Comments on: Four simple steps to become a Scientist

By: Matheo

Matheo — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:55:41 +0000

Enjoyed the read. Actually randomly came across your blog after googling “why do you want to be a scientist”. Seems like an odd search. If you don’t mind, please let me spout off my current situation as it may offer other budding scientists a different perspective. See about two years ago I graduated with my MSc in pharmacology, my area of research focused on molecular neuropharmacology, GPCR signalling and trafficking to be exact. I had the option to continue the research in a PhD project but declined. Dont get me wrong im very passionate about science; however the abstract world of in-vitro neuroscience and the limitations of translation to true clinical endpoints made me a bit disillusioned. Maybe I should have been more enthused about knowledge for the sake of knowledge.

With my crushing student debt, I did what part of me still resents in some way. I sold out and started work at a global pharma company. Currently working in what they call “medical information” (mainly you give scientific advice about the available clinical evidence to both internal and external customers). All the cliche’s I had imagined about the corporate world to my horror were absolutely true. I get paid fairly well for doing minimal work, however the crux is I personally thrive on challenge and curiosity, thus the sold crushing aspect of working in some functions of pharma is not worth the dollars. I am planning an escape route via further study in epidemiology. Hopefully get my PhD at some point.

So my warning to undergraduate science students is to connect with your peers at an early stage to see what direction you want to drive your career. Especially what area of science you will feel most passionate about. Try gain an objective view of your lecturer’s areas of interest and research. Which unfortunately is easier said than done.

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:37:21 +0000

Patrick,
Thank you for posting this. I’m researching going back to school for a Ph.D. and am having difficulty deciding between neuroscience, economics, and psychology. Believe it or not, they are three sides of the same set of questions about longevity, health, and happiness. The one that is closest to my heart is neuroscience but I wonder whether the day to day will be in harmony with who I am. I searched for “What is like being a scientist” and came across your post. Very helpful.
Susan

By: Raima

Raima — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:42:46 +0000

Hi, Patrick,

I just found your site through a post on twitter…was very impressed with the posts in the section on Crowd Science, especially. I’m interested in a related area: complexity science, especially flocking, swarming, etc.

It looks like your blog is fairly new (as is mine!) and very well done. Congratulations! You’ve done a nice job with it. One question: why do you use only your first name? I use my real name on my blog so people can look up more about me and my work as a scientist if they want to…so I was curious about your reasons for not doing that.

Raima

By: Gary Smith

Gary Smith — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:38:09 +0000

Dear Patrick,

I just stumbled on your website. I look forward to reading it.

Thank you for breaking out of the science world to explain all these exciting discoveries that you are finding.

Like you, I’m really interested in this new science of the brain/mind. Specifically how to use this science to help underachieving students in our schools read more.

If you have any ideas let me know.

God Bless,

Gary Smith
readingtransformation.wordpress.com

By: Patrick

Patrick — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:35:53 +0000

@Leigh – You have captured my sentiments exactly, it’s the reason you and I and most scientists I’ve met love their jobs.

@Brian – Unfortunately most institutes know what Leigh and I said, and hence know that they can pay as little as they like because I would still do it for free, if I could still afford to live. Mental note: Scientists aren’t so smart after all!