【Struggle】 for going on to M.S or PHD? ---> look for advice:)

Graduate School
1

<p>Hey guys:</p>

<p>3 years ago, I now think I made one of the curtest decisions in my life-------- choosing the major of biological engineering, just for the better potential for going aboard for a graduate study (IM from china). And believe or not, this decision is incubated by my parents who considered for U.S's [1] better living environment (It's true, comparing to China) and [2] better payment (now IM questionable..) . </p>

<p>Then, in the past 3 years, I really put my effort in studies, carefully preparing for every exams for a decent GPA, apply for Lab works with graduate students for a relatively rich academic experience, take position in union for leadership record on CV… all prepared for the international application to graduate programs in United States. </p>

<p>While, the problem comes---- unsatisfied job prospective and payment for graduate students majored in science unless one really love the work and know well about what challenging should face with. Admittedly, I gradually find my interests in molecular or (genetics) filed during the working on a project aimed at algae oil. While I am not a person who is willing to give up their free time for personal hobby, IM a lover for photography as well as electronic devices; Again IM not a person who'd like to have a cold family life and be a crappy fathers in the future which all these sacrificed for a uncertain experiment; Or say, I not the person who can bare the low paying for the following 15yrs, 20years, which should be the golden age for the careers to others who with a CS B.S work for a computer company. ….</p>

<p>Even if lucky enough to be a mentor, I still cannot tolerate the life of busy applying for grants all years around and keeping worries about the funds and publications… IM a person prefer certainty for life and decent income at least for both family life and individual hobbies…</p>

<p>I heard a M.S may have a relatively better job future, because Ph.D.'s specialty is over enough for jobs, and is it true in the U.S? IM clear that a master degree will have less financial assistance, but if it does have better opportunities for jobs with decent pay and without too much uncertainty, I'd rather choose to fund by my family for a M.S.</p>

<p>BTW, could anyone introduce some of representative job directions for biology graduates? and what about the job positions in kit companies (e.g. Promega, Invitrogen… )?</p>

<p>Thanks advance for any feedbacks!</p>

2

<p>waiting ::>_<::</p>

3

<p>I don’t think there are many certainties in live or career spams in this era. Just do your research on job prospects. The U.S. Dept of Labor is a good source for the U.S. scene. </p>

<p>You will get comments from others when they have something to say. It’s a relatively new forum category here CC used to be just for undergrad. While it’s coming along nicely, and there are some very informed people in their own field, not a huge number of people post here to expect too many fast answers.</p>

4

<p>Thank you BrownParent. :D</p>

<p>I do know whatever lives or careers will be uncertain in some extent. But before all of these, I’d make certain what to choose and pursue. </p>

<p>I’m not complaining, but only wanna figure out which way will suite me better, considering my condition and characteristics.</p>