SOP question

[michaelsch92]

Hey everyone!

 

I am new to this forum. This is a great resource! I had a couple questions: For my SOP, I mention that I didn't develop an early interest for research but that my interest was spurred only last summer during a research program. Is this a risky statement?

Finally, even if you do not want to become a professor after attaining a PhD, does it help mentioning this in the SOP? Most of my friends did, even if they did not have this goal in mind.

 

Thanks!

 

PS: I'd love to swap SOP's for anyone interested

[TakeMyCoffeeBlack]

I think you're fine mentioning what really inspired your research interests, but I wouldn't frame it in a "I didn't want to but then" way. It makes it sound like you could change your mind a year into the program. Something as simple as "I really became passionate about pursuing research during a summer research program, where I..."

 

As for your goals - it depends what they are. No matter what, though, you'll want to emphasize research and how research is valuable to your career goals (whether as a professor or corporate employee, or whatever). I wouldn't say "I don't want to be a professor," though.