travelchic

Its nice to see people interested in ecology! I'm currently applying to PhD programs for fall 2011, and have overall interests in community ecology, but more specifically in the effects of human input on rocky shore and coral reef communities (overfishing, increased nutrient load and climate change). While I have research experience, it was through my undergrad program and the research I did after that was volunteer-based, so not very credible...I feel like I need a little more experience, but don't want to do a masters and then not finish my PhD til my mid-30s. And most programs either a) don't readily accept masters students or they are more professional master's degrees (that you have to pay big bucks for!), which I don't want. The other option is working, but after trying for 9 months to get a job, it has proven unsuccessful (even in organizations where I have connections). I know I want to get my PhD, but am I alone in feeling that I am not quite ready for it??