u/Awkward_Thanks5784

I’m currently pursuing an MSc in Biochemistry in India and would appreciate advice on the best route into bioinformatics/computational biology.
I’m considering:

1. GATE 2027 → M.Tech in Computational Biology/Bioinformatics
2. Another MSc in Bioinformatics
3. Short courses and projects → job hunting
4. PhD in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology, possibly later

I am not sure if i want to go for a PhD right now because i want to start earning money sooner, but i am open to considering one in the future.

Which route offers the best prospects in terms of employability, career growth, and return on investment in India?

I’m currently pursuing an MSc in Biochemistry, but I’ve been seriously considering dropping out and switching to Bioinformatics.
I had an education gap before starting my master’s, and I’ve struggled to get back into academics. I’ve also been treated poorly by some of my peers and even a professor for being slow academically, which has really affected my confidence. I just don’t think this is for me.

On top of that, my college is extremely disorganised. Some days are unnecessarily long, others are very short, and there are days when teachers simply don’t show up. I travel almost two hours each way, often just to come home feeling like I’ve wasted an entire day.

I’m genuinely interested in bioinformatics. However, I can’t tell whether I genuinely want to switch fields or whether I’m just desperate to leave an environment I’m unhappy in

I also feel horribly guilty because i’ll be disappointing my mom if i told her im planning to drop out.

I’d really appreciate some honest advice, particularly from people who’ve pursued either degree or work in these fields. Would switching to Bioinformatics make sense for my long-term career, or should I stick it out and finish my current degree?