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Asked by anon-183246 on 8 Feb 2019.
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Richard Unwin answered on 8 Feb 2019:
I think you have to work hard to get where you want to be at any job. Some parts were harder than others. I spent almost 8 years at University doing first my degree (3years), then a Masters (1 year), then my PhD (3.5 years), and that’s only until you get your first job. There were times when it is difficult and you’re working really hard but science has always had an enjoyment for me and I can honestly say that there’s rarely ben a day where I haven’t wanted to stay in bed and not come to work, so although sometimes it’s hard, I can think of a lot worse things to do!
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Comments
Dan commented on :
I agree with Richard, a career in science is tough but has some fantastic upsides.
I have just recently started my first permanent science position at a large national research lab. To get here I had to spend 4 years getting a masters degree in physics, then I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to undertake 4 years of research to get my PhD – a gruelling process that teaches you how to work independently on problems nobody has every solved before. After my PhD I was still sufficiently enthusiastic about science to take a postdoc position – a 3 year contract to do research and develop my own research pathway. At the end of each postdoc contract it’s decision time – try to get a rare permanent position, get another postdoc contract or quit academic science and do something else…
I spent 7 years across 2 postdoc contracts in this loop but it was a hugely rewarding experience – I’ve worked with incredible people from all over the world doing cutting edge science and getting some great scientific results along the way. I’ve continually learnt new techniques and tried push myself to understand ever more complex problems. I’ve just landed my first permanent role but that’s only going to give me more opportunities to chase all sorts of new projects, following my own scientific interests.
At this point I’ve pretty much decided on a life of science research, which I currently find very appealing!
Steve commented on :
If you decide that working in engineering or science is for you then like many other professions you will probably find you are presented with a series of challenges. Be these passing exams or solving problems. If you are really interested in the subject this won’t seem so bad as meeting each challenge with bring with it great satisfaction and greater knowledge. As you build up expertise you gain respect from peers and often consulted on technical problems where you guidance is seen as valuable. Its as much about commitment as it is hard work. I would find manual labour much harder work than what I do, and much much less interesting, so its all relative to the individual.
Tom commented on :
You need to be prepared and willing to work hard in any job to be successful but, and this is the trick, if you’re doing something you love it doesn’t feel like hard work!
Stéphane commented on :
Hi, Like any other jobs, we need to create a CV, letter and prepare for interview. We often have presentations to make if we have been shortlisted.
After a PhD degree and a well-written letter, it is not easy but there is some jobs out there.
Nathan commented on :
In my case, for many years I was doing half-speed university alongside a full-time day job.
My advice is to figure out what you enjoying doing in life, and do it. Your passion for it will keep you going at it until you master it. If you don’t have that, it’s very hard going to stick with it.