Is Pursuing Two PhDs Worth It? My Journey and Key Takeaways
Introduction
I hold two doctorates: one from Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) and another from the European University Institute (EUI). Whenever people find this out, I get a wide range of reactions—most genuinely assume I’ve been collecting PhDs as if I had nothing better to do!
The reality, however, is that I didn’t set out with a grand plan to earn two PhDs. It happened organically, driven by my passion for law and my career aspirations. In this post, I’ll share why I pursued two doctorates, the value I derived from each, and how this journey shaped my academic career.
This isn’t an invitation to follow in my footsteps—pursuing a second PhD is a deeply personal decision. But if you’re considering it or doubting the value of an additional degree, I hope my story can provide clarity and support.
How It All Began
After earning my first law degree, I immediately pursued a PhD at Lomonosov Moscow State University as a way to realize my passion for law. Later, while doing my master’s at Harvard, I explored two potential career paths:
- Staying in academia, or
- Working for an international organization.
I accepted an offer from the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and while I enjoyed the experience, I realized I craved the academic freedom and flexibility to choose my projects. That’s when I decided to commit fully to academia and, in particular, to pursue it in Europe.
However, to establish a full-time academic career in Europe, I needed a European doctorate. This led me to pursue my second PhD at the European University Institute (EUI).
What My First PhD Taught Me: It’s About Who, Not What
My first PhD focused on the place of performance as a criterion for determining applicable law and international jurisdiction. I loved the topic and even published a book based on my thesis (available in Russian here).
However, despite earning my doctorate from MSU, the top law faculty in Russia, I struggled with an inferiority complex as someone from a non-Western academic background. People frequently questioned the benefits of pursuing a PhD in a non-first-world country, and I internalized many of those doubts.
On top of that, there were additional challenges:
- The PhD was unpaid, and I had to work full-time to support myself.
- Conducting research in comparative or international law required access to foreign legal materials, which MSU didn’t provide. I had to rely on foreign libraries and scholarships to fill the gap.
- A PhD from MSU primarily paved the way for a national academic career, which wasn’t my primary goal.
Yet, despite these challenges, I wouldn’t trade my first doctorate for anything. The true value wasn’t in the title or the thesis—it was in the people, especially my PhD supervisor.
The Transformative Power of a Mentor
My PhD supervisor played a pivotal role in shaping my academic career and remains one of the most influential people in my life. His support went far beyond the typical mentor-mentee relationship. For years, he’s been a source of vital resource for me.
During my PhD, I applied for numerous international programs—summer academies, research stays, and study abroad semesters. My supervisor endorsed every single one and gave me multiple recommendation letters (a rarity in academia, where 'recommender fatigue' is a real concern).
Later, he supported my applications for my master’s degree at Harvard, my second PhD, and even postdoctoral positions. He involved me in his work as an arbitrator and as an expert on Russian law for foreign courts and tribunals. He also invited me to co-author projects, one of which I took over and it became my second book, Private International Law in Russia (published in June 2024).
Perhaps most importantly, he found a sponsor who contributed significantly to my crowdfunding campaign for Harvard. Without his help, I’m not sure I could have funded my degree.
He’s supported my work in a myriad of ways that I could not have imagined when I started working with him on my first doctoral thesis.
If there's a lesson to be had, it's that success often comes down to the people you surround yourself with. The 'what' matters less than the 'who.'
I’m not sure if there’s a definitive lesson here. Meeting people who profoundly impact your life often comes down to luck and serendipity—it’s not something you can plan. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s this: who you work with matters far more than what you work on. The right people will take you farther than any project or title ever could.
A Hidden Benefit: Eligibility for Postdocs
One unexpected advantage of having two doctorates was how it affected my eligibility for postdoctoral positions.
As a non-EEA national, my visas in the EU were tied to my student status. Once I defended my PhD at EUI, I would lose that status—and, with it, my visa. This created a precarious situation:
- Many postdocs require applicants to already hold a PhD title.
- Applications are submitted a year in advance, meaning I’d have to finish my PhD at the EUI, leave the EU, and wait for decisions while without a visa or income.
This system inadvertently disadvantages those who are socio-economically vulnerable. However, my first PhD from MSU gave me eligibility for more postdoctoral positions than I would have had when finishing my second doctorate.
For instance:
- My first doctorate helped me secure a postdoc at Humboldt University of Berlin, which provided financial support and a visa as I transitioned from PhD life to an academic career.
- It also enabled me to get a postdoc at the University of Lausanne on the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, allowing me to complete my academic projects, convert my thesis into a book, and plan my next steps.
***
Final Thoughts
Earning two PhDs was a unique journey filled with challenges, opportunities, and invaluable life lessons. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the people you work with often have a greater impact on your career than the titles you earn.
While pursuing a second PhD isn’t for everyone, I hope this behind-the-scenes look at my experience helps you make more informed decisions about your academic path. ☺️