<p>ok, the title isnt getting across exactly what i want to say, but - </p>
<p>I think the more I go along in school, the more I'm feeling like research is not for me. At the moment, I'm actually dreading eventually having to do research for the sake of experience and for the sake of applying to grad school - its really confusing to the point of questioning myself whether science is really for me. I keep thinking it would be great if I could find some way to apply my science interests to something more "practical?", hands on, and fulfilling (for me) than research. I want to try using it to actually see my work helping people, or making a difference that I can SEE. </p>
<p>basically, I've noticed that I get really excited when I hear about these kinds of work:
rehabilitating animals and releasing them into the wild
environmental consulting
building trails, planting trees, etc
forensic science
hazmat diving (yes, i think it sounds pretty interesting, and i would not mind trying it out to see if i like it)</p>
<p>so basically I have two main questions - am I a horrible candidate for graduate school? AND, does anyone know any other fields they can name that have the kind of traits that I've mentioned? Any input is appreciated, thanks in advance!</p>
<p>look at some careers such as environmental science... there are career opportunities. Engineering is generally more practical that 'research' science</p>
<p>Engineering has people doing research, but engineering JOBS are as practical as it gets. There is lots of interest in going green now- how about environmental engineering?</p>
<p>Do NOT go into a PhD research type graduate program! The professors at my school made it seem like the only way to do anything worthwhile with a science degree was to go on to get a PhD. I thought that I had to go to grad school in order to get any decent science job in the future. I wasn't sure if I liked research that much, but I loved science, so I went to grad school and HATED every second of it. I recently dropped out and am looking for a job. I really really wish I had majored in engineering instead, or statistics.</p>