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<\/a><\/p>\nMy job is to think!<\/strong><\/p>\n So many people are bored in their jobs. I go to work, and I learn things. I think about stuff. I get to follow interesting leads and test out ideas. Sure, there might be grunt work sometimes, but on the whole, being an intellectual investigator is pretty darn stimulating.<\/p>\n I am the creator of knowledge!<\/strong><\/p>\n No-one else can do exactly what I do. No-one knows exactly what I know. My brain is such an awesomely powerful and creative engine that I have been invested with the responsibility of generating new knowledge. Using nothing more than some existing written work and maybe a few bits of equipment, I gift new information and understandings to humanity. My name will be on a thesis in libraries and databases. In gold freakin’ lettering.<\/p>\n I’m likely to earn a mint!<\/strong><\/p>\n No matter where in the world I go once I graduate, I’ll have great earning potential. In NZ, the salary impact of a research degree is quite significant. Victoria University of Wellington surveys their graduates every year and recently reported <\/a>these encouraging figures on average graduate salaries (if you can’t see a graph below, click the heading of this article):<\/p>\n I’m making a difference for future generations!<\/strong><\/p>\n It’s very<\/a> well<\/a> established<\/a> that parental education positively impacts upon the education achievement (and behaviour<\/a>, and health<\/a>) of children. In fact, my whole family can be proud of my achievements. And as a higher degree earner, my education benefits so many more people than just my own family.<\/p>\n When I teach, I occasionally get to witness the opening of minds – the “aha” moment when a student understands something. For every moment I witness, there are a hundred other awakenings that are invisible or that burn slowly, but that make a student brighter, more informed, and more sensitive to the world around them. They bring the benefits of their <\/em>education to their<\/em> families, and so the positive impact ripples out to thousands of people.<\/p>\n When I apply my research experience in my career, I promote evidence-based action. I know how to perform my job in a way that is careful, accurate, effective, and ethical. I’m primed to succeed.<\/p>\n In everyday life, my research background makes me an interesting and thoughtful conversationalist. I bring a high level of discourse wherever I go.<\/p>\n My investment in my brain helps my progeny, my students, and my community. Win win win.<\/p>\n<\/a>