Quantum Buckyball

Do TFA to gain some real experience, you could always work on your MA afterward. This will give you an idea if teaching is for you or not before you invest too much time or money in it.

Yes, I know plenty of graduate students in my program are still supported by their parents, even when they are in their 30s (ex. phone bill, car insurance, rent, etc.) I have noticed that most generous people I have met in graduate school were all from low- or middle- class background. One of my former coworkers was an international student from a third world country, but he often fail to mention that everyone in his family are medical doctor and that they just bought a beach front house in US in full cash, in order to gain legal resident status. Oh, and he wasn't even willing to contribute $20 for a farewell gift for a postdoc who helped our lab research a lot for 3 years. Another kid (also a former coworker) was also bragging about he doesn't have to pay any rent because he owns a house that his parents gave it to him (he doesn't pay for property taxes) and he has a fund ready for him to use once he turns 30.

nursing

Yes, the ability to do research is definitely more important. Applied science has an expiration date, kinda like nano-related topics, it was a hot topic 5 years ago but not anymore. My buddy's research is in nano (fundamental) rather than applied research and it was very hard for him to land interviews despite of his 8 first authored papers in ACS journals. Timing is everything As for right now, some of the hot topics including MOFs (Inorganic), CRISPRS (Biochemistry), and Machine Learning (Data Science) Your problem-solving skills, creativity and soft skills are really important if you decide to go into industry. Most people know the number of pubs are influenced by the size of the research group you are in. If you decide to do a postdoc, limit to 1 postdoc only. My PI did two for a total of 6 years and it was too "long" for private sectors, a couple companies he interviewed thought he was too far in, and thought he would be too difficult to be re-trained. --------------------- I know that we have been told that as long as you do good science and being productive in graduate school you will be alright after graduation. I recommend you to take a look at couple profiles on LinkenIn to get a reality check.

I totally agreed with you, I have been having doubts recently as I know I have anxiety problems and I don't know if taking on a job that is fast-paced and high-stressed is a good idea, especially in the field of biopharmaceutical where its profit-driven and highly volatile. On top of that, I really don't like snow and cramped area, I have only been to NYC twice before and really hated both times. I'm seriously considering to just become a high school science teacher in the rural area and live a simple life.

I really hate snow, especially after talking to someone from Boston it made me really not want to take on the job offer from option 3. ...I don't want to have to deal with...45 min/one way for 3 mile commute everyday...

we can do tutoring but that is about it, and we cannot teach at a community college as an adjunct...it's pretty bad, I know someone got removed from the program because she decided to take on a part time job and work on weekends.. because you cannot support a family with a graduate student stipend, unless you take out loans.

Our program does not allow graduate students to have any additional side/part time jobs or you would get terminated from the program, they pretty much expect you to work for them 60 hrs/week on a 20 hrs/week salary, sketchy much?

saw a registered nurse working on his PhD degree in Petroleum Engineering ...you don't see that everyday hah

My program is trying to reinforce this as well, for those entered the program without a Masters has a maximum of 5 years to complete their degree, they will let you get a PhD if you have pubs, if you have no pubs they will make you leave the program with a Masters. I think they are trying to align with European system...

I found a couple places that are either near the board to Mexico, or in the middle of a desert. My PI was telling me that you don't really know what you like to do until you go through 2 or 3 different kinds of job. As for right now, I'd rather take on a lower paying job in a decent area than a high paying job in the middle of no where, especially when the company only let you work M-F 9-5 , like what in the world are you gonna do with your free time? Netflix binging?

hypothetical and real, the real one is option (3) I saw that there are a good number of job opportunities at weird places, found a couple that wants you to move to Middle East..and I was like, umm.....no. Yes I have a clear picture regarding the job duties and expectations for option (3), but regarding to coworkers and supervisors, the company has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Glassdoor so I guess that's good ? My dad was saying that your first job ain't gonna be your last job, you cannot be too picky nowadays especially when you have zero industry, it's not the same picking a research group for PhD.

I just wanted to be able to buy a house with a basement and a backyard in a somewhat safe area. I can see myself enjoying (1) job because it's meaningful and you actually get to interact with people. The option (3) is also good but I've been to big cities like NYC before and really hated it, it was too fast-paced. As for option (2), I probably won't do it because everyday could be my last day there, it's THAT dangerous

What do you value the most in a job? job security? location? salary? hours/schedule? work environment? challenging projects? Would you take on a job that pays (1) 45K/yr with somewhat security in the middle of no where (non contract) (2) 110K/yr at a dangerous place and in the middle of no where, no Walmart. (non contract) (3) 80K/yr in a big city with an average employee turnover rate of 5 years (non contract)

Stealing seats at a seminar when someone left to go use the restroom....

I believe the real world experience is being valued more than college diplomas, even for a PhD, unless the projects you worked on are applied science and relevant to the industry, with a PhD degree, you are being hired for your innovation, creativity, problem-solving, and management skill sets.