The Destination of the Ph.D.: Confusion and Reflection on the Road to Higher Education
In today's society, colleges and universities, the temples of higher education, seem to have become a sacred place in the hearts of many doctoral graduates. However, when a Canadian QS top 120 Ph.D., with his love and pursuit of academics, chose to return to China and stepped into the threshold of a 211 university in Shandong to become a master's supervisor, the reality he faced made him sigh: "My worldview collapsed." ”
1. The starting point of the dream: studying abroad and returning as a teenager
This doctor, let's call him Dr. Li for the time being. He studied for his Ph.D. at a prestigious university in Canada, where he worked diligently and tirelessly in pursuit of academic truth. After graduating, he resolutely chose to return to China, hoping to contribute to the education of his motherland by using what he had learned overseas.
Second, the impact of reality: the salary of college teachers
However, when Dr. Li stepped into the threshold of this 211 institution, he was shocked by a figure - his monthly salary was only 4,500 yuan. Last year, he received only 9,000 yuan. Such a salary package is undoubtedly a huge blow to a tutor with a doctorate degree and the responsibility of cultivating future talents.
What's even more unbelievable is that the president of this institution himself only received 160,000 yuan in scientific research awards last year. With such a number, Dr. Li couldn't help but doubt his choice. He had enjoyed relatively good treatment and respect overseas, but now he is facing such a reality.
3. Academic confusion: the academic threshold for college recruitment
In addition to the issue of salary, Dr. Li also found a puzzling phenomenon - college recruitment counselors only need a Ph.D. degree. Such an academic threshold made Dr. Li very confused. He couldn't help but wonder: Is a PhD really so important? Is it true that only a person with a Ph.D. degree can be qualified for such a job as a counselor?
Fourth, the pressure of life: buying a house and the responsibility of the family
Faced with such a meager income, Dr. Li and his wife had to save their own money to buy a house. They save money and work hard to have a home of their own in the city. However, the pressures of such life make them feel exhausted. Not only do they have to bear the pressure of work, but they also have to face all kinds of trivial things in life.
5. Reflection and enlightenment: the value and direction of college education
Faced with such a reality and confusion, we can't help but think: what is the real value of university education? How should the salary of university teachers be reasonably formulated? Should the academic threshold for university recruitment be so strict?
The value of university education lies in cultivating talents with innovative spirit and practical ability. As an important role in this process, university teachers should be treated with due respect and treatment. Their salary package should reflect their dedication and contribution. Only in this way can we attract more outstanding talents to devote themselves to the cause of education.
The academic threshold for university recruitment should be set according to the needs of specific positions. For some positions that require a high degree of professional knowledge and skills, a doctoral degree may be a necessary requirement. However, for some auxiliary positions, the excessively high academic threshold may limit the entry of some potential talents.
We should pay attention to the survival and development prospects of college teachers. As the backbone of higher education, they deserve more attention and support. Only in this way can we jointly promote the sustainable and healthy development of higher education.