Great to see you're back. And with such great news... It's so funny, because in my faculty it is not as easy to get a PhD. They simply don't have the funds or the research. In the exact sciences it seems more evident to be offered a PhD.
As to advice, I can only tell you this: the PhD you choose will determine what you will do the rest of your life. So choose something you're comfortable with, something you can see yourself do for the rest of your working carreer. Something that will still be interesting over 20 years.
You're right - there are lots of PhD students at our faculty. Yesterday we had an info session and twelve of us showed up - of a grand total of 69 students. So there's a lot of competition too - but they reassured us that most people who want to do a PhD get the opportunity.
Apparently, you can work just about everywhere you like afterwards, not necessarily in the field you took a PhD in (at least, that's what all the professors keep saying). But still, I don't believe you can get into biotech if your PhD was organic chemistry - they're really two worlds apart. And everything is so very interesting!
Just keep me posted... You're right, you can get every kind of job if you want to... But people WILL take into account what you already know. It all comes down to time and money. If they have the time to give you a little leeway to get into a new branch, they will hire you. Yet if they need someone who can start that branch right away, they'll hire someone else.
It will be easier to find a job with a PhD anyway...
Congratulations on having such nice options to choose from!
Hmm.. I'll postpone giving long-winded advice until you find out more of what the biotech lab does. There's molecular biology-heavy biotech, cell biology-heavy biotech, chemistry heavy-biotech (which usually has to do with downstream pharma applications) so it could be anywhere from "that's it!" to "er- what?"
My wisest (ha!) comment about your first two options is that you can always do your postdoc abroad, so if you don't end up overseas for your PhD, it's certainly not your last opportunity to travel.
Best of luck and warm wishes from biotech land, California (San Diego)!
I thought about doing a postdoc abroad - I feel a bit too young to leave home for three whole years and start over at the other side of the world. Maybe in a few years...
It looks like you've got quite a lot to say on the biotech- subject; expect some questions once I know more about it!
Hey, as you can see, the good things are not only happening to me... Wow, I'm very impressioned... I can't imagine you being so far away. But this should NOT influence your choice! Anyway, if you would like to discuss about it: wave! I'm calling for free on fixed phones... Everyday I run to the door expecting your letter, but it hasn't arrived yet... Hope to hear/see you soon!
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It's so funny, because in my faculty it is not as easy to get a PhD. They simply don't have the funds or the research. In the exact sciences it seems more evident to be offered a PhD.
As to advice, I can only tell you this: the PhD you choose will determine what you will do the rest of your life. So choose something you're comfortable with, something you can see yourself do for the rest of your working carreer. Something that will still be interesting over 20 years.
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Apparently, you can work just about everywhere you like afterwards, not necessarily in the field you took a PhD in (at least, that's what all the professors keep saying). But still, I don't believe you can get into biotech if your PhD was organic chemistry - they're really two worlds apart. And everything is so very interesting!
Thank you so much for the support!
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It will be easier to find a job with a PhD anyway...
Reply
Hmm.. I'll postpone giving long-winded advice until you find out more of what the biotech lab does. There's molecular biology-heavy biotech, cell biology-heavy biotech, chemistry heavy-biotech (which usually has to do with downstream pharma applications) so it could be anywhere from "that's it!" to "er- what?"
My wisest (ha!) comment about your first two options is that you can always do your postdoc abroad, so if you don't end up overseas for your PhD, it's certainly not your last opportunity to travel.
Best of luck and warm wishes from biotech land, California (San Diego)!
Libby
Reply
It looks like you've got quite a lot to say on the biotech- subject; expect some questions once I know more about it!
And thanks for the well-wishes!
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Just out of curiosity- where in America?
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I'm terribly excited about all the options...
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as you can see, the good things are not only happening to me... Wow, I'm very impressioned... I can't imagine you being so far away. But this should NOT influence your choice!
Anyway, if you would like to discuss about it: wave! I'm calling for free on fixed phones... Everyday I run to the door expecting your letter, but it hasn't arrived yet...
Hope to hear/see you soon!
The warrior one
Reply
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