Introduction

Having recently completed my Ph.D. in machine translation at Fondazione Bruno Kessler, a prominent research institution in Italy, I quickly secured a research position in Germany just weeks after my final interviews.

The Current Landscape of Higher Education

There's an ongoing discussion regarding the value of higher education and its relevance to society. Many individuals are capitalizing on advising Ph.D. holders on finding jobs outside academia, especially since academic roles can be rare and not well-compensated. Conversely, the private sector offers a wider range of opportunities, yet many Ph.D. graduates perceive leaving academia as a step down, viewing their advanced degrees as unnecessary for most industry roles. Furthermore, the transition can be daunting, as many only understand the academic environment.

The Importance of Quality Graduate Programs

Not all graduate programs are equally beneficial. Engaging in advanced research in high-tech fields can significantly enhance your marketability, but it requires intentional skill development during your Ph.D. journey. The effort you put into cultivating these skills will undoubtedly pay off.

Personal Journey

To provide some background, I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer Science from the University of Palermo, Italy, including a stint at the University of Paris East-Marne-la-Vallée for a dual degree. Toward the end of my Master's, I found that local job prospects were limited, with companies primarily seeking software developers regardless of their educational background. Faced with low pay and limited opportunities for growth, I made a pivotal choice: to pursue a Ph.D.

My motivation was simple: if I had to earn a modest salary, I preferred to work on innovative technology and enhance my technical skills in the process, aiming for greater prospects in the long run.

Ph.D. Experience

With this mindset, I applied for Ph.D. programs focused on deep learning at top institutions in Italy and was accepted by FBK without hesitation. Although it was a risky move—having little knowledge of the group, the institution, or even the city—I consider myself fortunate in my choice.

At FBK, I found a small, ambitious team striving for excellence. A valuable lesson I learned was the significance of a winning mindset, which I continue to uphold.

> The limited resources available to us can restrict our actions, yet when we choose to pursue what we believe is achievable, we should strive to accomplish it in the best way possible.

While we may not always succeed, the key is to avoid self-imposed limitations that lack valid reasoning.

Technical Skills Development

Throughout my studies, I delved deeply into coding for my projects, leading to significant skill acquisition in developing deep learning systems across various frameworks—skills highly sought after in the tech industry. Yet, coding alone is not unique to a Ph.D. What truly matters are the additional skills often overshadowed during scientific training.

Key Skills Gained from My Ph.D.

1. Be Rigorous

   Scientific advancement hinges on conducting meticulous experiments that confirm your hypotheses. One must strive to minimize the influence of randomness, particularly in deep learning contexts. The rigor developed in one domain can be applied broadly in life.

2. Communicate Effectively

   Many budding scientists underestimate the importance of articulating their findings. Research outputs, including papers and presentations, are vital components of the scientific endeavor. The ability to ask pertinent questions, derive suitable answers, and convey the significance of your work is essential. My experience co-authoring over 20 papers and presenting frequently greatly improved my communication skills.

3. Value Gradual Progress

   In a world bombarded by stories of overnight success, it's easy to overlook the time and effort behind significant achievements. My training in science has taught me to recognize the incremental steps leading to success, fostering a greater appreciation for the hard work required to reach ambitious goals.

4. Seek Mentorship

   Many students select academic paths based on prestige, but the mentorship quality can vary significantly within institutions. Having supportive and knowledgeable mentors can offer invaluable insights. In my case, having three mentors enriched my experience and provided diverse perspectives on my work.

5. Collaborate

   Ph.D. students often become engrossed in their own projects, missing out on collaborative opportunities that could enhance their research. Many of my co-authored papers were not included in my thesis yet played a crucial role in my academic development. Teamwork is a vital skill that employers value.

6. Give Back Your Time

   While receiving mentorship is essential, offering your knowledge is equally rewarding. I mentored interns, presented talks, and shared insights through writing, which helped solidify my understanding and foster connections.

7. Adapt Quickly

   The fast-evolving landscape of technology demands frequent updates to research focus. To stay competitive, developing adaptability is crucial in a world that is continually changing.

Conclusion

A Ph.D. in technology equips you with a robust education that can facilitate success beyond academia, even during challenging economic times, such as the recent pandemic. While it requires significant effort and comparison with leading experts, the skills and adaptability gained through this experience are invaluable. This journey is a substantial investment in oneself, fostering growth in a rapidly changing environment.

Acknowledgment

I wish to express my gratitude to all the members of the MT research team at FBK from 2016 to 2020 and to everyone who encouraged me to follow the Ph.D. path. The professional and personal experiences were enriching, and I hope our paths cross again soon.