Who says pep talks don’t work?
My PI gave me a pep talk about graduate school this morning, and combined with a couple other recent events, it has brought grad school as a possibility back into my future life plans. It’s irritating that I keep going back and forth on this. Sorry for the mental vomit that comes below, but it’s part of the reason why I haven’t been able to make up my mind.
Issues to consider:
- Turns out I’m not half bad at science
- I’ll most likely be on two papers within the next six months, which is good for grad school and med school; ok for industry, but having only a bachelor’s is a limiting factor there. means nothing outside of science.
- I missed working in the lab when I wasn’t doing so Senior year or college
- I don’t even hide the fact I’m a huge science dork
- Graduate student stipends are ~$21,000/yr
- Lab environment and dynamic are highly variable, and people and personalities are important. also important in an office, which just as limiting in social interaction. social aspect totally different than working in medicine
- Could go for dual-degree, but that essentially doubles the time before I actually begin my career post-education.
- I’ll most likely work 10+ hours days and many “occasional” weekends
- I’d probably work 10+ hours a day and many “occasional” weekends anywhere I work
- Graduate school is way less expensive than medical school
- I’d most likely need at least one post-doc position after graduating in order to gain experience, so +2 or more years
- Medical residencies are similar, and could take longer
- If I want to stay in science, the only way to make it a decent career is to get a PhD
- The only ways I’m going to make a decent amount of money in science are to either run a lab or go into industry.
- Running a lab involves always chasing money, but I will be my own boss, sort of.
- Working in industry is more structured, but I surrender more independence. Pay is higher for the same or less work.
- I have a bit of security in my current position, minimum one year, possibly up to two.
- Science: I get to play with expensive toys and generate images like this:
- Outside of science, and maybe in industry: I can buy my own toys.
HCMV-infected HFF
Conclusions:
- Medical school is out, unless it’s part of a dual-degree medical scientist training program and I end up with both an MD and PhD.
- If I stay in science, everything I’ve done for the last four-plus years is still working for me. Cons: I will be broke for at least four years. Risky after grad school. Can lose funding and enter career limbo. Need to start applying now.
- If I leave science, my options may be limited? Alternatives: product design consultancy (e.g. Ideo), management consulting (not familiar with the field). Cons: my experience is lacking, at least from my perspective. Can be laid off. Should start applying now.