Hispanic Outlook, under the inspired leadership of publisher Dr. Jose Lopez Isa, was launched in the early 1990s. Its goal was to encourage more Hispanics to attend college and graduate.

In 1990 only approximately 9 percent of Hispanics had a bachelor’s degree. The Census Bureau recently reported that 20.6 percent of Hispanics age 25 or older have a bachelor's degree. That’s a significant improvement. Hundreds of thousands more are in the pipeline. Yet, more, much more has to be done to support the intellectual potential of Hispanics.

Hispanics and PhDs

Many Hispanics have completed their Masters in a variety of fields. A much smaller number have a PhD. Data is a bit spongey, but the Census Bureau reports, “Only 1.2 percent of the United States population has a PhD.” (I thought it was 2 percent, but…)

As of April 18, 2022, “the most common ethnicity among doctoral students is White (sic), which makes up 57.8 percent of all doctoral students. Comparatively, there are 16.7 percent of the Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and 11.5 percent of the Asian ethnicity.”

So, where are we? What percentage of Latinos have earned a PhD?  From 2005 to 2015, the proportion awarded to Hispanics grew from 5.1 percent to 7.0 percent. A good trajectory but still quite low.

To encourage more Hispanics to pursue PhDs, we should highlight present opportunities. We have to demystify perceptions. One way is to study the successful paths of Hispanics who have earned PhDs.

I have worked with PhD students since 1960 at several universities as diverse as George Washington University, Lehigh University and Inter American University. As dean, I instituted several new doctoral programs. My last position was graduate dean at George Mason University.

What’s involved? Who succeeds?    

A PhD is a love affair. Those who earn one really enjoy their discipline. Putting in extra hours is a pleasure if you are in the right field. You need not be a genius; average intelligence is fine.

The big “M” and the big “P”

Motivation and Persistence are far more important than your IQ. If you select the right field, keep yourself motivated, and persist, you will succeed.

To be a “lifelong learner,” one has to have intellectual curiosity, have a burning desire to learn more. Those are all givens to reach your academic potential.

Course work can be demanding – but exciting and enjoyable. If it isn’t, you may be in the wrong major. Pick one that you really love. It’s your decision, not anyone else’s.

In my experience, the vast majority of students who dropped out were in the wrong major.

The Dreaded Dissertation

Students produce and defend an original academic dissertation. But it’s just a long term paper, and you have composed many. Don’t be intimidated. By all means, select a topic you are passionate about, one you wish to study in detail. Secondly, select your advisor very carefully. One whom you sense agrees with your chosen topic, one that will be glad to work with you. Succeed in these two goals and you will do well.

Defending your dissertation really isn’t hard, for who in the whole world knows more about your topic than you? You have spent months researching and writing your paper. Plus, your advisor will not allow you to proceed to your defense unless she is confident you will succeed. If you don’t, she’ll look bad in front of her colleagues.

Most doctoral level professors are delighted to work with students who care about their discipline. They look upon you as potential colleagues. They are pleased to help you. They are not the enemy. Losing your motivation and persistence are.

Unique Opportunities

We are in a very unusual fortuitous era for potential PhD graduates. The future holds many employment opportunities. Why? Vacancies. Baby boomers are retiring every year, and secondly, since the pandemic, universities have suffered a wave of unexpected resignations. Thus, employment opportunities will exist at universities, government agencies and the private sector.

There will be more demand for PhDs in the right fields in the next ten years than in the last 20 years. This is particularly true for STEM doctorates. Caution: don’t pick a field that doesn’t have employment potential.

Logical Steps

A PhD program is demanding. But it’s probably the last time in your life that you can indulge in depth in subjects that excite you. A lot of intense courses and a lot of independent research are required. But you can make it pleasurable if you pick the right major. So, study yourself first. Discover what you really want to do for the rest of your life. If possible, visit the university. Talk to professors. Check out the experiences of recent graduates.

Seek financial aid – a lot is available. Many universities offer schedules for working adults. Your employer should assist you as well. If they don’t want to invest in your future, consider seeking another employer who will.

Be careful of untested online doctoral programs. Many are questionable. Even if they are credible, most potential employers will not hire you.

Homework

Read, nay study: The Latina/o Pathway to the Ph.D.: Abriendo Caminos edited by Janette Castellanos, et al.

An absolute goldmine! It covers “the unique experiences and challenges faced by Latina/os in doctoral programs, and offers guidance for students.” The chapters by Hispanics who completed their PhD or are currently pursuing one are outstanding. Their experiences will help you. Well-written, pragmatic advice. Buy it; it is available on the Internet (new $25; used $6.50) Good to have on hand for “one of those dismal days.” .

On a different tact- read: 17 Simple Strategies To Survive Your PhD, by Julio Peironcely, available on the Internet.

It refers to British PhDs, but is germane, insightful, and contains good advice.  

Bottom line

Again, most of all discover and follow your passion.

You don’t have to be a genius -- just committed.

A high salary should not be your main motivator. But it’s okay as your second goal. I will reveal the eight highest paying PhD job opportunities in my January column.  •