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Strong/Weak Reasons to Do a PhD in Computer Science

raymondcheng.net

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Re: Strong/Weak Reasons to Do a PhD in Computer Science

#11

Post by Will_Do »

the_only_law wrote: post #8

> if I wanted to do a career change and start working in computational biology, would I do another PhD? Of course not! I would read papers, find good mentors and colleagues in the field, and start doing work in the space. I mean I’m sure that’s all good and fine for the author who if I understand correctly already has academic accomplishments and connections to lean into with. But what if I or John Nobody wanted to w…

It'll be harder for you than it would be for him but I still wouldn't discount it! Considering the alternative is (1) trying to get into a PhD program (might require a year or two of remedial classes with no guarantee of success) and then (2) spending 4-6 years doing a PhD, reaching out to the randos may well be much faster AND lowest risk.

If you're a software engineer, I'd venture a claim and say that the rando route will be easier. You have a valuable skillset researchers need -- you can code at a professional level. Use that to get your foot in the door!

Re: Strong/Weak Reasons to Do a PhD in Computer Science

#12

Post by sjg007 »

the_only_law wrote: post #8

> if I wanted to do a career change and start working in computational biology, would I do another PhD? Of course not! I would read papers, find good mentors and colleagues in the field, and start doing work in the space. I mean I’m sure that’s all good and fine for the author who if I understand correctly already has academic accomplishments and connections to lean into with. But what if I or John Nobody wanted to w…

The best way is to apply for a job in a computational biology lab or research center. Maybe read a few papers too. Most of them need software developers. If you do good work you'll be a co-author.

Another path is to join one of the many many NGS startups where you too can analyze Nextseq data.

That will give you sufficient credentials to get into a PhD program if you want to do that.

Also there's an ex-hedge fund guy D.E. Shaw who runs a comp bio group, also Wolfram and all the big tech companies have comp bio groups.

Work there, see if you like it, that may give you an opportunity to enroll in a PhD if you want.

It will probably pay less than you'd make in a regular software job but its enough to live on and likely interesting work.

No matter where you go find a lab that is generating data. Data is the key.

Re: Strong/Weak Reasons to Do a PhD in Computer Science

#13

Post by sjg007 »

disqard wrote: post #9
ryscheng wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks! If only I could teleport back in time and tell myself some things

Here's an interesting notion -- that a lot of wisdom is simply bound up in the integral over time of personal life experience. Thus, the value of wisdom is individual, and non-transferrable -- it can neither be carried "backwards over time", nor handed over to another human via a "brain dump". The best one can hope for, is to distill personal lessons from our own experience (compute that integral), and invite others…

This is why you read books about people. Success leaves clues.

Re: Strong/Weak Reasons to Do a PhD in Computer Science

#14

Post by asda_ »

So I am someone who has done a masters in CS but it was completely coursework and project-based. I have regretted not doing any "research" or having any papers published. I guess, I just want to experience the whole process of diving deep into a topic and coming up with something new. Now, I'm about 3 years into my career as software engineer working on data infrastructure for a data science org in a large non-tech company. Could I potentially volunteer my coding skills to a professor who has a lab in some field I am interested in and join in their work in my personal time. I never thought that is possible. I'd actually like that. Can someone who has any experience or seen something like this comment?

Re: Strong/Weak Reasons to Do a PhD in Computer Science

#15

Post by emrah »

sjg007 wrote: post #12
the_only_law wrote: post #8

> if I wanted to do a career change and start working in computational biology, would I do another PhD? Of course not! I would read papers, find good mentors and colleagues in the field, and start doing work in the space. I mean I’m sure that’s all good and fine for the author who if I understand correctly already has academic accomplishments and connections to lean into with. But what if I or John Nobody wanted to w…

The best way is to apply for a job in a computational biology lab or research center. Maybe read a few papers too. Most of them need software developers. If you do good work you'll be a co-author. Another path is to join one of the many many NGS startups where you too can analyze Nextseq data. That will give you sufficient credentials to get into a PhD program if you want to do that. Also there's an ex-hedge fund guy…

Great advice! I did exactly this and realized a PhD is not for me, yet enjoyed being part of the scene as a developer very much!
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