<p>I am an electrical engineering and physics double major and going into my senior year. Last two summers I worked with a physics professor at my school on research. I enjoyed it and received a couple of scholarships and a stipend through it but not interested in it anymore. there is no practical work and all I do is type equations and papers for him. I applied for summer internships this summer and at interviews as past experience all I had was this research. I would tell it to interviewers but they are not impressed when I say there is no lab work.
Recently I got an engineering research opportunity where I go out to the field and actually do work. So I am planning to stop my physics research. he gave me and assignment to do two weeks ago(typing a paper as usual) and I didnt finish it either. Im still thinking how I should say it without hurting him or ending our relationship as enemies. I like this professor so I dont want to be in a bad state with him the rest of my college life.</p>
<p>Since he gave you the assignment before you told him about your situation, I suggest you find the time to do it. You do not want to burn your bridges with professors, as you may want a recommendation from him in the future. </p>
<p>My advice is to finish the assignment and take it to him personally. When dropping it off, ask if you can speak to him for a moment. Tell him that you have appreciated the opportunities he has given you, but you have been provided an opportunity to do field work that will bring you closer to your career goals. Professors know that their students will not be working for them forever, and who knows, maybe he thinks he’s doing you a favor because you have no other offers coming in. But if you let him know - without making it sound like you’re just sick of him or his work - there shouldn’t be a problem. He will not bully you into staying. But I do not suggest not doing the work and blowing him off. If you need more time to do the typing, then go into his office, explain as I suggested above, and just ask him for an extended deadline due to this new opportunity.</p>
<p>^I would also like to add that if you go to the professor (after turning in the assignment) and make it clear that there is a better opportunity for you, maybe he’ll offer you a position in the lab as well (or maybe he won’t). Don’t push it, though.</p>