3 weeks into PhD...thinking about changing focus. Advice?

[jmbky1]

OK so I just started in the doctoral program at school as a biochemistry student. For my first lab rotation, I'm working in an organic lab and it sort of has reminded me of how much I enjoyed organic lab as an undergrad. I feel like I'm more interested in the organic lab than I am working in a biochem lab (I hate running gels and assays and all that other boring shit.)

But here is my problem...

As far as biochem is concerned, I am interested in some of the research and I feel comfortable in my knowledge of the subject. I could probably get out with a PhD in ~5 years. However, there is a lot in biochem that I can't stand. I fucking HATE metabolism and the memorization that mirrors the biology portion of biochemistry. I love studying protein structure/function (prof here who does cool research in there area, where I'd more than likely end up), but much of the rest I can't say I have much interest in.

With organic, I love the lab part of it WAY more than biochem, but the coursework is where I sort of suck. I worry I would be a shitty organic chemist and I almost wonder if I should go with what I'd be better at and end up a great biochemist rather than a sub-par organic chemist. Organic PhD's typically run ~6 years so I'd be here a bit longer which would blow.

I dunno I don't want to rush into anything so maybe you guys could shed some light on this situation from experience.

[fuzzylogician]

This is advice is not specific to chemistry: In general, the first few weeks in a new program can be overwhelming and you need to learn how to adjust. Don't make any decisions during this time, at least not until you are settled in and better oriented. Get to know the program, the people, the routines. Specifically in your case, I think you should at least finish this lab rotation and do one in a biochem lab before you decide to switch. Also, how much work will you have to do in the areas of biochemistry you find uninteresting? I mean, usually in a PhD program you specialize in a very narrow field pretty fast. Can't you just do whatever necessary course work there is in the areas you don't care for, but then focus on those areas that are interesting to you?

[jmbky1]

This is advice is not specific to chemistry: In general, the first few weeks in a new program can be overwhelming and you need to learn how to adjust. Don't make any decisions during this time, at least not until you are settled in and better oriented. Get to know the program, the people, the routines. Specifically in your case, I think you should at least finish this lab rotation and do one in a biochem lab before you decide to switch. Also, how much work will you have to do in the areas of biochemistry you find uninteresting? I mean, usually in a PhD program you specialize in a very narrow field pretty fast. Can't you just do whatever necessary course work there is in the areas you don't care for, but then focus on those areas that are interesting to you?

Yeah this is true. I need six courses, usually completed within the first 1.5 yrs, then the rest is research in my area. I just know I want to be a professor so I might end up having to teach the shit that annoys me along with the parts I love. I guess that is to be expected though and I can figure out a way to not be as harsh on the stuff I found to be useless and dull.

I think I'll finish this rotation and the rest of my rotations before making a decision, so thanks for that bit of advice. Maybe I am just overwhelmed with everything at the moment.