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Hi all, I am extremely confused about what to do to get the career that I want. Currently I work as a research tech in a high profile lab at a great institution. In my time here I have been responsible for all protein purification and QC, worked on multiple projects, been published as 3rd author on an important paper with up to 2 more in the pipeline, and I have headed a project that could result in a patent. I would ultimately like get a PhD and work in industry. I was originally planning on applying to masters programs, but I have always been hesitant due to the high cost. My boss loves me and believes I can aim higher and that with my work experience I could easily get a masters level job and that I should apply to PhD programs. He knows I have a low GPA but I'm not sure if he knows how low. At the same time I've also told others about my situtation (completely) and they have told me to apply and sometimes if you don't get into the PhD program you are offered a spot in the masters program. Like I said I want to avoid that degree if possible so my current plan is to get a job while applying to PhD programs that have similar masters programs. Anyone have any advice on whether or not this is a good route? Edit: I have a lot of technical skills and a strong research background and I want to use that for a career in biomedical sciences/biotech/biotherapeutics

Currently in my second year as a research tech in a prestigious lab in my field. I have acquired broad technical skills from undergrad and my current position. I am responsible for many technical responsibilities (protein production, purification, and QC) as well as working on several projects as well as my own drug related project. I am already on one paper, with another one being drawn up and two more in the pipeline. I should be able to receive 2 excellent letters of recommendation and I have pretty good GRE percentiles (85, 83, and 80 for V, Q, an AR), my only caveat would be my GPA. It is a 2.8 and my only explanation would be that I was an irresponsible college student and I probably shouldn't have been a chemistry major. I want to know if anyone has any been in a similar situation and what was the outcome? Additionally if anyone has any advice during the application process (I am aiming for thesis based Master's programs), that would great. Finally is anyone working in the biomedical/biotech field with a similar degree? Were you hired for an M.S. required position or B.S. required position and what is your chance for growth within your company? Sorry for the bombardment of questions, not very many people around me who understand master's programs and degrees. General Questions I wanted to ask this forum before I ask the main one: Does anyone have any insight into when would be a good time to have applications in for spring? The deadlines are November-December so I'm shooting for mid to late August. Is that too late? I've heard mixed opinions about contacting PIs before applying, any insight? I'm hesitant because I'm applying for masters programs and if I get in I probably won't be allowed to be thesis track (even though that’s what I want).

I have to decided to apply for a Master's next cycle that way I can gain even more job skills and get my name on some papers. I am up in the air about getting a PhD, so I think a Masters is a great way to get my feet wet. If I decide not to pursue additional degrees than I could always work in the field. My science GPA is about the same mainly from the upper level Chem courses that brought me down and ate up my time. kez8718 it would be great to know how your applications go as well as how your Masters applications went. I know how to explain my past mistakes, but I am nervous about not even getting that chance. Let me know! I believe my tech experience could also help me get a job if things don't work out on the graduate school front. I plan on taking 1-2 upper level undergrad courses to show I am qualified. Thank you guys for you're advice and let me know if you have anymore!

I am currently struggling with what I am going to do after finishing working as a tech. I really enjoy working in a lab setting and I want to continue that in some facet. Graduate school has always been an option for me, but with my 2.8 undergraduate GPA, I'm not even an option for any PhD programs, and I could maybe get into a Master's program (although, because of the cost, I would rather avoid this unless it were a necessity for further career development). I have an excellent technical background and that stems from my lab courses, undergraduate research (although it was mostly dry lab work and no papers or awards came out of it) and the lab tech position that I hold now. My current PI is very successful and has a large presence in his field, but is of the belief that med school and PhD programs are the only two options after working as a lab tech. I have been working in this lab for almost a year and will probably get on a paper, but I feel like I could do more. My PI agrees and wants me to stay another year, but I am not sure how beneficial it will be to me, if I will never be a competitive grad school candidate. I am additionally under a lot of external pressure to be somewhere else by next Fall (i.e. S.O. who lives in another state, and parents who I currently live with). I am also afraid of not being academically ready for graduate school. I am definitely more mature and focused than I was as an undergrad, and I am considering taking a few courses (undergrad or graduate) to try and prove that. If anyone has any advice about post tech year decisions or stories of their own please share. Thanks guys and sorry for the rambling post.

I am currently struggling with what I am going to do after finishing working as a tech. I really enjoy working in a lab setting and I want to continue that in some facet. Graduate school has always been an option for me, but with my 2.8 undergraduate GPA, I'm not even an option for any PhD programs, and I could maybe get into a Master's program (although, because of the cost, I would rather avoid this unless it were a necessity for further career development). I have an excellent technical background and that stems from my lab courses, undergraduate research (although it was mostly dry lab work and no papers or awards came out of it) and the lab tech position that I hold now. My current PI is very successful and has a large presence in his field, but is of the belief that med school and PhD programs are the only two options after working as a lab tech. I have been working in this lab for almost a year and will probably get on a paper, but I feel like I could do more. My PI agrees and wants me to stay another year, but I am not sure how beneficial it will be to me, if I will never be a competitive grad school candidate. I am additionally under a lot of external pressure to be somewhere else by next Fall (i.e. S.O. who lives in another state, and parents who I currently live with). I am also afraid of not being academically ready for graduate school. I am definitely more mature and focused than I was as an undergrad, and I am considering taking a few courses (undergrad or graduate) to try and prove that. If anyone has any advice about post tech year decisions or stories of their own please share. Thanks guys and sorry for the rambling post.