How do I know if I want to go into research?

  • Thread starter Shackleford
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Research
In summary, the best way to determine if research is the right career path for you is to gain experience through internships or research assistant positions. You can also seek out opportunities with professors who have open positions in their labs. This will not only help you decide if research is for you, but also strengthen your graduate school application if you choose to pursue a PhD. Alternatively, you can also explore engineering jobs as a career option.
  • #1
Shackleford
1,656
2
I'm working on a Physics BS. I'm still figuring out what career I want to make with this path. I'm certainly not averse to shooting for a doctorate in the future. How do I decide if research is the way for me? Naturally, I like science fiction (Stargate) stuff. Haha. I don't know if that is a good indicator. If I do decide I want to go this route, how should I prepare? The alternative, I suppose, is just to shoot for an engineering job/career. Thanks for any help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
One good way is to become a lab rat...I mean a student research assistant. If you enjoy spending long hours doing long calculations, trying to figure why out your stupid little machine won't work, and various of other things that tend to go along with research, go for it.

I suggest you try to get an internship during the summer and do some research during the school year. Whichever you find more enjoyable is probably your route.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Yes, the best way to see if research is for you is to get some experience in it. Try to get an internship, REU, or ask a professor if they have something for you to do. It can't hurt, and if you do decide to go to grad school, it'll look good on your application if you had research experience.
 
  • #4
Go look for a professor with open positions in their lab. That's probably the best and free way in see if you want to continue on to be a PhD.
 
  • #5
Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll see what I can dig up.
 

FAQ: How do I know if I want to go into research?

How do I know if a career in research is right for me?

It's important to assess your interests, skills, and goals to determine if a career in research is a good fit. Do you have a passion for asking questions, solving problems, and discovering new information? Are you comfortable with uncertainty and failure? Do you have strong critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills? If so, research may be a fulfilling career path for you.

What qualifications do I need to pursue a career in research?

To work as a researcher, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biology, chemistry, or psychology. Many research positions also require a graduate degree, such as a master's or PhD. Additionally, research experience, strong academic performance, and excellent communication skills are highly valued by employers in the field.

What are the benefits of a career in research?

A career in research offers a variety of benefits, including the opportunity to contribute to new knowledge and advancements in your field, the ability to work on challenging and intellectually stimulating projects, and the potential for career growth and advancement. Additionally, research careers often allow for flexibility in terms of work schedule and location.

Are there any drawbacks to pursuing a career in research?

Like any career, there are potential drawbacks to working in research. Research can be a highly competitive and demanding field, with long hours and tight deadlines. The funding for research projects can also be uncertain, leading to job instability. Additionally, research positions may require a significant amount of education and experience, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

How can I gain experience in research before committing to it as a career?

There are many ways to gain experience in research before making it a career. You can seek out opportunities for research internships or volunteer positions in your field of interest. You can also participate in research projects through your university or join a research group at a local organization. Additionally, attending conferences and networking with researchers in your field can provide valuable insight and connections for future research opportunities.

Similar threads

Schools Which University should I go to for my undergrad in physics?
3
Replies
82
Views
5K
Programs Take a 5th year to do more research?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Other Finding a research topic in the Aerospace field
Replies
11
Views
1K
Admissions How Can I Overcome Limited Research Experience for Grad School in Physics?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Programs Should I do a math or an astronomy double major for general relativity?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Is Spending an Extra Semester in Undergraduate Research Worth It?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Programs Fusion Energy Research Pathway
Replies
7
Views
2K
How deep does thermodynamics go? And how much would a chemist know?
Replies
6
Views
1K
Can I manage to do both: Computer Science and Research in Physics?
Replies
2
Views
2K
I'm sick of research and I haven't even started my career yet lol
Replies
17
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top