"practical" SCIENCE JOBS??----

<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>No, I don't think you're a horrible candidate for graduate school, and there's nothing wrong with applied science. </p>

<p>There are a number of hands-on science programs out there. Why don't you try one to see how well you like it?</p>

<p>US</a> NSF - REU - Biology
US</a> NSF - REU - Ocean Science
US</a> NSF - REU - List of REU Sites</p>

<p>As for careers, I think conservation biology would fit you rather well.
Society</a> for Conservation Biology (SCB)</p>