With a PhD, you push at the boundaries of human knowledge in your field for years through research and study, until making your own unique contribution in the form of new findings or insights that expand what is known. The PhD journey involves starting with general knowledge and specializing through different levels of education, before focusing intently on exploring and challenging the existing limits of understanding in a particular area. Earning a PhD changes your perspective as you come to see your small contribution in the wider context of all human knowledge.

1. The illustrated
guide to a Ph.D.

2. Imagine a circle that contains all of human knowledge:

3. By the time you finish elementary school, you know a little:

4. By the time you finish high school, you know a bit more:

5. With a bachelor’s degree, you gain a specialty:

6. A master’s degree deepens that specialty:

7. Reading research papers takes you to the edge of human knowledge:

8. Once you’re at the boundary, you focus:

9. You push at the boundary for a few years:

10. Until one day, the boundary gives way:

11. And, that dent you’ve made is called a Ph.D.:
PhD

12. Of course, the world looks different to you now:

13. So, don’t forget the bigger picture:
Keep pushing.
PhD
Based on Matt’s Might idea
matt.might.net