As a graduate student who has been watching the job market for
some time now, I must agree with the majority who feel that it is
tough. I have had several interested people ask me about graduate
school. I am even thinking about writing a book for these people.
Some want 4 or more years of college. Some are interested but not
interested enough to get a job. For these people the MA is fine.
For the truly dedicated the PhD is is required. I too was sucked
in by the reports of many openings. After eight terrible years I
have finally finished the first draft of my dissertation, passed
my orals with fields in medieval Europe, medieval Russia, the
Byzantine Empire, and early modern Europe. I have done as much as
possible to make myself attractive to the market, but I still
doubt that I will get a job. Unfortunately medieval historians
are not in great demand elsewhere, other than academics. So they
should work for a topical PhD if they think that they are going
to get a job in something other than academia. If you can avoid
it don't go, it costs enormous amounts of money and requires a
great degree of commitment and sacrifice. You will live like a
monk, frugally; other parallells are also possible here. It is
not fun. The most important decision you make once you go will be
picking your advisor. Pick one who will go to bat for you. Your
advisor/patron will be your most important ally. If s\he doesn't
think you got what it takes believe him or her.
John Keane
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