Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
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Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
1–10 of 167 posts
Re: Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
#2Would like to know
* how true this is, today?
* Since I already have an alternative career path (computer science, programmer) can I now pursue my passion of science by going to grad school (physics)?
Re: Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
#3Would like to know * how true this is, today? * Since I already have an alternative career path (computer science, programmer) can I now pursue my passion of science by going to grad school (physics)?
I am finishing up a phd in bioinformatics. This is accurate.
Re: Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
#4Would like to know * how true this is, today? * Since I already have an alternative career path (computer science, programmer) can I now pursue my passion of science by going to grad school (physics)?
I am finishing up a phd in bioinformatics. This is accurate.
I just finished a PhD in Biochemistry. It's accurate (I got a job as a programmer)
Re: Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
#5" I have known more people whose lives have been ruined by getting a Ph.D. in physics than by drugs."
and
"The result is that the best young people, who should go into science, sensibly refuse to do so, and the graduate schools are filled with weak American students and with foreigners lured by the American student visa."
Well, I'm sure glad I don't work with this professor. Yeesh! Talk about confirmation bias.
Re: Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
#6I wonder if/when this will happen to programmers. I keep thinking that the job market for programmers will be radically different in ten years, what with the enormous amount of people "learning to code" these days. He did however suggest people to become programmers in 1999, and if you followed his advice then, you would probably still be quite happy with that decision today.
Re: Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
#7I read this article 2 years ago and translated it to chinese http://article.yeeyan.org/view/160173/332716.
After I got a MS degree in Entomology, I found a job as a Software Developer.
"the graduate schools are filled with weak American students and with foreigners lured by the American student visa."
not sure about the first part, but the second part is true. a lot of foreigners know this is no way out after you get Phd, but no other choices.
My advice to students who are doing a Phd in Biology or Chemistry is to learn coding by yourself and then you can find a job to live a better life.
Re: Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
#8"Leave graduate school to people from India and China, for whom the prospects at home are even worse."
Even worse in terms of what?
Re: Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
#9"Leave graduate school to people from India and China, for whom the prospects at home are even worse." Even worse in terms of what?
I believe worse in terms of quality of research, education while having a good stipend. I understand there might be exceptions on either side.
Re: Don't Become a Scientist (1999)
#10"Leave graduate school to people from India and China, for whom the prospects at home are even worse." Even worse in terms of what?
find a job.