<p>I'll be making the transition from being a full time employee of 4 years to full time graduate student in the coming weeks. On top of that, I've decided to switch fields from civil engineering to biomedical/biomechanical engineering for my graduate degree. I'll be getting my degree through the mechanical engineering department and focusing my course work and research in biomechanics. Does anyone have any recommendations on hot topics in this new field, or for easing the transition from industry to academia? Are there any suggestions for getting a research assistant position with no research experience?</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>No, but I am interested in hearing people’s experiences as well. </p>
<p>I’ve worked in biotech industry with a bachelors and am considering leaving to get my biology PhD (though I want to return to industry after)!</p>
<p>I left industry because, franklly, I hated my job and my boss was a complete idiot. Beware, just because you went to an ivy league university, doesn’t mean you are intelligent or know how to solve problems. I knew I didn’t want to do the work just given to me, and I wanted to make a bigger impact in the world. Also, the research performed in the R&D functions at my former company were not exactly cutting edge or challenging. </p>
<p>I often think about the transition to academia from industry, and I rationalize it like this. I am giving up money (60K), for the pursuit of a greater understanding of the field that I love. After getting my PhD, I will have substantually more doors open to me that I did with a BS. Also, I used to work 10+ hour days for my company; including, nights and weekends. I also did alot of international travel. If I could give all of that effort to make money for a corporation that doesn’t care about me, I could put in that same amount of effort to better myself. In grad school, the only loyality I have is to myself, my family, and my future. Not the stock holders, or the CEO, or to my boss.</p>