If you enthuse over the career in chemical research, have a plan B

Are you dreaming about working in chemical research? Do you believe in a day, when you will invent something wonderful, miraculous, something that could change the world dramatically?

What about discovering some hopeful chemical compound which once will bring your name?

Here you can read an interesting article describing the probability of finding a new chemical element.

If you are really keen on working in science, go ahead and believe in success. But since I am an apostate from basic research and there is a thick layer of dust on my thesis, I have several facts, you should consider before your final decision.

Think about the following…

Be aware that the work environment is highly competitive

Chemical research provides interesting PhD positions home or abroad. But the job itself is quiet precarious, unsteady and time-consuming. You will miss your personal life. Many scientists are single or divorced and I have read about one American associate professor who ever had no furniture in his flat since he was not sure if the university would extend his contract!

If you are woman, think twice

Be aware you won’t be always 25. Think about your future and desire for family in time.

Last week I went to meet my ex-advisor from times when I was at the university. She told me sadly when you are an older woman no matter what you says, because no one hears you.

Publish or perish

The quality of scientific work is measured especially by the number of publication and by the deal of money you bring to your home institution by means of grants. One day, you could find yourself in great depression that you are writing articles which no one is ever going to read.

You will be overwhelmed with administrative work

Instead of amazing experiments and courageous designing in laboratory, you will fill the sheets, write reports and apply for grants. The necessary and obligatory part of the work of each postgraduate student is teaching. Personally, I have been exhausted much during my studies. Sometimes, I hardly could keep my eyes open.

What may help you: reachable goal and possibility of an alternative career

Set a realistic goal

Goals should be ambitious, of course. But have an idea how to accomplish them. Goals should be measurable. The most important goal for you is finish your thesis. Try regularly review your plans and be ready for change at the right moment. It may happen that during the work in lab, several months could pass without any interesting result. For inspiration look here and read about scientists awarded this year Nobel Prize in chemistry.

Have plan B

Keep some knowledge interesting for applied sector (programming, languages). If you are able read and speak fluently about fullerene or something like that in English that doesn’t confirm you are good at English enough. And don’t forget that there are other languages too.

Do not close yourself in laboratory all the time. Stay in touch with peoples. Have a friends outside of your workplace Try to be a nice, cheerful and empathic person.

From laboratory to private sector

Chemistry is a field that is much branched. The usefulness of chemistry is limitless. Everyone can find its sphere of activity: nanoparticles, material chemistry or biochemistry. When I first started my research, many people expressed doubt about nanoparticles―calling them popular and interesting but without of any potential use in the future.

In science as well as in private sector you have some obligations towards those who pay you…Funding, writing grants, budgeting are altogether good experience for private sector. PhD grade won’t grant you your dream job, but with chemical background you can apply for numerous jobs in different fields or start your own business.