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Professional Title Etiquette: When to Use Your Dr. Title

Socially as well as professionally, medical doctors, dentists, and other professionals are addressed by, and introduced with, their titles. People who have earned a Ph.D. or any other academic, nonmedical doctoral degree have the choice of whether to use "Dr." both professionally and socially.  If, when meeting people with doctorates, you're unsure how to address them, "Dr." is always correct.  If they'd rather the title be dropped, they will let you know.

It's more common for women to use the title "Doctor" socially as well as professionally than in the past. When a married woman uses the title "Dr." (either medical or academic) socially, addressing social correspondence to the couple is a little trickier. If her husband is not a doctor, address letters to Dr. Sonia and Mr. Robert Harris. Her name comes first because her professional title "outranks" his social title. If her husband is also a doctor, the address is either The Drs. (Doctors) Harris or Drs. Sonia and Robert Harris (the order of the names doesn't matter).

The Reverend

In introductions and correspondence, many Protestant clergy are referred to as "The Reverend." While business correspondence is addressed to The Reverend James Norris, (D.D., if held), social correspondence is slightly different: The Reverend (Mr./Dr.) and Mrs. James Norris. In conversation, a clergyman or clergywoman is addressed as Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms./Pastor/Rector/Reverend Norris.

Addressing a husband or wife who are both "Reverends" follows the same format as a husband and wife who are both doctors: The Reverends Norris or The Reverend Mrs./Ms. Patricia Norris and the Reverend Mr. James Norris. If either of the couple also has a doctorate degree, that person's name would go first: The Reverend Dr. James Norris and The Reverend Mrs./Ms. Patricia Norris.

Today "Esquire" is largely confined to business correspondence between attorneys and justices of the peace. An alternative is to write:

Mr. David Bowman

Attorney at Law

using two lines, no indent, and including the titles Mr. or Ms.

When "Esq." or "Esquire" is used, the name is never preceded by Mr., Ms., Mrs., or other titles such as Dr., and is written David Bowman, Esq. "Esquire" isn't used in introductions: "I'd like to introduce attorney David Bowman/Mr. David Bowman/David Bowman." It also isn't used for social correspondence, as when writing to a lawyer and his or her spouse or addressing a social invitation. Mr. and Mrs. David Bowman is the correct form.

Professional Designations

Professional designations such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CLU (Certified Life Underwriter) are only used on business cards or business correspondence. They follow a person's name, and Mr. or Ms. isn't used: Martha Dawes, CPA; Phillip Olner, CLU. If a person has more than one designation, they're listed in the order received: Phillip Olner, CLU, CFP. Socially, use Mr., Ms., or Mrs. without the professional designation: Ms. Martha Dawes.

Other Titles

Every day we run into people who have an official title. The police officer at the desk is Sergeant Flynn; the head of the fire department is Chief Elmore; the club chef is Chef Rossi; the pilot on your plane is Captain Howe; and so forth. When on the job, such people are always addressed by their titles, just as they are when the matter at hand is related to their work. Socially, many don't use their titles, though they may. Sometimes a title sticks: A local judge, for example, who's been called by his title for a number of years, is usually addressed as "Judge" even after his retirement.

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9 Correct Ways to Write PhD Title on a Business Card

Writing a Ph.D. title on your business card can be a great thing to include. However, there are a few ways to write it, and it would help to know which ones work best. This article will explore some of the best options.

The preferred choices are “name, Ph.D. in discipline name,” “name, Ph.D.,” and “Dr. name.” You can use these options to be subtle and clear on your business cards. It shows that you’ve earned a Ph.D. without going into too much detail and scaring people away.

Name, Ph.D. In Discipline Name

“Name, Ph.D. in discipline name” gives you a good way of showing what you specialize in. Being specific about the discipline that you studied is a great way of showing people what you know about and what you can bring to the table.

If your Ph.D. doesn’t directly relate to the job you have, it might be worth being more specific about the discipline you’re qualified in. This can let people know that you have a Ph.D., but it doesn’t directly translate to your current job.

There’s nothing wrong with this. After all, plenty of people go to university and get a degree but never use it once they get out into the working world.

As long as you have a Ph.D., you can include it on your business card.

Some people might be a little bit off by it, but that’s not always a bad thing. The only issue is if people think you’re bragging by including that you have a Ph.D. You should be careful if this is the case.

Check out these examples to learn how you can use this one:

• Sarah Terrence, Ph.D. in Social Science
• Tom Alexander, Ph.D. in Research
• Harriet Edwards, Ph.D. in Mathematics

Name, Ph.D.

If you don’t feel the need to be specific about the discipline you have a Ph.D. in, you can leave it out. Instead, you can just include your name before the Ph.D. title to show that you have achieved a doctorate at university .

This can be a much better choice than the previous one. Being specific about your discipline choice isn’t always a good move, especially if it doesn’t relate to the job you’re advertising with your business card.

However, if your Ph.D. does directly relate to the job you currently have, including “Ph.D.” as a title works well. It shows someone that you’ve spent a lot of time studying things related to the job that you currently possess.

This will allow most people to have more faith in you and your ability. Again, though, it can be a bit alienating to someone that doesn’t have a Ph.D.

These examples will show you more about how this works:

• Steven Tonbridge, Ph.D.
• Jon Magcargo, Ph.D.
• Arlow Burrows, Ph.D.

You can also use the “Dr.” title instead of “Ph.D.” Many people prefer to include “Dr.” before their name to show that they have earned their doctorate (which is a Ph.D.) in a particular field.

If you’re going to use “Dr.,” you should only use “Dr.” There is never an appropriate time where “Dr.” and “Ph.D.” should be used together. If they are seen together, it is informal and unprofessional because it is a redundant phrase that doesn’t work:

• Incorrect: Dr. Smith, Ph.D.

Some people think that “Dr.” is less aggressive than “Ph.D.” as well. This can help you to stop people from feeling more alienated by the fact that you’ve achieved your Ph.D. when they haven’t.

As before, it’s still better to include “Dr.” when it’s relevant to your job role. If it doesn’t do anything specific to add value to what you do, it might not be worth including it at all.

Check these examples out to see what you might be able to do with it:

• Dr. Tom Sawyer
• Dr. Matthew Perry
• Dr. Suzanne Barker

You might also find that the first name is dropped. However, this will remove the more personal flair that most business cards benefit from:

• Dr. Winters
• Dr. Arlington

Name, Ph.D., Job Title

You may also find that adding your job title after your name and Ph.D. title works well. This just shows people the kind of work that you do, and what you are able to do with your additional Ph.D. title.

Using a job title is a good way to show what people can expect from you after reading your business card.

Here are a couple of examples that can work well:

• Thomas Jeffery, Ph.D., Supervisor
• Patricia Merry, Ph.D., Customer Service
• Dexter Morgan, Ph.D., Blood Spatter Analyst

Dr. Name, Job Title

“Dr. name, job title” is a good option that shows you have a Ph.D. without using the formal title after the name. You can use “Dr.” here again, but include your job title after your name to show what you are offering.

Including your job title or role on a business card is a common practice for some people. It helps them to establish what they are offering through their business card, which allows the people who have the business card to know more about them.

These examples will show you how it can look on a business card:

• Dr. Sue Perkins, Number Cruncher
• Dr. Steve Taylor, Financial Advisor
• Dr. Marcus Christie, Freelance Auditor

Again, you can remove the first name when “Dr.” is used. We don’t recommend this in most cases because it might lose the personal touch:

• Dr. Honest, Stock Broker
• Dr. Pope, Estate Agent
• Dr. Tomkins, Translator

Name, Ph.D., University

You might also find that mentioning the university where you got your Ph.D. is a good choice on a business card. Some people like to do this when they want to show that they went to an esteemed university and earned the highest degree.

If you’re going to use this one, you need to be careful. Many people see this as a form of bragging. It will only work well if you’re giving your business cards to people of equal qualifications or interests.

Most people without a Ph.D. will disregard your business card if it’s written like this. Mentioning your university is another way of showing people that you might feel a bit more superior to them.

Even if you didn’t include the Ph.D. title and university name maliciously, it could still be perceived in this way. You’ll want to pay attention to these kinds of things before it comes to passing your business cards around.

These examples will give you an idea of how you can include a university:

• Garry Geary, Ph.D., University of Virginia
• Peter Taylor, Ph.D., Oxford University
• Tara Howard, Ph.D., Cambridge University

Dr. Name, University

Another good way of writing your Ph.D. title with your university is to include the “Dr.” title before your name. Remember, there is no need to include both Dr. and Ph.D. in the same name, as this is seen as a redundancy in most formal cases.

Again, you’ve got to be careful using something like this. It can easily alienate anybody who doesn’t have these qualifications.

The only reason you’d definitely want to include something like this on your business card is if it directly ties in with your job role. If you use your Ph.D. in some way for your job, it could be worth including it to show that you have spent a lot of time researching what you do.

Here are some examples of how you can use this:

• Dr. Paul Walker, King’s College
• Dr. Samantha Weiss, Brown University
• Dr. Sarah Fredrikson, Harvard University

Yet again, since “Dr.” is used, you can remove the first name. This can work in some cases, but you have to know whether the personal tone of including your first name is more appropriate for your particular business card:

• Dr. Westbridge, Oxford University
• Dr. Grace, Colchester University
• Dr. Smith, Cornell University

Name, University

You don’t need to include your formal title when you are writing your university. You can simply write your name if you do not believe that including your formal title helps your business card in any way.

Remember, a formal title can put a lot of people off. If someone doesn’t have a Ph.D. of their own, they might be intimidated or put off by somebody who does.

It can look like bragging, even if you don’t intend for it to be bragging. It might be wiser to avoid using it unless you know that it’s important to include it based on the business you’re trying to promote with your business card.

Simply including your name with no formal title works like this:

• Scott Abs, Oxford University
• Pete Walters, University of California
• Abbie Drawn, Brown University

Name, Job Title

It might be wise to remove your university name and formal title. In place of anything else, you’ll be better off just using your job title with your name. No titles or university names need to be included. This is a fairly informal option that works well.

While it doesn’t outright say that you have a Ph.D. of any kind, it can still work well for Ph.D. owners. After all, you don’t always have to talk about your Ph.D., even if you have managed to earn one.

If your Ph.D. adds nothing of value or note to your job role, then there’s no reason to include it on your business card. Again, it’s a good way to alienate people who don’t have a Ph.D. of their own.

These examples should clear up how this one should look:

• Jon Walker, I.T. Technician
• Peter Burrows, Financial Advisor
• Tom Christie, Broker

You may also like: DSc Degree vs. PhD Degree – What’s the Difference? Should I Write Ph.D. or PhD? (Complete Guide)

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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How to use the PhD title and all the little doctorate “rules”

There are many conventions in the academic world that can make it difficult to navigate the PhD title. The PhD title is awarded to those who have completed a doctoral degree but, not many people know how to use it once they have it.

This article will go through everything you need to know about using the PhD title and when you can start using it.

The “rules” are relatively simple and can be broken as they are not officially set in stone – other than when you can officially call yourself a doctor.

There is no one correct answer but it may be misleading if you use the PhD title incorrectly. Here are the recommendations for effective communication.

It very much depends on the setting. Here are some examples of how I would use my PhD titles awarded to me after my PhD degree.

How do you Write PhD correctly after a name? Is it ph d or phd?

It can be confusing to know exactly how to write PhD after your name. Which bits are capitalised? Is there a ‘.’ In the middle?

When writing a name with a PhD after it, the correct way to do so is to use “PhD” or “Ph.D. or Ph.D”

Depending on the preference of the individual, either form can be used.

However, if the individual has a business card that states their degree in full, then the more formal “Doctor of Philosophy” should be used.

It is important to note that using “PhD” without any periods is incorrect; this abbreviation should only be used in informal contexts such as emails or text messages. I tend to use PhD in my YouTube videos and some people have pointed out that this is incorrect…

Following the individual’s preferred format will ensure that their name and credentials are properly represented.

Should you use Dr as well as PhD?

Some people like to use Dr and PhD in their official titles. There are a couple of important points that you need to know about markers and academic titles.

• A person can have more than one marker in their name. For example my full title is Dr Andrew Stapleton, PhD, MChem.
• The doctor title at the front can be used as a variant to the PhD at the end.

It can be a little bit ambiguous if I was to use Dr Andrew Stapleton, PhD as there are two markers. This could mean that I have two PhD’s, it could mean that I have a PhD and a medical doctorate, or it could just be that I want to use both the doctor and the PhD tags for the one degree.

However, in my experience, I still like to use the doctor title at the front and the PhD tag at the end of my name for official purposes.

Academics would rarely use the PhD suffix in everyday communication. They would much rather just use the doctor title.

What is the proper title for a PhD?

The proper title for a PhD is Doctor of Philosophy. However, some teachers and professors like to be referred to without their official title.

If you are not sure about how your professor, lecturer, or friend with a PhD wishes to be officially addressed you can ask them.

Most of the time, I like to refer to my colleagues with their doctor title for official purposes, but I do not include the PhD at the end of their name. That is much better suited to a business card.

Your lecture may wish to be referred to as:

• Dr [last name]
• Dr [first name]

Asking them in the early stages of your relationship is the best way to work out which one they prefer.

If in doubt, always go for the more formal name and nomenclature.

When can you start to use your PhD title after your doctorate?

When you have earned your PhD, you can start using your title immediately. Although, it can be a little bit confusing as to when you have actually passed your PhD. Is it when you have submitted your dissertation? Is it when you have received the comments back?

The University of Adelaide says that you can use it from your conferral date:

Students can be conferred on one of five dates during the year and for PhD students the conferral date will be the first available following the completion of all the academic requirements of your degree, including final thesis lodgement and the disbursement of any outstanding financial obligations to the University.

I started using my PhD title as soon as my confirmation letter arrived at my house. It was the first letter from the University that referred to me as Dr Stapleton. It was incredibly excited.

Generally, it is acceptable to use the title “Dr.” both professionally and socially but socially, people very rarely use it – at least in Australia. But you should never use it if you are a PhD student, PhD candidate or enrolled in a PhD program without a previous PhD qualification. 

I do use it in professional settings but it always makes me feel a little bit awkward.

However, there may be some restrictions for certain settings. For example, if have a research degree resulting in a doctor title and you are working in a medical setting – some institutions do not like you to use Dr as it can confuse patients into thinking that you have a medical degree. 

Instead, they ask that you use the PhD tag at the end of your name rather than the doctoral title for official and professional communications.

What is the correct way to write PhD?

When writing about someone’s PhD, the correct way is to write the term in full and capitalize each letter.

This should be done for all academic degrees, not just PhDs.

For example, it would be “Doctor of Philosophy” or “PhD” instead of “Ph.D.”, “Dr.”, or “DPhil”.

Additionally, it is common to mention the field of study in which the degree was earned if known, such as “Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics”. It is also good practice to include the institution that granted the degree if it is a recognized one.

When writing about someone’s PhD, use proper capitalization and include relevant information like field of study and institution if known to ensure accuracy.

How do you put a PhD in a title?

Putting a PhD in a title is not as complicated as it may sound.

Generally speaking, the proper way to list a PhD in an academic or professional setting is by writing “Dr.” before the name, followed by the person’s full name and the appropriate abbreviations for their degree.

For example, if John Smith has earned a doctorate in psychology, his credentials would be listed as “Dr. John Smith, Ph.D.”

In some cases, such as when addressing someone formally in speech or on a business card, it may also be acceptable to list their credentials as “John Smith, Ph.D.”

Depending on context and personal preference, some people may also choose to list their higher degrees after their names by writing out the entire degree instead of just its abbreviation.

For example, John Smith could choose to write his full title as “John Smith, Doctor of Psychology”

However, I have not seen this in real academic life.

Should the font size of Ph.D. be the same as someone’s name?

The question of whether the font size of a Ph.D. should be the same as someone’s name is an interesting one.

On one hand, it could be argued that the Ph.D. deserves to be highlighted and therefore should be given a larger font size than someone’s name to denote its importance.

On the other, it could be argued that this would not be necessary or appropriate, and that treating everyone equally regardless of their title or degree is more important.

It depends on context and usage – if both names appear in the same document then they should likely have the same font size; however, if one appears in a formal setting such as a diploma or certificate, then it may make sense to give it a larger font size than someone’s name to emphasize its importance and significance.

Ph.Ds (or PhDs) are an important academic achievement and should be respected accordingly but without going overboard by giving them overly large fonts sizes which can take away from rather than add to their importance.

Wrapping up – doctoral title rules

this article has been over everything you need to know that using the PhD title properly and effectively.

The doctor title can be used in place of the PhD and for incredibly formal communications, such as a business email or card, you can use both.

However, sometimes using both can cause confusion as to whether or not there is a reason first using both the doctor and PhD tags. Nonetheless, many people still use both.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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PhD Candidate Business Cards: Making a Lasting Impression in the Academic World

Are you a PhD candidate looking to make a lasting impression in the academic world? Look no further than business cards. Business cards may seem like a relic from the past in today’s digital age, but they still hold a certain charm and effectiveness when it comes to networking and professional interactions. In this article, we will explore why PhD candidate business cards are important, what information they should contain, and tips for designing impressive business cards that leave a lasting impression on colleagues and potential employers.

Why Are PhD Candidate Business Cards Important?

As a PhD candidate, business cards can serve as a valuable tool in your professional arsenal. They allow you to easily exchange contact information with fellow researchers, professors, and potential collaborators at academic conferences, workshops, and other networking events. While you may already have an online presence and a professional email signature, business cards offer a tangible and personal touch that can make you more memorable in the minds of others.

Building Your Personal Brand

Your business card is a tangible representation of your personal brand as a PhD candidate. By designing a unique and visually appealing card, you can showcase your professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. This is especially important when you’re competing in a crowded academic environment.

Facilitating Networking Opportunities

Attending conferences and other academic events provides an opportunity to meet and connect with influential individuals in your field. By having your business card readily available, you can easily share your contact information, ensuring that others can reach out to you later for collaboration, research opportunities, or job prospects. It’s all about making those valuable connections that can shape your future career.

Leaving a Lasting Impression

In the fast-paced world of academia, it’s easy to forget someone’s name or research interests amidst a sea of faces and conversations. A well-designed business card with concise information can help others remember you long after the event has ended. Additionally, the act of exchanging a physical business card shows a level of professionalism and sincerity, leaving a positive impression on your recipients.

What Information Should Your PhD Candidate Business Card Contain?

While the design of your business card should be visually appealing and reflective of your personal brand, it’s crucial to include relevant and concise information to make it functional. Here are some essential elements to consider:

1. Your Name and Degree

Make sure your full name is prominently displayed on the card. As a PhD candidate, it’s also important to indicate your degree in progress. You can include “PhD Candidate” or “Doctoral Candidate” below your name. This helps establish your credibility and expertise, allowing others to recognize your academic standing right away.

2. Contact Information

Include your professional email address and phone number on the card. Ensure that the email address you provide is associated with your academic institution or a reputable platform like Gmail. Avoid using personal email addresses or unprofessional handles, as they can create a negative impression. Including your LinkedIn profile link can also be beneficial if you maintain an active profile.

3. Research Focus or Field of Study

Including a brief summary of your research focus or field of study can help others quickly understand your academic interests and expertise. Keep this section concise and to the point, emphasizing keywords and phrases that capture the essence of your work.

4. Personal Website or Portfolio (Optional)

If you have a personal website or an online portfolio showcasing your research, publications, and projects, consider including the URL on your business card. This allows interested individuals to delve deeper into your work and provides an additional avenue for making connections.

Designing Impressive PhD Candidate Business Cards

Now that you understand the importance of PhD candidate business cards and what information to include, let’s explore some tips for designing impressive cards that make a lasting impression:

1. Keep it Simple and Professional

Avoid cluttering your business card with excessive design elements or overwhelming information. Stick to a clean and professional design that reflects your academic field.

2. Choose a Legible Font

Ensure that the font you choose is easily legible. A combination of a sans-serif font for your name and a serif font for other text can create a pleasing contrast. Experiment with font sizes to make important information stand out without overwhelming the card.

3. Use High-Quality Printing and Materials

Invest in high-quality printing and materials to ensure your cards look and feel professional. Matte or glossy finishes, thick paper stock, and rounded corners can add a touch of sophistication to your business cards.

4. Incorporate Branding Elements

Consider incorporating elements from your academic institution, such as its logo or color scheme, to tie your business card to your current academic affiliations. This can help establish credibility and recognition within your field.

5. Double-Check for Accuracy

Before printing a large batch of business cards, meticulously proofread and double-check all the information. A typo or incorrect contact information can be embarrassing and undermine your professionalism.

6. Get Feedback

Show your design to trusted colleagues or mentors and ask for their feedback. Their insights can help you refine your design and ensure it makes the desired impact.

In Conclusion

As a PhD candidate, business cards are a valuable tool to establish your personal brand, facilitate networking opportunities, and leave a lasting impression on others. By including essential information and designing your cards with professionalism and creativity, you can elevate your presence in the academic world. So, don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed business card; it might just open doors to exciting research collaborations, job opportunities, and lifelong connections in your field as a PhD candidate.

Ava Taylor’s passion for branding and marketing shines through in her dynamic writing. She brings a unique perspective with her background in event planning, infusing creativity into her content. When she’s not writing, Ava enjoys organizing community events and gatherings.

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10 Ways to Use Your “Dr” Title for Good and Evil

So you might be wondering why you bothered with all those years of failed experiments, committees, over-bearing supervisors, thesis writing, and thesis defending. Well, no matter where life takes you, you can now call yourself “Dr” whenever you want. And that can be more useful than you might think…

Published February 16, 2021

Nick has a PhD from the University Dundee and is the Founder and Director of Bitesize Bio , Science Squared Ltd and The Life Science Marketing Society .

Listen to one of our scientific editorial team members read this article. Click  here  to access more audio articles or subscribe.

So you worked hard in the lab for all those years. You endured failed experiments, committees, over-bearing supervisors, thesis writing, and thesis defending. And for what?

Well, who knows? But no matter where your PhD takes you in life, you can always rely on one thing: you can call yourself “Dr” whenever you want to. And, as these 10 ways to use your “Dr” title show, that can be more useful than you might think.

Now, most people I know who have a PhD do not call themselves “Dr” routinely, instead leaving that to those guys who have the skills to save your life with a tracheotomy. But used sparingly, your Dr title can be fun, rewarding, or downright evil.

Here at the BsB office, we’ve come up with our top 10 ways to use your Dr title to the full…

10 Ways to Use Your Dr Title

1. first class… for freeee.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that using your Dr title when booking flights and hotels can increase your chances of getting a free upgrade. Also, having “Dr” on your bank card seems to make the guys at the phonebank treat you more politely. That’s just our opinion though – what are your experiences with this?

2. Annoy Egomaniacs

You may have noticed that there are some people in the world who have a “Superiority Complex”. That is, they are not happy unless they are top dog and everyone knows it. This sort of person is normally quite annoying to people drawn into their Superiority Fiefdom.

But (assuming this is not happening in the lab) you, doctor, have a secret weapon that will take them down a peg or two. For it seems that the mere mention of the title “Dr” hits a very raw nerve with the alpha-person-wannabes and provides endless entertainment for all involved.

3. Be an Egomaniac

If you are actually one of those alpha-person-wannabes, you could impress everyone around you by using grandiose taglines to describe yourself, just like that real egomaniac non-medical doctor, Dr Who.

You could go for something plain and simple like “I am The Doctor”. But why not push the boat out and try this for introducing yourself to people at cocktail parties:  “ I’m The Doctor. I’m a Time Lord. I’m from the planet Gallifrey in the constellation of Kasterborous. I’m nine hundred and three years old and I’m the man who’s going to save your lives and all six billion people on the planet below. ”

Demand the respect you deserve, doctor.

4. Impress your Relatives

The perennial benefit of having a PhD is that your (non-scientist, non-medical) relatives are always impressed by the fact that you could call yourself Dr, if you really wanted to. Numerous possibilities arise from this.

5. Career Choices

Another obvious benefit of your PhD is that it opens career doors for you. It closes some too. But overall, with Dr on your business card, you should be generally more employable and have more choices in your career path than without it. Check out some career options here .

6. Get Free Parking*

Here’s one you might not have thought about. If you are visiting any major hospital, don’t forget to take full advantage of your PhD by using the spaces that have been set aside just for special people like you. They are normally quite close to the entrance and marked “Doctor”. An amazing fringe-benefit that you thoroughly deserve for all those years of hard work.

If you are actually a tracheotomy-performing, reserved-space-using medical doctor and you also get a PhD, you can confuse the hell out of people by being a “Dr Dr” or “Dr X Phd”. We tried to figure out what would happen if you’re a surgeon who gets a PhD, but stopped when our brains began to overheat.

8. Find Out What’s Wrong with You in Words of More than Two Syllables

I recently found out that registering yourself as Dr X (using your own name in place of X obviously) with your doctor’s surgery has an interesting benefit. That is, if the doctor has to explain something to you they will tend to be more technical in their explanation of your medical problem.

Of course, you could just tell them that you’re a scientist and ask them to give you more detail, but the “Dr” tag means you automatically get the advanced-level description. This is just my experience. Yours, of course, will depend on your doctor.

9. Dress (Non)-Sense

As laid out by the thesis committee that awarded the  first ever PhD in Paris in 1150 , attaining a PhD apparently gives you the right to forgo any sense of fashion and wear things like bow ties and elbow pads on your jacket. Yes, even if you are a woman.

You also have the right to go the other way and dress beach bum every day when you go to work. You have a piece of paper that says you are respectable, why do you need nice clothes to say the same?

and finally…

10. Use Your Dr Title to Get an Instant Superhero or Rapper Monicker

When your parents named you, they probably didn’t think you’d be inserting “Dr” at the start of your name. So your title may inadvertently give you a cool name that resonates in popular culture, like Dr Livingston, Dr Phil, or maybe even Dr Who.

This can be taken even further: my (Nick Oswald) initials mean the second I got my PhD I became the infamous Dr NO, while our very own Martin Wilson became the footwear and fashion icon Dr Martin (Marten).

And a former colleague of mine, one D. Reuter, became Dr DRE when the admin people at the company we worked for used the abbreviation “DRE” for his name in meeting minutes.

These are our 10 ways to use your Dr title to benefit you and those around you. Please feel free to share your suggestions, experiences, or superhero monikers with us in the comments section!

*Re : number 6. Of course, this one is a joke , please DON’T park in the doctors’ spaces at the hospital!

Originally published February 20, 2013. Reviewed and updated February 2021.

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10 Comments

Here is the correct information. The terminal degree PhD came before the medical degree. As a person living in England my medical degree is an MBBS, a bachelor’s degree. At work I can use the courtesy title “doctor”. On my credit cards I must use the social title “mister”. Now the word doctor is Greek and literally means “teacher”. So my PhD grants me a license to teach at a university and I may use it socially because I am no longer a mister, a master or a licencate, I am a doctor. The problem came about when North America began misusing the MD degree. In Europe (where doctorates were invented) the MD is a higher level doctorate (higher than a PhD) whereas in North America the MD is a professional doctorate, like the LLD, the DVM, the DDS, the DPham, etc. I have a friend who is Dr. X, MBBS, MD. His medical degree is rightly a bachelor’s degree and his MD is rightly a higher level doctorate. To avoid confusion I would recommend that medical doctors, vets, dentists describe themselves as such (eg; “Dr. Y, physician” and doctorates describe themselves as such (eg: Dr. Z, PhD).

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Is it Necessary to Have Business Cards for PhD Students?

In the world of academia, networking and professionalism are the pillars upon which promising careers are built. For PhD students, this holds particularly true as they navigate the intricate paths of research, mentorship, and collaboration. Yet, in an increasingly digital age, where virtual connections abound, the timeless charm and efficacy of a small piece of paper often go overlooked—the business card. In this digital era, is there still a place for business cards in the academic landscape? We believe the answer is a resounding yes.

A business card for PhD students is a small, professionally designed card that contains essential contact information, academic titles, and optional elements such as research interests, and serves as a tangible representation of a PhD student’s professional identity. It is a tool used to facilitate networking, establish credibility, and make a lasting impression in academic and professional settings.

In the following article, we will delve into the significance of business cards for PhD students. We will explore how these modest, pocket-sized pieces of professionalism can leave an indelible mark on your academic journey. From crafting the perfect design to understanding what crucial details should grace your card, we’ll provide comprehensive guidance for every aspiring scholar. Moreover, we will discuss when and how to distribute these cards for maximum impact. After all, networking isn’t merely about exchanging contact information; it’s about building meaningful connections that can propel your academic career to new heights.

Join us as we unravel the art and science of business cards for PhD students. Discover how these small, tangible tokens can help you make a professional impression and open doors to academic opportunities you never thought possible. Whether you’re a doctoral candidate just embarking on this scholarly adventure or a seasoned researcher looking to enhance your professional image, this article will equip you with the knowledge you need to stand out in the academic world.

So, grab your notepad, or perhaps, your digital device, and let’s embark on this exploration of the timeless tool that can elevate your academic journey—your very own business card.

Introduction

The value of business cards for phd students, essential information in phd business card, optional elements in phd business card, professional design for phd business card, colour and branding for phd business card, etiquette and follow-up.

Networking and professionalism are the cornerstones of success for PhD students in today’s academic and professional landscape.

Imagine you’re at a prestigious academic conference, surrounded by brilliant minds in your field, and you strike up a conversation with a renowned professor. The discussion is insightful, and you’re on the brink of a meaningful connection that could potentially shape your academic journey. However, when the time comes to exchange contact information, all you have is a hurriedly scribbled email address on a napkin. In this fast-paced world, a simple piece of paper could be the difference between a fleeting conversation and a lasting connection. This is where the humble business card steps in.

Pursuing a PhD is a demanding endeavour, often involving years of dedicated research, academic discussions, and the quest for knowledge. In this journey, networking and professionalism are paramount. Building relationships with mentors, peers, and experts in your field can open doors to opportunities, collaborations, and future career prospects. Yet, the question remains: Why do business cards still matter in an age dominated by digital communication and social media connections?

This article aims to shed light on the enduring relevance of business cards for PhD students. We’ll explore how these tangible tokens of professionalism hold the power to make a lasting impression in the academic world.

By the end of this read, you’ll understand not only the value of a well-crafted business card but also how to create one that reflects your academic journey and aspirations. Get ready to unravel the secrets of making a memorable mark as a PhD student by mastering the art of business card exchange. Whether you’re at a conference, seminar, or casual meet-and-greet, we’ll guide you on why, what, and how to use these tiny tools effectively.

Business cards play a pivotal role in establishing a professional identity for PhD students. When you exchange a well-designed and thoughtfully crafted business card, you’re not just passing along contact information; you’re making a statement about your professionalism, expertise, and commitment to your field.

Consider this scenario: You meet a potential collaborator or a future employer at an academic event. Instead of fumbling through your pockets or digging for a scrap of paper to write your email address, you confidently present a professionally designed business card. The simple act of handing over this card communicates that you are serious about your work, you pay attention to detail, and you value the connection you’re about to make. It tells the other person that you are invested in your academic journey and eager to engage in professional relationships.

Moreover, a well-designed business card acts as a tangible extension of your academic persona. It reflects your dedication to your field of study, and it becomes an integral part of your personal brand as a PhD student.

• According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, 72% of people judge a person’s professional capabilities based on the quality and design of their business cards. This highlights the significance of making a strong first impression through a well-designed card.
• Anecdotal evidence also demonstrates the value of business cards in professional settings. For instance, Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned professor in the field of neuroscience, recalls how she received a business card from a PhD student at a conference. The card’s design was impressive, and Dr. Smith was so intrigued that she later contacted the student to discuss a potential research collaboration. This illustrates how a business card can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.

By presenting yourself professionally through a business card, you not only enhance your credibility but also increase the likelihood of future collaborations and academic success.

What to Include on Your PhD Business Card?

A PhD student’s business card should include essential information that allows for easy and effective contact. These core elements typically encompass your name, contact details, and academic title.

Name: Your full name should take centre stage on the card, displayed prominently and legibly. If you have any academic titles (e.g., “Ph.D.” or “Doctor of Philosophy”), these should appear alongside your name to convey your scholarly standing.

Contact Details: Include your professional contact information. This should comprise a professional email address, a phone number where you can be reached, and the physical address of your institution or department. It’s crucial that these details are accurate and up to date.

Academic Title: As a PhD student, your academic title, such as “Ph.D. Candidate” or “Doctoral Researcher,” serves to underscore your academic standing. This title can instil confidence in your peers and potential collaborators and signal that you are actively engaged in advanced studies.

Academic and institutional branding guidelines are paramount in maintaining consistency across all university-related materials. For example, if your institution has specific guidelines for font style, logo usage, or colour schemes, adhere to them when designing your business card. This ensures that your card aligns with your university’s branding and reinforces your affiliation.

While essential information establishes your academic identity, optional elements can add depth and richness to your business card, providing insights into your academic interests and digital presence.

Research Interests: Including a brief list of your research interests or academic specializations can be a valuable addition. This provides recipients with a quick glimpse into your areas of expertise. For instance, a card for a psychology student might list “Cognitive Psychology” and “Neuroscience” as research interests.

QR Code: In today’s digital age, incorporating a QR code on your business card can be a smart move. This QR code can link to your personal website, academic profile, or LinkedIn page, enabling easy access to more detailed information about your academic journey, publications, and projects.

Optional elements can enhance your card’s effectiveness by facilitating more in-depth connections. For instance, a QR code can direct colleagues or potential collaborators to your online presence, where they can access your research papers, conference presentations, and contact details conveniently. This level of accessibility can strengthen your network and foster future collaborations.

Including both essential and optional elements on your business card helps strike a balance between professional identity and the ability to convey your academic interests and accomplishments effectively.

Design and Formatting Tips for PhD Business Card

Designing your business card with professionalism in mind is essential. A clean and professional design ensures that your card conveys the right impression to those who receive it. Here are some tips for creating a business card with a professional design:

• Keep it Simple: A clutter-free design is key. Avoid overcrowding the card with too much information or complex graphics. Simplicity often equals sophistication.
• Legibility is Crucial: Use clear, easy-to-read fonts. The font size should be large enough to ensure that your name and other details can be read without difficulty.
• Visual Appeal: While simplicity is crucial, that doesn’t mean your card has to be dull. You can add a touch of visual appeal through tasteful graphics, such as your university’s logo or an academic-themed image related to your field of study.
• Consistency: Ensure that your business card design aligns with your personal or institutional branding, maintaining a cohesive look with your other academic materials.

According to a study published in the Journal of Business Research, a well-designed business card is more likely to leave a positive impression on recipients. The study revealed that 90% of people believe that a visually appealing business card indicates a high-quality service or product.

Colours and branding are critical aspects of your business card’s design. They play a significant role in shaping your card’s visual identity and impact.

• Use of Colors: While you can certainly add colour to your card, it’s important to use a professional and consistent colour scheme. Overly vibrant or clashing colours may detract from the professionalism of your card. Stick to classic and subdued colour choices.
• Institutional Branding: If you are affiliated with a university or institution, incorporate their branding elements such as the official logo, colours, or fonts. This aligns your card with the institution’s image and can enhance its credibility.

Branding guidelines exist for a reason. They help maintain a unified visual identity for organizations and institutions. When your business card complies with these guidelines, it can subliminally convey trust and credibility. For example, if you’re a PhD student at “X University,” using the university’s official colours and logo can immediately link you to the institution’s reputation and history.

Incorporating these design and branding elements into your business card helps ensure that it not only looks professional but also aligns with your academic and institutional identity, reinforcing your credibility in the eyes of those who receive your card.

When and How to Distribute PhD Business Cards

Timing and context are crucial when distributing your business cards as a PhD student. Identify specific situations and events where it’s appropriate and beneficial to hand out your business cards. Here are some examples of academic and professional gatherings where you can distribute your cards:

• Academic Conferences: One of the most obvious settings is an academic conference. These events gather scholars, researchers, and professionals from your field in one place, providing an excellent opportunity to network and exchange business cards.
• Seminars and Workshops: Attendees at specialized seminars and workshops often share similar interests, making it an ideal setting for networking and card exchange.
• University Events: University-hosted lectures, colloquiums, and social gatherings can also be fruitful for networking among faculty and fellow students.
• Career Fairs: If you’re exploring career options beyond academia, career fairs can be a prime opportunity to connect with potential employers or organizations.

Studies in the field of networking and career development have consistently shown that in-person events like conferences and professional gatherings significantly contribute to building valuable connections. For example, a survey by Networking Now revealed that 85% of professionals believed in-person meetings are essential for building and maintaining business relationships.

I have written several articles related to Research conferences . Please visit to learn more about how to identify predatory and good conferences, how to dress for the conference and how to make research presentations at research conferences and many more.

Distributing your business card is just the first step; proper etiquette and follow-up are equally crucial. Here’s advice on how to exchange business cards professionally and how to maintain connections:

• Exchange Cards Thoughtfully: When exchanging business cards, do so at an appropriate moment in the conversation. Take the time to engage in a meaningful discussion before offering your card. When you receive someone else’s card, take a moment to read it and acknowledge the information.
• Follow Up Promptly: After the event, follow up with the individuals you’ve connected with. Send a personalized email expressing your appreciation for the conversation and expressing your interest in further collaboration or communication.
• Maintain Regular Contact: Building professional relationships requires ongoing effort. Stay in touch with your network by sending occasional updates on your academic progress or by engaging in discussions related to your field of study.

A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that following up after networking events significantly increases the likelihood of turning initial connections into lasting professional relationships. For example, a well-crafted follow-up email can lead to collaborations, mentorships, or job opportunities.

By distributing your business cards in appropriate settings, observing proper etiquette, and diligently following up with your contacts, you maximize the potential of your network and pave the way for meaningful collaborations and career advancement as a PhD student.

The article emphasizes that business cards remain a valuable tool for PhD students, allowing them to make a professional impression, build meaningful connections, and enhance their academic and professional journeys. By understanding the value, design, and effective use of business cards, PhD students can take full advantage of the networking opportunities available to them.

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Student Business Cards

Harvard Griffin GSAS graduate students can order business cards online in blocks of 250, 500, or 1,000. 

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For graduate students, attending conferences and building connections with others in their field is a key component of professional development. Having a business card on hand can be an important way to share information.

Students enrolled in degree programs at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences can order business cards online in blocks of 250, 500, or 1,000. Cards will be available for pick up at the reception desk at the Harvard Griffin GSAS administrative offices on the third floor of the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, and you will be contacted when they are ready. You may also select to have your cards delivered to you directly for an additional fee. Production time is 7–14 business days from approval. 

 Please follow the instructions below when placing an order.

• Go to hgsasstudent.fenwayprint.com .
• You will be prompted to create an account in order to log in.
• Once you are logged in, click on the Student Business Card button.
• Select the quantity of cards you’d like to purchase—$52/250, $55/500, or $98/1,000.
• Click “Customize Order.”
• Fill in all necessary information. Required fields: Name, Degree Program, Phone Label 1, Phone 1, Email Optional fields: Phone Label 2, Phone 2, Addresses 1 and 2 Please note:   For the program field, please use the program in which you are studying and not the specific subject of study. You may use “student” or “candidate” as appropriate (e.g. “Student in Middle Eastern Studies,” “PhD candidate in mathematics,” and “Government”). Business cards are not intended for Teaching Fellow appointments. All business card orders are subject to approval by Harvard Griffin GSAS. You will be notified upon approval or rejection. 
• Click on the “Update Preview” button on the bottom left to view your card. Be sure to check your proof carefully as this will be your only proof and you are solely responsible for the content of the card. The cost associated with reprints due to content errors will be yours. You can download this pdf and save it for your records by clicking “Download Proof.”
• Once you are satisfied with your design, check the “Yes, I approve this document” box and click “Finished Editing” in the bottom right-hand corner.
• Confirm your order and click “Proceed to Checkout.”
• Fill in your credit card information and click the “Credit Card” button to process your order.
• Save a copy of the receipt for your records; it is also your order confirmation. 

For additional questions, please email  [email protected]  or call 617-495-2321.

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PhD on business cards

• Thread starter Agiii
• Start date Sep 6, 2015

Senior Member

• Sep 6, 2015

I've got a PhD in a non-medical field of study. I'm currently designing my business cards and asking myself whether it's normal to put my PhD on them and if yes, in what form. Mary Smith PhD Mary Smith, PhD Mary Smith Ph.D. Mary Smith, Ph.D. ? Or how should I do it? I got my PhD in continental Europe and the original title is "Dr. (Mary Smith)", I'm not sure if that's used in the US/ UK/ Australia, etc.  

Hi, I have seen this: Mary Smith, PhD  

You're likely to "see" just about anything in such style issues. The style used by American newspapers (when they follow the stylebook) is Mary Smith, Ph.D. (No. 4 above) Likewise, American newspapers do not use the honorary title "Dr." for non-medical degrees and might not use it at all when not relevant. Sen. Rand Paul, for example, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination, is an ophthalmologist, but since that's irrelevant to his political aspirations, news stories generally do not use the medical honorific.  

Song Sprite

Ok, thank you so much!  

• Sep 18, 2015

Sorry, I have to start the subject again. I see "Dr John Smith" a lot on linkedin and I'm asking myself whether this version is not preferred to "John Smith, Ph.D.".  

Moderato con anima (English Only)

The British style is not to use the full stops: Mary Smith, PhD - and if you include PhD , Dr is surely redundant. Dr Mary Smith suggests that you are a medical person, I think; or at best it is ambiguous.  

• Sep 22, 2015

natkretep said: The British style is not to use the full stops: Mary Smith, PhD - and if you include PhD , Dr is surely redundant. Dr Mary Smith suggests that you are a medical person, I think; or at best it is ambiguous. Click to expand...

Those aren't business cards. That page is put together by someone else who chooses to use a title with the names.  

But does it mean I should use "Dr" (or Dr.) on linkedin and on my website? I supposed there's no difference between business cards and those other situations where you present yourself.  

natkretep said: and if you include PhD , Dr is surely redundant. Click to expand...

I'm thinking of non-medical settings and representations by self, rather than representations by others. I can't comment about medical settings. In academic settings, to include both the title and the degree in self-representations smacks of someone 'trying too hard' and not being subtle about it. It's a little like how when you introduce yourself, you don't include your title; you wait for others to accord you that honour, as it were.  

• Ars Lykaion
• The Boardroom

mentioning credentials (MS, MBA, PMP) in your business card

• Thread starter nixss7
• Start date Nov 5, 2010

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Wise, aged ars veteran.

• Nov 5, 2010
• Add bookmark

This is a simple question, but after days of reviewing online, I am not sure about this. Is it okay to mention your degrees and certifications after your name in business cards. Some say that it depends on the audience. Some suggested to have 2 cards. One formal card (where you work) where you do not mention the credentials and one personal card which mentions all your credentials. But if you were to have one card, would you have the degrees and certifications mentioned in your business card? Please advise. Thanks.  

Ars Scholae Palatinae

Tacky.  

ChloroFiend

Ars praefectus.

In my field (IT/INFOSEC), it's pretty commonplace and accepted to add those in. I personally wouldn't display more than 2 or 3 designations, as after that point it strikes me as an exercise in e-peen measuring. For instance, I could technically list out "ChloroFiend, MS, CISSP, MCSE:Security, CCSE, Sec+" and a few others I've likely forgotten. Instead, I only use "ChloroFiend, CISSP" as its pretty much the capstone credential in my field. I'll add on the CISM as well too when I earn that designation but don't anticipate tacking anything else on. I terms of academic degrees, I do hold an MS but don't list that anywhere. I wouldn't do that with an MBA either. PhD only if its specifically relevant to the position.  

Ars Legatus Legionis

if the qualification isn't intrinsic to your job (md, dds, etc), don't put it on.  

Bright Wire

Either use the capstone of your profession or leave it off completely. Nothing is more ridiculous than watching folks put expected credentials on cards and in email signatures like Joe Black, Computer Support Tech: A+, Network+, MCP. Watching Project Managers put down MBA and PMP is always laughable. It tells me nothing more about your ability to do the job than adding on "Can pee standing up" in my experience. Bonus points for reordering your creds to the following: Nixss PiMP mmMBAp w/ MS  

Thanks for the great advice. I did think it was kinda tacky as well.  

English_C6H^

I went back and forth on this for a long time before I figured out a simple test. Here's my test: Would you be held to a higher legal standard for having those letters behind your name? If you're not sure, think about this: If you worked free-lance, would you need malpractice or "errors and omissions" insurance? If you do, congratulations, you're held to a higher legal standard. With great power comes great responsibility (and the opportunity to put letters after your name on a little piece of a dead tree). e.g. - MD - Yes DDS/DMD - Yes CPR - No CPA - Yes CFP - No, AFAIK (Cert. Financial Planner) PE - Yes (Professional Engineer) CIH/DABT - Yes (Certified Industrial Hygienist, Diplomat of American Board of Toxicology) CSP - Probably not (Certified Safety Professional)  

But if you were to have one card, would you have the degrees and certifications mentioned in your business card? Click to expand...

Ars Tribunus Angusticlavius

I have no degree, and no certifications. And yet, I put HMFIC after my name on business cards.  

English_C6H^":484gh1r2 said: I went back and forth on this for a long time before I figured out a simple test. Here's my test: Would you be held to a higher legal standard for having those letters behind your name? If you're not sure, think about this: If you worked free-lance, would you need malpractice or "errors and omissions" insurance? If you do, congratulations, you're held to a higher legal standard. With great power comes great responsibility (and the opportunity to put letters after your name on a little piece of a dead tree). e.g. - MD - Yes DDS/DMD - Yes CPR - No CPA - Yes CFP - No, AFAIK (Cert. Financial Planner) PE - Yes (Professional Engineer) CIH/DABT - Yes (Certified Industrial Hygienist, Diplomat of American Board of Toxicology) CSP - Probably not (Certified Safety Professional) Click to expand...

Danger Mouse

• Nov 6, 2010

Heresiarch":3oa87sk9 said: My rule of thumb (when evaluating email sigs and business cards) is simple: "the more credentials they feel the need to include, the more likely it is they're a complete cock". I may unfairly a few exclude people who are simply proud of what they've achieved, but meh Click to expand...

NervousEnergy

• Nov 8, 2010

Would you be held to a higher legal standard for having those letters behind your name Click to expand...

• Nov 10, 2010

brainchasm":2jq6gzhk said: I have no degree, and no certifications. And yet, I put HMFIC after my name on business cards. Click to expand...

LordFrith":3guoauzc said: Heck, I find it tacky when people add "PhD" after their names on business cards, and that's significantly more work than any cert. Click to expand...

death_to_novell

"Heck, I find it tacky when people add "PhD" after their names on business cards, and that's significantly more work than any cert." I don't think I've ever seen that. I do occasionally see Dr. when interacting with people in industry. It's kind of good because it tells me the person I'm talking too might not be a clueless moron who can't help with my questions.  

As a Senior Network Engineer, I was keen on putting my CCIE number on my cards and email signature. Now that I am in a management role, I leave that off. I also don't put my M.S. on there either. I guess I just let my work do the talking. I keep all my certs active and list the relevant ones on my resume, but I don't just vomit all of them on to the paper.  

M. Jones":119a2lnh said: brainchasm":119a2lnh said: I have no degree, and no certifications. And yet, I put HMFIC after my name on business cards. Click to expand...

JasonF":2596tv5a said: I do occasionally see Dr. when interacting with people in industry. It's kind of good because it tells me the person I'm talking too might not be a clueless moron who can't help with my questions. Click to expand...

The Mighty Zoltan

• Nov 15, 2010

English_C6H^":1lbx43qt said: JasonF":1lbx43qt said: I do occasionally see Dr. when interacting with people in industry. It's kind of good because it tells me the person I'm talking too might not be a clueless moron who can't help with my questions. Click to expand...

• Nov 16, 2010

I used to do desktop support at a small firm that was all MD, MBA, PhDs. Yes, everyone had all of those degrees. Great people, they couldn't tie their own shoes, but great people. Click to expand...

• Nov 17, 2010

JasonF":1t504q46 said: I don't think I've ever seen that. I do occasionally see Dr. when interacting with people in industry. It's kind of good because it tells me the person I'm talking too might not be a clueless moron who can't help with my questions. Click to expand...

Ars Tribunus Militum

I guess I'm tacky, because I have PhD on my card. In an academic/research setting it does make a difference in how you get perceived. If I were out in industry, I wouldn't, but here at a gov't research institute I do. I don't go around shouting that I have the degree, but occasionally it's nice not to be thought of as some IT flunky, computer guy. I'm so low-key about it, that one of the secretaries said to me recently that she just found out I was a "doctor". We've been working in the same group for 8 or 9 years.  

Heresiarch":3km6pjhr said: My rule of thumb (when evaluating email sigs and business cards) is simple: "the more credentials they feel the need to include, the more likely it is they're a complete cock" Click to expand...

I met a guy once who listed his A+ certification on his business card. No joke.  

I think I have my name followed by CCNP and CCSP because those are the two highest and most recognized certs that I have. When I finish my CCIE, damn right I will be putting my CCIE # on my cards. I see nothing wrong with PMP or some other high level or capstone cert. As for degrees, I only think academic degrees are appropriate when they are graduate degrees. So you would not put Joe Schmo, B.S. but Joe Schmoe, P.H.D. or M.D. or J.D. is appropriate. Master's degrees are a bit iffy, especially an MBA.  

pauli":2fzgd50n said: if the qualification isn't intrinsic to your job (md, dds, etc), don't put it on. Click to expand...

FWIW I work with a number of PhDs in a commercial setting, and I think they've earned it. However I won't (seriously) call you Doctor unless you're an MD. Beyond the terminal PhD level degrees, in an appropriate professional setting I think I like the "legal standard" one is pretty good. EDIT: Agreed on the JD thing. It's reasonable to put on a business card, and you did complete post-graduate level course work. However you aren't a Doctor. JSD, sure, ok.  

clm100":o13fmhxp said: FWIW I work with a number of PhDs in a commercial setting, and I think they've earned it. However I won't (seriously) call you Doctor unless you're an MD. Beyond the terminal PhD level degrees, in an appropriate professional setting I think I like the "legal standard" one is pretty good. Click to expand...

EDIT: Agreed on the JD thing. It's reasonable to put on a business card, and you did complete post-graduate level course work. However you aren't a Doctor. JSD, sure, ok. Click to expand...

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Ph.D. or PhD on business card

• Thread starter oscarthewild
• Start date Feb 5, 2007
• Tags business business card business cards ph.d. phd
• Culture and Lifestyle

oscarthewild

Distinguished member.

• Feb 5, 2007

Hello, I have seen examples of each Ph.D. http://radio.weblogs.com/0110772/BusinessCardEng.jpg http://www.psych.ufl.edu/~white/kdw_..._card_2005.gif and also examples of PhD http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/audio...rd-Herring.gif http://research.microsoft.com/~awils...20card%202.jpg Any comments which is correct or more correct? Thanks -  

Stylish Dinosaur

Ph.D. according to Chicago Manual of Style.  

Thank you  

Opposite Santa

They are all fine. However, imhe, no academic puts "Ph.D" on their card. It's assumed that you have one, especially if "Professor" is anywhere on the card. A Ph.D. is sort of like having a ticket for the show. No one pins it to their chest. Same goes for research labs like JPL, NASA/Ames, etc... The only reason that you would put Ph.D. is if you work in the bureaucracy or in the corporate world, where not everyone has a Ph.D. The only letters I generally see on academic and researchers cards are things like fellowships in the Academy of Sciences or a similar honor.  

Senior Member

I dunno, I have to disagree with that. I've been in academia (psych) for the better part of my life and whose with doc degrees have Psy.D. or Ph.D. on their card. It is assumed that if one is called a "psychologist" then they have a doctorate as MS level practitioners default to "therapist". Perhaps this is different in other fields such as research as the above poster mentioned IMHO if you get through a doctoral program you deserve to put it on there MrR  

Originally Posted by MrRogers Click to expand...

Originally Posted by drizzt3117 Click to expand...

Originally Posted by imageWIS Click to expand...

What do the German academics put on their cards?  

Ph.D. looks better, IMO.  

matadorpoeta

not all professors have a ph.d. it is a common complaint at many colleges that undergrad classes, especially lower division ones, are being taught by professors with only a master's degree.  

Originally Posted by matadorpoeta Click to expand...

I can't wait to put Ph.D. all over everything I own. All of my shirts will be monogrammed at the cuff with PHD.  

Originally Posted by LabelKing Click to expand...

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Ph.D. Student Business Card Request

Eligibility and policies.

• You may ask for 50 cards (max) per request. A minimum of 10 cards is recommended.
• Cards will be printed by the Advising Program Coordinator, and you will receive an email when they are ready for pickup. Turnaround is typically one (1) week, although this could be longer, especially at the beginning of the school year. If you need business cards by a certain date, indicate this on the form. These requests will usually be fulfilled by the indicated date, even within the typical one week timeframe.
• The card address should be the location of your office. You may choose not to include a phone number if you prefer. There is also an option to provide a PGP key.

If you have any questions, please email grad-advising@cs .