I took 4.5 years to finish my undergraduate degree in geology (in the US) and I’m finishing my third and final year of my Ph.D. now (= 7.5 years). I think it was worth it because I got to have a really good background in geology before starting my doctorate, where I can apply my geology knowledge to interesting research about other planets. In these 7.5 years I’ve also gotten to meet so many people from different fields of science as well as people outside of science, learn how to carry out research and come up with scientific questions, and communicate my work – this is a lot to work on, so I’ve liked being a student since so many people in space exploration are so helpful with guiding students and helping us become scientists!
I did my study a little differently: I first took an Engineering Technician apprenticeship (in a Space related Company) and during that time studied on Day/Eve release at College for ONC/HNC/HND Mechanical & materials Engineering (6 years), then after that I did a 2 year MSc. So in all 8 years, however got a lot of Work Experience by working & Studying this way.
My degree was a four year course as it was a Batchelors and Masters degree combined, plus there was an extra year in industry, so it was 5 years from when I started to when I graduated. But I would say it was totally worth it, yes!
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