Career Advice (Graduating Undergrad)
I’m a senior genetics major graduating in December. I love research and bioinformatics, and I’ve spent the last three years in research (two doing independent projects). This summer I’m working as a research technician in two labs and will be an author on one upcoming paper and should be included on another. I’ve had supportive mentors and enough experience to know that I genuinely love research, am capable of complete independence, and can fully see myself pursuing research for the rest of my life.
The problem is that the closer I get to graduation, the more scared I am about going straight into a PhD, or even pursuing the academic life as a whole. I also really value having a fulfilling life outside of work and a robust social life. I love spending time with friends, traveling, hiking, and exercising, and I’m worried a PhD could consume my twenties, especially with the financial strain and stories I’ve heard from people who had miserable experiences.
I’m considering taking a gap year (or more), but I’m not sure what jobs are available besides academic research technician positions or what that path would realistically look like.
For those who’ve been in a similar position:
Did you go straight into a PhD or take time off?
If you took a gap year, what did you do?
If you started a PhD young, were you still able to have a fulfilling social life and maintain hobbies, or did it feel like you sacrificed those years?