So here's an interesting story. I hold a BA (major in cognitive science) from a relatively unknown college. I can tell you that my gpa is above average, I completed two senior thesis in two majors, and I held three leadership roles for multiple years while also working part time, and also holding a position as a research assistant. I worked so hard for four years that I had to skip eating meals and stay up all night just to manage all of the work that these opportunities came with. That's okay though, I excelled, and I couldn't be more proud of my accomplishments and determination as an undergrad!
As I previously mentioned, I started in research when a PI on campus wanted to develop a new laboratory studying cognition. After 2 years as a research assistant, we had preliminary findings and were presenting at conferences. It has since closed, with the PI leaving. I did a lot of work in the lab, from writing protocols to training new assistants, data analysis, and so forth. I was hoping that this experience would be enough to land me a position as an RA after graduation.
I was completely incorrect.
Since graduating, I've applied to countless jobs, with under a handful of interviews. I had a great opportunity before the start of the new year to intern with a great group of clinical researchers at a very famous institution, and I have been there since. I've learned how to conduct research in the eyes of a coordinator, and I am excited about all of the knowledge that I have gained!
I'm still struggling to land interviews, but I understand that it is not an easy process. I understand that I lack the connections that students that attended large research universities have, and I have to wait until I receive an opportunity. I think that there's a greater problem. I think that I am my own roadblock. The process of applying to countless jobs has taken such a toll on me over the last year that I'm actually afraid when someone is interested in me for a position! Even though I've conducted research, and I have been trained by the best research staff that you can imagine, I still feel like I am underqualified, simply because I have observed more than I have performed. As an intern, there are things that I am not capable of doing for liability reasons. I have learned how to do so, but knowing and doing are different. I was also a research assistant in a small school environment. Every time I read a job advertisement, I become afraid. My first thoughts are "Can I even handle these responsibilities? What if I can't do (insert any responsibility)? Is this too difficult for me?" I'll admit that I have neglected to apply to some positions because of these thoughts. It's not only impacting my ability to job search, but it also makes me feel like I have wasted my time and the effort of some amazing people that have tried to build my skill set to help me develop a career in research. How am I supposed to know that I can handle it? I'm afraid that I will accept a position and then require too much guidance or that I will not be as prepared as I come across.
I don't really know what I am expecting as a response to this, but I can tell you that it feels strangely satisfying to have written this. I might even end up deleting this in a few minutes.