u/InterviewOne1962

Hi! I am a second year in college majoring in math and chemistry. I’ve been doing theoretical chemistry research for around 6 months.

I understand that, as a second year, I can’t really get into novel method development or those sort of things. However, I am also bored by what I’m tasked to do: run calculations all day. I’ve been trying to understand the theory behind the calculations, reading Szabo & Ortlund. Still, however, I find my task to seem rather boring and not intellectually stimulating.

I am afraid that, if I end up pursuing theoretical chemistry, my day to day will look like this.

Is theoretical chemistry for me? Can any PhD students in theoretical chemistry give their insight?

I would appreciate it!