A Qualitative Study on the Challenges in Doctoral Education Encountered by Full-time Working PhD Students

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of students enrolling in higher education institutions worldwide. In this respect, full-time working PhD students emerged as a new trend. However, working at a job while studying for a doctorate degree can be challenging. In this context, this research aimed to investigate the difficulties full-time working PhD students face in doctoral education. A phenomenological approach was used in this study. This study used the criterion sampling method to select a sample of full-time PhD students. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, consisting of open-ended questions. According to the analysis of research data, the challenges experienced by full-time working PhD students during their doctoral education are "time management problems", "workplace problems arising from high expectations and negative attitudes", "transportation and attendance problems", "problems performing and focusing" "problems getting support and help". Individuals who work in a related field to the one in which they study, as well as those currently employed in higher education institutions, reported fewer challenges during their doctoral education. It has been determined that the most common problem is time management. Psychoeducation programs can be helpful them to adapt to challenging time schedules.