The findings reveal a direct and significant relationship between the market for PhDs and economic benefits concerning years of schooling, experience, employment sector, abilities of PhD holders and the number of PhD holders in the study area.
Evidence shows that the demand for PhDs is higher in academia than in industries. Indeed, more PhDs find careers in academia than in the industry due to a mismatch of skills between the demand for skills in industry and the supply of skills by higher education institutions. Dr Etomes propose some recommendations for improving the market for PhDs in Cameroon and similar African economies.
What piqued your interest in this field of study?
My interest in the field stems from the fact that PhDs expected to create jobs and produce research outputs for economic development had to go on strike due to unemployment, specifically in state universities, demanding the state to employ them. However, my doctoral education niche came from my course at CREST, Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
Were there any surprises for you during the research?
One of the surprises on my research road was the results, which showed that most of the participants who were employed in state universities after their PhD came from secondary education, while most of those unemployed remain unemployed after graduation - a question that needs to be answered with further research.
What does the publication mean to you as a researcher?
The publication gives me a sense of fulfilment; this is one of the few works on doctoral education in Cameroon and touches the heart of higher education problems in doctoral education. Currently, the Ministry of Higher Education has suspended the admission of PhDs in all state universities in Cameroon.
What would your advice be to younger researchers about publishing?
Be consistent with your ideas in writing and responding to reviewers' comments. Some comments may need more explanation to understand your ideas better. Review previous journal articles and the author's guide before submission.
Read the full article: Analysis of the Market for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Economic Returns in Cameroon: An Archetypical African Economy: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21679
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