ASEE SMART fellowship

Paying for College
1

<p>Hi everyone.
I'm in a bit of a funk and would really appreciate some advice.</p>

<p>I've just accepted the ASEE SMART fellowship and the work commitment is one year of service at a DoD agency (I have 'some' say in where I will be placed) per year of funding I receive.</p>

<p>However, in hindsight, I'm a little scared that I may totally and utterly hate the job (I have about another 4 years to go for my PhD) when I finish.</p>

<p>Can anyone shed some light on the work culture at a DoD lab/agency? I'd really appreciate it. Does anyone even know if the starting pay is half decent?</p>

<p>Thanks so much -
Bruce</p>

2

<p>?? You accepted. You have a commitment. By declining, you denied someone else to be accepted and fulfill the fellowship. A Man of his word? </p>

<p>Pardon me, but it appears and sounds like there is something else that is bothering you?</p>

3

<p><a href="https://www.asee.org/smart/%5B/url%5D"&gt;https://www.asee.org/smart/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>I'd say you are one lucky undergrad/grad student. I would also say that you perhaps didn't get the Fellowship since the award parameters are listed online, among other tells.</p>

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<p>"However, in hindsight, I'm a little scared that I may totally and utterly hate the job (I have about another 4 years to go for my PhD) when I finish."</p>

<p>Your references went to bat for you. ASEE & DoD, must think you hotstuff else your references would not have recommended you. Further, your commitment to this program will reflect upon you getting accepted to a phD program or passing your phD orals.</p>

5

<p>Why do you say 'you perhaps didn't get the Fellowship...'?</p>

<p>I'm a 2nd year PhD now and have already passed quals. I am very aware of how fortunate I am to be selected for this award. It really is a great honor.</p>

<p>I'm just worried that I may realize a career in research is NOT for me when I finish. What then? I'm sure the DoD does many things, but I wouldn't want to do something half-heartedly after graduation...</p>

6

<p>My crazy eight ball says, "what do you want?"</p>