time to review and update your research plan to ensure that it aligns with your current goals and interests. Consider any changes that may have occurred during your hiatus and discuss any necessary adjustments with your advisor.

Re-establish your routine

Returning to a PhD program may require adjusting your routine to ensure that you have enough time and energy to dedicate to your research and coursework. Make a schedule that works for you and stick to it. Create a plan for managing your time, including scheduling regular breaks and self-care activities.

Connect with your peers

Connecting with your peers can help you stay motivated and engaged in your program. Attend department events, join a study group, or participate in student clubs to meet new people and build relationships.

Seek additional support and resources

If you are struggling to get back into the swing of things, consider seeking additional support and resources. This may include working with a tutor, attending office hours, or accessing mental health services.

Keep your long-term goals in mind

Remember your long-term goals and why you started your PhD in the first place. Keeping your goals in mind can help you stay motivated and focused as you resume your PhD journey. Celebrate your successes and milestones along the way and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.

Whether you decide to quit your PhD program or continue on, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and your values. Take the time to reflect and seek advice and support from trusted mentors, advisors, and professionals. Remember that there are always options and opportunities to pursue your passions and goals. Whatever you choose – to quit or to resume your PhD after a brief hiatus , trust yourself and take pride in the journey ahead.

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How to Know When It's Time to Quit Your Ph.D. Program

Here are some pointers on when to stay in a Ph.D. program and when to drop out.

When to Quit Your Ph.D. Program

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Alumni of Ph.D. programs say one valid reason to exit a Ph.D. program is if having a Ph.D. is not necessary for you to achieve your professional aspirations.

Earning a doctorate of any sort is difficult. After years of study, candidates must pass a qualification exam, write a lengthy dissertation or complete a capstone project, and defend their research and conclusions in front of a panel.

And unlike most other degree programs, research doctorates - commonly known as Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D., degrees - frequently do not have precise parameters on how long they take to finish.

Uncertainty surrounding when graduation day will arrive is one of the challenging aspects of these programs, and Ph.D. students often struggle to plan for the future when they don't have an end date in mind, says Adam Ruben, who has a Ph.D. degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.

"It's so indeterminate, how long it will last," says Ruben, who wrote a satirical book called "Surviving Your Stupid, Stupid Decision to Go to Grad School."

"People ask you how long it will be until you graduate, and most of the time you tell them you have no idea," he adds. "It's not really until that last six-month stretch or so, when you have a thesis defense date scheduled, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, that you know how long it is going to be."

Students who have started to regret their decision to enter a Ph.D. program should carefully evaluate whether it makes sense to stay in graduate school, experts say.

"Sometimes, openly considering quitting as a real option can help you to reconnect with why you started the PhD in the first place, and why you would like to stay," Katherine Firth, an academic adviser at the University of Melbourne in Australia, who has a Ph.D. and supervises Ph.D. students, wrote in an email.

Noncompletion and Academic Delays

Many people who enroll in Ph.D. programs leave those programs without Ph.D. degrees or take longer than eight years to finish their studies.

Ph.D. completion statistics from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences reveal that only 42% of humanities Ph.D. students in the U.S. who began pursuing their degrees sometime between 1996 and 2006 had doctorates eight years later.

Research on Ph.D. program attrition indicates that conflict between Ph.D. students and their academic advisers increases the odds that students will leave grad school. Frustration that arises while coming up with ideas for a dissertation or capstone, completing that project and defending it can be a major source of stress for Ph.D. students, many of whom leave their programs after completing doctoral coursework but before finalizing and successfully defending their work, research shows.

Additionally, Ph.D. students often express a need for additional funding, mental health services and professional mentoring.

Ph.D. program alumni often say they were mistreated by faculty during graduate school. A global survey of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at academic science institutions, published in May 2021, revealed that 84% of current and former science Ph.D. students and postdocs felt that an academic supervisor had treated them abusively.

"Cases where people are facing harassment, bullying or exclusion for example, might mean a person decides the only safe option is to quit, but a better academic culture would let them stay and complete," says Firth.

Reasons to Leave a Ph.D. Program

When a ph.d. won't help you get where you want to go.

Lt. Col. Robert Solano, a U.S. Army aviator and commander for the federal Defense Contract Management Agency, exited a distance learning, predominantly online Ph.D. program in aviation science several years ago. He realized he could advance in the military and thrive as an entrepreneur and investor without a doctorate.

"You don't need Ph.D. behind your name to show the world your self-worth and the value that you bring," he adds. "I wish I'd understood that sooner in the process."

Solano, who was a part-time Ph.D. student with a full-time military career and military scholarships, had acquired around $15,000 of debt to finance his Ph.D. studies, he says.

"One of my biggest deciding factors was that I felt like the dissertation process didn't allow me to be creative and pursue research that was going to be really meaningful and impactful in my career and my life," Solano says, adding that he submitted three dissertation research proposals that were rejected. "I could not imagine doing that for the next two to four years of my life, struggling with a dissertation board, and I think that was really the biggest factor for me."

When Your Well-Being Is at Risk

Experts say it's worth considering pausing or ending your studies if they are significantly interfering with other important aspects of your life, such as your family, health and relationships.

For Solano, the volume of Ph.D. reading and writing assignments he had to complete often felt overwhelming when combined with his professional duties. "I was declining in happiness and declining in health," he says.

Solano also worried that time spent on doctoral studies would take away from time with the woman who later became his wife, he says.

"If I could have done one thing differently, it would have been paying closer attention to that and not sacrificing those two things - my happiness and health," he says.

When You Find Another Way

Sometimes Ph.D. students receive job offers for their dream positions during their Ph.D. studies. In those cases, "they might choose to leave because they have already achieved their goals," Firth says.

Another valid reason to leave a Ph.D. program, she says, is if a student discovers that the actual experience of obtaining a Ph.D. "is not what they signed up for, and it doesn’t suit them after all."

What to Do if You're Considering Quitting

Ask for advice from someone other than your thesis adviser.

Certain problems with Ph.D. programs, such as disagreements and misunderstandings with advisers, may be addressed by seeking help from various faculty members or administrators at your grad school and outside experts who aren't on your thesis committee, experts say.

"There are other folks that (students) can go to for help and perspective, on and off campus," says Jennifer Polk, a Ph.D. recipient who provides career consulting to Ph.D. students and alumni via her consulting firm, "From Ph.D. to Life."

Ph.D. students often feel disempowered and isolated, Polk says, but "if the decision is whether to quit or not, that actually gives you power."

"If you're willing to walk away, you have power, so you can go and talk to other professors," she adds. "You can go and talk to the chair of the department. ... You can escalate to the graduate dean. There might be other offices you can go to before you burn it all down."

Firth notes that sometimes changes to a Ph.D. program – such as a switch from one adviser to another or a change to a thesis committee – can address a Ph.D. student's concerns and negate the desire to quit. Transitioning to part-time study or taking a leave of absence could make sense, and so could shifting between locations if a university has multiple campuses, she adds.

"Sometimes people think they have to quit, but they could seek out other adjustments," Firth wrote. It's also important for Ph.D. students in distress to evaluate whether their "current problems might go away with time or are here to stay," she says.

Consider Whether You Are Being Too Self-Critical

It is common for Ph.D. students to have a crisis of confidence in the middle of their studies, but Ruben cautions that doubts about personal competence may simply be impostor syndrome in disguise.

Though skepticism is frequently beneficial when conducting academic research, it can become destructive if it compromises someone's faith in themselves, he says.

"The problem is if you apply that skepticism to your own abilities and you apply it too harshly and say, 'I'm no good. I'm the worst person here. I don't deserve to be here,'" Ruben says. "You're going to feel terrible and you may also make some decisions that you wouldn't necessarily have made if you had a better sense of your own abilities and interests."

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  • Access the myIIT portal Once you have your UID and password, you can access the myIIT portal . On the myIIT login page, enter your myIIT username and password in the login area on the left side of the screen.

Who do I contact for registration advice?

For advice on the process of registration, contact the Office of the Registrar at [email protected] . If you need advice on which courses are appropriate for you, contact your faculty advisor. If you are a new student, an academic advisor was assigned to you in your letter of admission. Continuing students should contact their faculty advisor of record for information on curricular requirements, program of study and proper sequencing of courses.

Who do I contact to lift a registration hold?

Determine the type of hold that you have by reviewing the Registration Hold Information   on the web page of the of the Registrar's website, then call the appropriate office. Holds are imposed for a variety of reasons, and lifting them may require further action from you.

How do I change course registration, change sections, add or drop a course, etc.?

You may add and drop courses online at the myIIT portal, click on Web for Students. Contact the Student Services Center at 312.567.3100 or [email protected] if you experience any difficulty in completing your course change online.

Tuition and Fees FAQs

What is tuition for graduate studies?

All tuition, rates, and fees are posted on the Student Accounting website .

What options do I have for paying my tuition?

Illinois Tech offers tuition deferral and installment payment plans. If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, you may be able to apply for a deferred payment plan that will allow you to delay payment until you have received reimbursement from your employer. You must submit an application and fee, and a letter from your employer, in order to participate. Illinois Tech also offers installment payment plans for full and part-time students. Consult Student Accounting for more information about payment plans.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Graduate scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and graduate assistantships are awarded by departments to a very limited number of highly qualified students at the time of admission. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for federal student loan programs. For information on student loans contact the Office of Financial Aid at 312.567.7219 or visit the Office of Financial Aid.

What is full-time status and how does it affect me?

Full-time status requires registration in at least nine hours for graduate students.

Graduate students are eligible for federal aid and continued deferment of existing loans if they are registered for half-time (4.5 hours) or greater. Graduate students taking less than half-time hours can file for a forbearance to extend their deferment. Continuing graduate students taking one or more credit hours of 591, 600, 691 or PSYC 599 are automatically forced to special full-time status due to thesis research or Ph.D. candidacy continuation.

International students taking less than full-time hours must apply for full-time equivalency with the Office of Global Services at to remain in compliance with SEVIS requirements. International students who meet the I-Center’s criteria for full-time equivalency are reported as such by the I-Center and do not have their actual student time status adjusted on their academic record.

Does Illinois Tech offer career placement and planning services?

The Career Services office offers resume writing assistance, mock interviews, job fairs and postings and many other career related services to Illinois Tech students. The office also provides services to business and industry seeking to recruit Illinois Tech students. If you have a job to post, please visit the office's website and follow the links for employers.

How do I get a part-time on-campus job?

Illinois Tech's Career Services office maintains an online database of on-campus jobs. International students should be aware that there are strict restrictions on the type of employment they may accept while in the US on a student visa. Visit the Office of Global Services online or call 312.567.3680 for additional information.

Academic Procedures FAQs

What academic policies should I be aware of as a graduate student at Illinois Tech?

Academic policies are published in the Graduate Bulletin and in the Illinois Tech student handbook. It is the responsibility of all graduate students to make sure that all degree requirements set forth by the Graduate College and by their academic department are satisfied. The Graduate College provides guidance and information to students to assist them in complying with course of study requirements. However, the final responsibility to comply with academic regulations and to be familiar with the information contained in the graduate bulletin rests with the student.

How long do I have to finish a degree program?

Master's degree students must complete graduate degree programs within the twelve semesters immediately preceding graduation; Ph.D. students must complete their degrees within 12 semesters of the approval of a program of study. Please see the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the Graduate Bulletin for additional details.

Will you accept transfer credit?

For master’s degree programs, a maximum of nine applicable credit hours earned prior to matriculation into an Illinois Institute of Technology graduate degree program, subject to the graduate studies rules and restrictions, may be considered for:

  • External transfer credit for graduate transfer credit use. Applicable course credit hours may not have been applied toward any earned degree.
  • Internal undergraduate transfer credit from Illinois Institute of Technology. Applicable course credit hours may not have been applied toward any previous degree program.
  • Shared co-terminal program credit.

Doctoral degree candidates may transfer previously completed graduate work not applied toward a prior earned degree up to a maximum of 42 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (which may include up to 32 credit hours from a completed master’s degree) or 50 percent of their total Ph.D. program credit hour requirements, whichever is smaller.

Please see the Graduate Bulletin section on Transfer of Credit for details.

Does Illinois Tech grant credit for work experience?

Illinois Tech does not grant academic credit based on work experience. However, some departments may consider work experience in determining whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge to be considered as a candidate for admission without additional course prerequisites. Illinois Tech does provide an option for gaining credit by exam. The rules and procedures for this option are outlined in the section on academic policies of the Graduate Bulletin. How do I determine what courses I must take to complete my program?

For the most up-to-date information, consult your academic advisor. Visit the Graduate Bulletin for complete graduate program descriptions, and be sure to note any updates.

Who is my advisor?

For non-degree or certificate students, there is no assigned advisor. You may contact the department of your program to ask academic questions. For degree-seeking students, your advisor's name is typed at the bottom of your admission letter. Please contact your advisor with any academic questions.

If I can't contact my advisor, what can I do?

Contact the academic department to which you have been admitted. Consult the Illinois Tech Directory to obtain contact information for your department.

Can I change or request an advisor?

Yes. Simply fill out the Change of Advisor form in eforms for Degree Works.

How long does it take to complete a certificate program?

This depends entirely on the particular program, the availability of courses, and the number of credit hours the student enrolls in each semester. Typically, graduate certificate programs require 9-12 credit hours to complete, and are often completed in 1-2 semesters.

How long does it take to complete a master's program?

This depends entirely on the particular program, the availability of courses, and the number of credit hours the student enrolls in each semester. Most professional master's degree programs at Illinois Tech require 30-32 credit hours. Master's degree programs must be completed within the 12 semesters immediately preceding graduation. Students typically complete their program in 2-3 years.

How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. program?

This depends entirely on the individual student's particular program of study and the pace of progress of their research, as well as the availability of courses and the number of credit hours the student enrolls in each semester. Most Ph.D. programs at Illinois Tech require a minimum of a total of 72 credit hours of combined study and research. Ph.D. programs must be completed within 12 semesters after approval of the program of study. Students who need an extension of time to complete their program must submit a petition for an extension, and outdated courses must be revalidated. The petition must include a detailed plan for completion of the degree and be endorsed by the academic adviser and the academic unit head.

When is graduate advising required?

A graduate student will seek advising as follows:

  • Co-terminal student in the first semester of graduate co-terminal enrollment
  • Traditional masters student at 9 earned or enrolled credits
  • Doctoral student at 18 earned or enrolled credits
  • A continuing student with an approved Plan of Study has satisfied the requirement
  • A continuing student without an approved Plan of Study will follow the new process

How will I meet with my adviser?

Your academic unit has an “Advising Web Page” that explains your academic unit’s specific advising content, which includes:

  • How to Obtain the Advising PIN in the first semester from the academic adviser (or unit).
  • How to Schedule Academic Advising, which is required before the advising hold will be lifted by the academic adviser.
  • Other helpful advising topics with hyperlinks to the Graduate Bulletin.

How do I request a change of degree program?

When a student desires to change degree, major, or declare a required or optional specialization/concentration, or a research project or thesis, this is requested using eForms for Graduate Degree Works. The requested change may only be considered without a new admission when the degree is of the same level or lower (PhD-MS, PhD-ME, PhD-MAS, MS-ME, MS-MAS, MS-MS, ME-ME, MAS-MAS within the same academic unit/discipline). A program of a higher level or in a different academic unit/discipline requires a new admission.

Changes in elective course selections do not need to be formally documented unless the new elective selection is from outside the major department. In this instance, students should file an internal transfer request through eForms for Degree Works. Changes in required courses must also be documented via a course substitution request in eForms for Degree Works. Both internal transfer requests and course substitution requests must be approved by your advisor, department chair, and the Office of Graduate Academic Affairs. For information on how to access eForms for Degree Works, click here .

How do I change programs?

Changes to a program that require a new admission application include: master's (MAS) to master's with a change of academic unit, master's to master of science (MS), master's to PhD, master of science to master of science with a change of academic unit, master of science to PhD, and PhD to PhD with a change of academic unit.

Changes within the same degree level and the same academic unit can be submitted through the change of program request in eForms for Degree Works . A regular student planning to transfer from one degree program to another should discuss the matter with academic advisors in both programs.

How do I officially withdraw from a program?

Students must complete a University Withdrawal or Leave of Absence Form online. Login to the myIIT portal and look for the Graduate Academic Affairs channel under the Academics tab. This must be approved by the academic advisor, academic unit head and the Office of Graduate Academic Affairs. International students wishing to withdraw must also contact the Office of Global Services.

Where do I obtain Graduate College forms?

Forms are available online or from the Office of Academic Affairs, 10 W. 35th St., Suite 7D7-1, Mies Campus.

Deadlines FAQs

When does enrollment start?

Registration for summer and fall begins the previous spring in April and continues through the add/drop period. Spring registration begins in November and continues through the add/drop period in January.

When does the semester start?

Fall courses typically begin the second-to-last week in August, Spring courses typically begin the second week in January, and Summer courses typically begin the third week of May and there are four sessions. Be sure to check the current academic calendar for the exact schedule for the year in which you are interested.

When is the last day to drop or add a class?

Consult the most recent enrollment guide and academic calendar for details, including the tuition refund schedule for dropped classes.

When is the last day to withdraw from a class?

Each semester a date is fixed as the last date for official withdrawal without academic penalty. Consult the current semester's academic calendar for the specific date.

When are midterm exams?

Midterm exams are at the discretion of the instructor. Consult your individual course syllabus for details.

When are final exams?

See the final exam schedule .

When does the semester end?

Check the academic calendar .

Classes and Instructors FAQs

How do I find out which classroom my class is in?

If you are properly registered for courses you can check your registration on myIIT , which will show the classroom your courses are in. 

How do I get my books?

Review the course syllabus to ensure you have the correct list of required texts. Textbooks may be purchased online or on campus at the Illinois Tech Bookstore in the McCormick Tribune Campus Center, 3201 S. State St. Students at the Rice Campus may purchase books at www.mbsdirect.net .

How do I obtain an email account?

Instructions may be located at the Office of Technology Services (OTS) website . Please direct any questions to OTS at:

OTS Support Desk Tel: 312 567-3375 Online: support.iit.edu E-mail: supportdesk @iit.edu  Illinois Tech Mies Campus, Galvin Library, Upper Level

How do I find my instructor?

The instructor's name is under the course listing on the registration page or can be found on the student's schedule. Phone numbers and email addresses are listed in the directory .

Grades FAQs

What are Illinois Tech's policies on graduate grades?

See the appropriate section of the Graduate Bulletin .

When will I receive my grades?

You can check your transcript via your secure account at Illinois Tech's portal myIIT .

Can I get my grades over the phone?

I am unhappy with my grade, who do I contact?

Contact the course instructor.

What happens if I retake a course?

If you are taking the course to improve your cumulative GPA, you must file a Graduate Course Repeat Request . A maximum of three course repeats are allowed during a graduate program of study. 

Thesis Examination FAQs

What is the role of the Thesis Examiner?

The Thesis Examiner enforces the thesis format guidelines established by the Graduate College, by instructing students during an initial group thesis meeting, and then during prescheduled one-on-one thesis reviews.

What takes place during the mandatory group thesis meeting?

In a (hybrid) group setting, the Thesis Examiner identifies and explains pertinent information found in the Graduate Thesis Manual; provides  website resources specifically related to thesis layout and style; and answers questions. An overview of the required meetings and the schedule is provided. 

What takes place at the one-on-one thesis review?

In an individual meeting, the Thesis Examiner explains the required format and provides resources and techniques to assist the student with proper formatting. 

How many times must I meet with the Thesis Examiner?

You must meet with the Thesis Examiner at least three times before you upload your final thesis. This consists of two full document review meetings and a final review/instruction meeting. 

Do I need an appointment to meet with the Thesis Examiner?

You must have an appointment.

Email our office at [email protected] to make an appointment.

Appointments can be for in-person meetings (on select days) or online (Google Meet is the default). 

How should I prepare for the first meeting?

Email the Thesis Examiner a PDF of your thesis draft, at least an hour before your meeting. The draft should be composed using the appropriate template. 

If you attend in-person, it's best to bring a laptop so as to have access to the file during the meeting. Please avoid printing out the full document unless necessary. 

A minimal draft may require additional meetings. 

Can I have more than three meetings?

You may meet with the Thesis Examiner as many times as necessary to bring your thesis into compliance with the guidelines established by the university.

The Thesis Examiner may also require you to have additional meetings to ensure proper formatting. 

How long does a meeting last?

Most meeting slots are 30 minutes, although some may run longer. In some cases a longer meeting may be scheduled. 

Where can I find useful resources to assist me with the thesis format?

Go to the Graduate Academic Affairs web page, and then click on Thesis Information . There you will find many resources you need to assist you with your thesis.

Can I use color in my thesis?

Yes color is allowed in the thesis. Sometimes color needs to be adjusted slightly for effective printing.  

Graduation FAQs

How do I apply for graduation?

Students who plan to finish all degree requirements must submit an online graduation application by the deadline for the semester of graduation, published on the Academic Calendar . To access the application, go to the Student Records link under the Academics tab in the myIIT portal ( detailed instructions ). Please note, master’s level students must have earned a minimum of 15 credits, while Ph.D. students must have earned a minimum of 69 credits, in order to access the online application. Once the application is processed, the graduation application fee will be billed to your student account. Graduate certificate students should use the Application for Graduate Certificate (Form G528) to apply for graduation.

If you intend to participate in commencement be sure to register at the commencement website .

When do I apply for graduation?

Consult the academic calendar .

What if I forget to apply for graduation?

If you fail to apply by the last late application date, you will have to defer your graduation until the following semester and you must apply by the deadline for that semester.

When will I receive my diploma?

You will receive your diploma during the commencement ceremony, if you have met all degree requirements by the published deadlines for the semester in which you applied for graduation ( detailed instructions for graduation application) . If you fail to meet all requirements, you must apply for reconsideration, by filing a new Graduation Application, for the next semester. In this case, your diploma will be available for pick-up or mailing, from the Office of the Registrar. The diploma will be published at the end of term, in which all requirements have been met, and at the conclusion of the semester.

How will my diploma be delivered to me?

Your diploma for degrees conferred in the spring may be available for distribution at your academic unit commencement ceremony, if all degree requirements have been met by the published semester deadlines listed at Important Dates/Deadlines .

Look for communications from the Office of the Registrar [email protected] to your @iit.edu email address regarding diploma pick-up for degrees conferred in the fall and summer terms, as well as how to make diploma shipping arrangements for late posted degrees.

How do I obtain official copies of my transcripts from Illinois Institute of Technology?

Official transcripts may be requested online and a fee will be charged. Instructions are also available at that website to order a transcript through the mail or in person.

Where can I get more information on graduation?

Visit the commencement website .

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Minimum Qualifications for admission to Full-time PhD Programmes

Table 1 defines the minimum qualifications required for admission to full-time Ph. D. programmes at IIT Delhi. Please note:

These are Institute minimum requirements and any Department/Centre/School operating through their DRC/CRC/SRC can specify higher short-listing criteria than what is specified here.

This table includes most of the degrees, but each DRC/CRC/SRC is free to specify the qualifications and disciplines acceptable for admission to their programmes.

Candidates in the final year of their programmes and who expect to complete all their qualifying degree requirements before the date of registration are also eligible to apply for admissions. For short-listing purposes, their performance until the preceding semester (preceding year if their programmes are year based) would be considered but their admission would be provisional, subject to their meeting the minimum eligibility criteria after their final qualifying examination results are announced. In any case, all admissions are provisional at first and it is confirmed only after all certificates and previous records are duly checked and verified, a process which may take a few weeks into the starting semester.

Table 1: Minimum Qualification for Admission to full-time PhD Programmes

Exemptions, relaxations and clarifications:.

For SC/ST/PwD category candidates , the minimum performance in the qualifying degree (S. No. 1 & 2 in Table 1) is relaxed from 60% to 55% (CGPA relaxed from 6.00 to 5.50).

For SC/ST/PwD category candidates , the minimum performance in the qualifying degree (Sr. No.3 in Table 1) is relaxed from 70% to 65% (CGPA relaxed from 7.00 to 6.50).

Qualifying degree performance is computed by aggregating performance over all the semesters/years of the qualifying degree, as per the credit or weightage system approved in the institution/ board where the degree has been completed.

Requirement of qualification in GATE / National Exam is waived for the following categories of applicants:

Currently registered students in Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) pursuing B.Tech./B.E./ Integrated M. Tech/ Integrated M.Sc. Programmes (or any other programme of minimum four year duration, admission to which is on the basis of JEE), who have completed 6 semesters or more, and have CGPA of 8.00 or above (on a 10 point scale). Such students must obtain a CGPA of 8.00 or above at the time of graduation, and before they formally register for the Ph.D. programme (80% aggregate marks, if marks are the primary mode of evaluation);

Graduates of CFTIs (in the programmes marked under (i)) with a final graduation CGPA of more than 8.00 (80% aggregate marks, if marks are the primary mode of evaluation);

M.A or M.Sc. graduates from IITs with CGPA 8.00 or above.

For purposes of shortlisting, the primary method of evaluation (i.e., CGPA/CPI, or aggregate percentage, whichever is appropriate) followed by the institution where candidate has obtained his/her qualifying degree will be used by IIT Delhi for determining whether the candidate meets the final shortlisting requirements.

For assistantship purposes only (and not for qualification), candidates with M.B.B.S. qualification will be considered equivalent to M. Tech., for admission to Ph.D. programme in Centre for Biomedical Engineering;

For candidates with M.A. degree in English, a 5% relaxation in marks or 0.5 relaxation in CGPA may be permitted for admission to the Ph.D. programme in Humanities and Social Sciences;

Candidates holding an MBA degree are eligible for applying to the Ph.D. programme in the Department of Management Studies.

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Going abroad after IIT for higher studies: Why international MBA

Going abroad after IIT: Higher studies, MBA

An IIT degree is often viewed as a passport to international job opportunities and higher studies, especially for those who graduate in disciplines with a global demand (such as Computer Science).

“ All IITians go abroad after graduating, no one stays back in India ” is a common statement that you’ll hear in discussions.

While you know that’s an exaggeration, you may still believe that a large proportion of IIT grads are going abroad – if not for jobs, then for higher studies (masters degrees).

But things have changed a lot since the eighties and nineties. V Ramgopal Rao (Director, IIT Delhi) says 80% of the IIT BTech students would fly abroad around 20 years back. Not any more.

So how many IITians go abroad after IIT now? Last year, only 200 IIT students from close to 10,000 took up jobs abroad. Most chose to work in India.

What about going abroad for higher studies after IIT? The number there isn’t too high either.

Gautam Biswas (Director, IIT Guwahati) says around 15% of the class go for masters degrees in international universities. The percentage may vary across the different IITs, but we get an idea of the general range.

Things start changing after a few years of working, that makes several IITians consider going abroad for higher education.

From the interactions we’ve had with IIT graduates working in India, we learn that their motivations aren’t too different from non-IITians who work with us for their MBA and Masters applications.

From the large number of IITians, the promising professionals reach the glass ceiling fairly quickly. While the money is good, their work isn’t as interesting. Their learning curve flattens out. Many desire an international career.

Since they now have a substantial amount of work experience and are hoping to upgrade from technical roles to management careers, they consider MBA degrees over MS.

In this article, we invited Aravind Anil to narrate his motivations for going abroad for an MBA after IIT Madras.  

Why study abroad after IIT

International mba for iitian, by aravind anil.

After the first 3 years in a leading consumer goods company, I knew I wanted to do an MBA to get into core management roles.

A 4-year journey finally culminated in an INSEAD admit, thanks to the encouragement and support from family – parents, wife, my seniors and career mentors.

This would not have been possible without the direction from Manish Gupta and MBA Crystal Ball .

Growing up as a single child in an upper middle class India family, I was fortunate to have been guided by my family to pursue academic excellence.

They also made sure that I was trained in Indian Carnatic music and also in playing the Piano.

Music competitions gave me the confidence to present myself in front of large crowds. I used to be studious, and kept a close small group of friends, often shy to enlarge the friend circle.

After completing schooling, I went to the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) to pursue a Dual Degree.

As a fresher heeding my seniors’ advice at college, I became part of the organizing team for the institute student cultural and technical fests.

Though I did not realize then, I now know for sure, that these helped to develop my overall personality.

Having had to interact with students and professors from across the country, college life at IIT taught me how to socialize better.

On graduation, I was excited to start in supply chain with Mondelez India.

With sponsorship from the leadership team, I have been fortunate to have undertaken diverse roles at Mondelez. I did roles in sustainability, engineering, business development, and core manufacturing operations.

Currently working in Malaysia, I have also had a first-hand experience of blending into an international setting.

From the beginning, I worked in large multi-cultural teams which gave me a good understanding of different cultures.

My stints taught me to manage large teams both directly and indirectly. Working in a large matrix organization meant stakeholder management was extremely critical.

My business development roles motivated me to consider doing an MBA to move into core management roles.

Presently, I am involved only in technical project management. Moving forward, I wanted to see myself directly steering businesses.

When I started on my MBA aspiration in 2017, my biggest worry was on my credentials. I neither had team management nor international experience under my belt.

Additionally, my first GMAT attempt gave me a sub-par score below 700.

Speaking to my seniors and friends who were in top international business schools at the time, I realized I was far from being even shortlisted.

To improve my GMAT score, I took aid of both – the Manhattan Prep test series and the GMAT official guides.

After preparing for 2 months, I could improve my score to only 710.

I was determined to improve my score further but 2 more attempts yielded no better result.

Quite disappointed at my GMAT score and without a strong profile, I decided to hold my MBA aspirations.

3 years had passed since my best GMAT attempt and my MBA aspirations lingered on in my mind as I used the time to handpick roles that let me bridge the gaps in my profile.

By 2021, not only did I make professional progress by having team management and an international experience, but I also made personal progress – I got married.

At this stage of my life, I had to complete an MBA fast. I was clear that a reputed 1-year MBA program was what I was seeking for, and I did not have time on my side. I was planning to apply with my GMAT score from 3 years back.

Luckily for me, I knew a senior who was in a similar position as me and managed to be admitted to INSEAD, taking help of MBA Crystal Ball.

After speaking with him, I knew MCB would be the right choice to give me even a chance at achieving my MBA dream.

What struck me the most about how MCB invested in a candidate to understand one’s profile in full detail to later pick and reflect the right attributes in one’s essays.

I signed up for the 2 school MBA application review package and later the interview package with MCB.

I applied to the Said Business School and INSEAD.

I worked with Manish, the Chief Consulting Officer, at MCB. Manish knows the INSEAD MBA application process inside out that many a time, it was through him that I realized several steps of the application process.

Through MCB’s detailed ‘Meet Me’ document and the first conversation, Manish comprehensively understood my academic, personal and professional backgrounds, professional experiences, and my career interests.

What stood out for me was how he pushed me to dig deep into my memories to get out experiences that would later prove useful in my application.

The INSEAD essay questions required a lot of pondering and introspection and I was not sure where to begin.

Manish not only gave me a sense of direction on what I could use from my life experiences in my application, but also helped me structure it in a way that appealed to the Admissions committee.

The best part was how he pushed me to bring out my experience in my own words that preserved the authenticity of the application.

Passing on the advice I received from MCB – clarity of what you want to achieve out of the MBA is very important to help you decide the right program for yourself.

I wanted to make an industry shift through a reputed 1-year MBA, that offered good post MBA career choices.

Not only did I attend admissions fairs but I also spoke with school alumni and the school career center to get a better idea on the respective MBA programs.

I would definitely advise one to adopt this route to understand better of post MBA career options that the school has to offer.

To my surprise, the school staff are open and honest about the strengths and weaknesses of their program and this helps one to make the right choice.

While luck was not on my side in my MBA application to the Said Business School, I felt happy to be shortlisted for the INSEAD interviews.

There were 2 interviews, both of which were conducted by INSEAD alumni. INSEAD expects the candidate to talk to the alumni and setup the interviews within a 3-week window.

As what is generally the case, one of the alumni allotted to me was more experienced and was running his own company, while the other was a more recent alumnus working in strategy consulting.

Both my interviews lasted for an hour and were held virtually. The interview with the older alumnus was a stress tester, as he tried to understand my intentions behind doing an MBA.

The one with the newer alumnus was more conversational where she shared her experiences of being in strategy consulting and her advice on how to choose a career in consulting .

Both the interviewers were eager to share their personal professional journey and hence it is always better to have more questions prepared to ask them.

While I had prepared long back in college for my placement interviews, I was not sure what to expect for an MBA admissions interview.

As I prepared alongside work and had only a week for preparation, I opted for an interview package from MCB to bring focus into the preparation. The results were declared 3 weeks post the interviews.

I got admitted into INSEAD!

I plan to use my personal savings to fund my MBA.

Given the career options that INSEAD has to offer, I am confident that I would be able to achieve my career aspiration to make an industry shift.

I feel that the stints that I did in my last 3 years helped shape a good profile to present in my application.

My decision to choose MCB and have Manish guide me helped me put in a strong application. The application process made me introspect like I never knew myself before.

I wish I made the decision to apply a bit earlier in 2021 which could have let me structure my thoughts better. Now, in hindsight, I have no regrets as I feel grateful to have been admitted to one of the top 3 MBA programs globally.  

Also read: – INSEAD admit with scholarship for Indian applicant – MBA after NIT: My INSEAD application journey – INSEAD alumnus from India shares his risky strategy and application tips – Best admission consultant for INSEAD MBA application

Reference: 1

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Beyond the Professoriate

Job Search the Smart Way

Job Search the Smart Way provides tips and strategies for embarking on the next great phase of your career with confidence.

how to quit phd from iit

At Beyond the Professoriate, we help graduate students and PhDs thrive in today’s fast-changing economy.

Job Search the Smart Way provides tips and strategies for embarking on the next great phase of your career with confidence. Listen to the podcast to learn more about career options for PhDs, what a nonacademic job search really entails, and the psychological barriers PhDs often encounter in a career transition.

Your host, Dr. Maren Wood, is Founder of Beyond the Professoriate, a career coach and international keynote speaker.

Most Popular Episodes

EPISODE 34: How to network when you don’t have a network

Networking is one of the most important ways to explore career options and land jobs. But it can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a network. How do you build a network if you don’t have a network? In this episode, Maren shares tips and strategies you can use to help graduate students, PhDs, and alumni, build authentic networks so that they can identify career options, land opportunities, and build meaningful careers.

EPISODE 1: Why we fear we won’t be happy outside of academia

In this introductory episode, Maren talks about her journey from graduate school to leaving academia and starting her own successful business. Walking away from her dream — of becoming a professor — was not an easy decision for Maren. Like so many PhDs, she worried about being unfulfilled and unhappy in a nonacademic job. Now, 8 years later, she has a different perspective on what was truly holding her back.

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how to quit phd from iit

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PhD Admissions

how to quit phd from iit

how to quit phd from iit

Electrical Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Home » FURTHER UPDATES REGARDING PhD ADMISSIONS 2024

Latest News

Further updates regarding phd admissions 2024.

FURTHER UPDATES REGARDING PhD ADMISSIONS  2024-25 (Autumn)             Click _here

  • PhD Admission Poster.
  • Information Brochure.
  • Please find the detailed Schedule for PhD admission here .
  • Please find the Syllabus for PhD admission here .
  • For any queries mail to [email protected]
  • To view live updates check the noticeboard .

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  • May 6, 2024

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  • April 18, 2024

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR ADMISSION TO M.TECH PROGRAMME 2024 -25 {AUTUMN SEMESTER}

  • March 27, 2024

Updates for Ph.D Admissions (Autumn Semester 2024-25)

  • March 26, 2024

Syllabus for Ph.D. Written Test (Autumn Semester 2024-25)

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IMAGES

  1. Should You Quit Your PhD? A Guide to Making an Informed Decision for

    how to quit phd from iit

  2. When should you quit your PhD? Advice for students

    how to quit phd from iit

  3. How To Write Resignation Letter And Experience Certificate

    how to quit phd from iit

  4. When Should You Quit Your PhD?

    how to quit phd from iit

  5. How to Deal With the Things That Make You Quit PhD

    how to quit phd from iit

  6. How To Do Phd From Iit

    how to quit phd from iit

VIDEO

  1. PhD admission IIT Gandhinagar, Jan. 2024-25 sessions

  2. IIT Gandhinagar PhD Admission 2024

  3. Strategy for selection at IIT in PhD Economics Programs #EconomicIITPhD #ugcneteconomics #economics

  4. IIT KHARAGPUR PHD ADMISSION 2024 #iitkharagpur #phdadmissionnotification #phd #academia #iit

  5. How to be successful without IIT (College Guide)

  6. Why I Quit My Corporate Job for Grad School after IIT

COMMENTS

  1. PDF Exit Rules from M. Tech. and Ph.D. Programme

    The Senate in its 233rd Meeting held on 25th April 2018 approved revision in rules for exit from M.Tech. and Ph.D. programmes, which are as follows : 1. These rules shall be called "Exit rules from M. Tech and Ph.

  2. PDF How to File a Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Quick Start Guide

    1. From the https://my.iit.edu portal, select the Academics tab: 2. Navigate to the Graduate Academic Affairs Channel, then select Graduate Leave of Absencce or Withdrawal. Note: a. A Leave of Absence is filed when the student intends to return within one (1) academic year, which can be petitioned for extension up to two (2) academic years. b.

  3. graduate school

    Many graduate students go to graduate school as a family tradition. Their parents/relatives are academics. They were raised to be academics. Most (if not all) graduate students have trouble with their course/research works in school one time or another. Many graduate students lose their interests in the school. Some quit. Some stay.

  4. I'm leaving my PhD program 3.5 years in. I've debated it for …. Well 3

    If you haven't quit yet, I would've suggested that you stick to it and get your degree because you have spent 3.5 years in. Giving up at this stage meaning that you spent this time for nothing. But I do see how a toxic PhD experience could heavily tax one's health, both mentally and physically. I've witnessed many instances in real life.

  5. People who quit their PhD

    Ancient-Ad9050. •• Edited. I just decided to quit my PhD after 2 years , found out that academia is majorly filled with control freaks , specially advisors who are trying to attain tenure, they are toxic and do not care about their PhD students. Sometimes all they care about is tenure. Every story is different.

  6. Three questions to ask yourself before quitting your PhD

    Below are three questions that can help a candidate decide whether to quit or continue with their doctoral studies. 1. Are your problems solvable? A disengaged supervisor, toxic lab culture, or a ...

  7. Leave of Absence or Withdrawal from the University

    Graduate students wishing to request a leave of absence from their course of study or complete an official withdrawal from the university should initiate the process online. To begin the process, log into the myIIT portal and look for the "Graduate Academic Affairs" channel under the "Academics" tab. Questions regarding the leave of absence ...

  8. Maybe quitting your PhD is the right move

    While my day job involves trying to help more people finish on time, I also know that choosing to stop can sometimes be the right decision. People stop their PhD for a variety of reasons, including to pursue job opportunities, to focus on external life priorities or simply because they lose interest. Over the past two years, there have been ...

  9. Admission To Doctoral Programmes

    Ph.D. Admission for Autumn Semester 2024-25. Notification for accommodation during interview. Information Brochure. Apply Online.

  10. Knowing when to quit PhD: Signs to look for and what to do next

    Ultimately, the decision to quit your PhD should come from a place of intuition and self-awareness. Trust your instincts and listen to your body and mind. If you feel that continuing the program will have a negative impact on your well-being and happiness, it may be time to consider other options.

  11. How can I quit My PhD

    PhD Transfer from one university to another university- https://youtu.be/q6qAb2Rdx5M Step by step guide to write a Research Proposal- https://youtu.be/SQgaAH...

  12. It's OK to quit your Ph.D.

    Roughly a quarter of U.S. science and engineering Ph.D. students leave their graduate program within the first 3 years, according to data published by the Council of Graduate Schools. To some, that number is alarming—a problem to be solved. And in some cases, it may be—for example, if it's due to harassment, discrimination, financial ...

  13. How to Know When It's Time to Quit Your Ph.D. Program

    Oct. 27, 2022, at 3:35 p.m. When to Quit Your Ph.D. Program. More. Getty Images. Alumni of Ph.D. programs say one valid reason to exit a Ph.D. program is if having a Ph.D. is not necessary for you ...

  14. FAQs

    Graduate students taking less than half-time hours can file for a forbearance to extend their deferment. Continuing graduate students taking one or more credit hours of 591, 600, 691 or PSYC 599 are automatically forced to special full-time status due to thesis research or Ph.D. candidacy continuation.

  15. PhD Programme

    PhD Programme. The award of the Ph.D. degree is in recognition of high achievements, independent research and application of scientific knowledge to the solution of technical and scientific problems. Creative and productive inquiry is the basic concept underlying the research work. The details of research programmes in various Departments ...

  16. Minimum Qualifications for admission to Full-time PhD Programmes

    Table 1 defines the minimum qualifications required for admission to full-time Ph. D. programmes at IIT Delhi. Please note: These are Institute minimum requirements and any Department/Centre/School operating through their DRC/CRC/SRC can specify higher short-listing criteria than what is specified here.

  17. Should I return the Fellowship amount if I quit PhD in India?

    I joined a PhD program in India through GATE exam at a reputed institute but I don't really feel connected to the work and the culture in lab. I have another offer abroad so I'm planning to leave. I am recieving institute fellowship, so do I need to return the Fellowship that I've recieved so far?

  18. Going abroad after IIT for higher studies: Why international MBA

    An IIT degree is often viewed as a passport to international job opportunities and higher studies, especially for those who graduate in disciplines with a global demand (such as Computer Science). " All IITians go abroad after graduating, no one stays back in India " is a common statement that you'll hear in discussions.

  19. All You Need to Know About PhD. Admission in IIT: Tips ...

    As a PhD student at an IIT, you'll have the opportunity to learn from these experts and benefit from their research and teaching experience. World-Class Research Facilities: IITs have cutting-edge research facilities and equipment, allowing PhD students to engage in innovative research and gain hands-on experience.

  20. Quora

    We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us.

  21. PDF Rolling Advertisement for Admission to Ph.D. Programs

    Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur Office of Academics NH 65, Nagaur Road, Karwar, Jodhpur 342030, INDIA Phone: (0291) 2801 132; eMail: [email protected] _____ Rolling Advertisement for Admission to Ph.D. Programs IIT Jodhpur invites applications for admission to Ph.D. programs in specific disciplines and inter-disciplinary areas.

  22. Podcast

    EPISODE 1: Why we fear we won't be happy outside of academia. In this introductory episode, Maren talks about her journey from graduate school to leaving academia and starting her own successful business. Walking away from her dream — of becoming a professor — was not an easy decision for Maren. Like so many PhDs, she worried about being ...

  23. PhD Admissions

    Notice-Advertisement for Institute Post Doctoral Fellowship (IPDF) at IIT Patna Notice-Advertisement for Ph.D. Admission - July 2024 (Autumn Semester, AY-2024-25) at IIT Patna Notice-Admission to M. Tech. Programme for Academic Session 2024-25 at IIT Patna Ph.D Application Link; M.Tech Application Link

  24. FURTHER UPDATES REGARDING PhD ADMISSIONS 2024

    FURTHER UPDATES REGARDING PhD ADMISSIONS 2024. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF ADMISSION FOR M.TECH PROGRAMME 2024-25 (Autumn) Click _here. April 18, 2024. March 27, 2024.