When a graduate student is pursuing a PhD in a science field (I am not sure if this is universal among other fields), the student’s advisor has traditionally expected the student to pursue an academic career. Why? I am not exactly sure, but perhaps, faculty members view the curiosity and pursuit of scientific knowledge (exemplified in an academic environment) would be superior to any other career choice. Maybe it is a completely different reason.
Nowadays, however, I feel that faculty members are more open to the idea that their students would pursue other career choices. What has led to that shift? I don’t know, but I can speculate… perhaps, it is the lack of funding to academic labs, or maybe it is the result of a progressive mindset that has been spreading in the academic hallways… there is more to life than academia.
For a long time now I have known that my future would not entail lab research. I love research, I think it is fascinating… but I do not particularly enjoy the context at which research is conducted. I have known for some time now that my plan is to generate income through web-based businesses and dedicate my time to develop a personally funded non-profit organization that will address some of the problems that turn me off to academic research.
Even though faculty members, as I mentioned, are more open-minded… I am still cautious about openly sharing my future dreams and goals.
If you are a graduate student in a science field and desire to pursue alternative careers in science, please get in touch with me, and let’s bounce some ideas off of each other.
You can learn more about my vision through my digital resume.
Leave a Reply