- Working towards a PhD
- Generous travel and equipment expenses
- Good career prospects
Cons
- Paid below minimum wage
- Means you are actively losing money each year pursuing the PhD
- Closes off PhD opportunities to anyone who does not have the means to support themselves
- You don't pay tax and thus lose any tax related benefits such as PRSI
PhD program allows to pursue many directions depending on advisor. Some money for travel.
Cons
Very poor pay and benefits. No support for PhD students, e.g., issues with work, supervisor etc. Resources are often not adequate to pursue experiments.
