Grad School vs. Field Experience

Your Name] In summary, the speaker is a recent graduate with a B.A. in Mathematics who is interested in pursuing a career in cosmology. They are currently completing an internship at NASA and are seeking advice on whether to join a graduate program immediately or gain more experience first. The speaker is open to hearing from others who have experience in the field and is looking for guidance on the pros and cons of each option.
  • #1
ZZ Specs
17
0
Hello all,

I will be attaining my B.A. in Mathematics in May 2014, and I really have no idea what to do from there. Right now I think my ideal future would be somewhere in cosmology, but it's really hard to make that call right now.

I am currently involved with a semester-long internship at NASA, where I am part of a team that will attempt to model a distribution of galaxies using a mesh of math, physics, and computer science. This is probably the best experience I could ask for to help with this decision, and it will definitely help focus my strengths/interests. However, I'd really like to hear accounts from people who have already "walked the walk", if you will, and what they did to end up where they are.

So anyway, back to my question: are there benefits to joining a graduate program right away? I'm leaning toward the idea of testing my foot in various waters before making such a large commitment of time/money, but truthfully I feel pretty lost. I have no idea what the pros/cons of either path are, so any input or experience that anybody could share would be hugely appreciated.

I'd love to hear everybody's stories/outcomes and recommendations! Seriously, anything is a huge help for me at this stage of my life.

Thank you all for your time,

ZZ
 
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  • #2
Z

Dear ZZZ,

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation and your internship at NASA. It sounds like you have a strong interest in cosmology and are already gaining valuable experience in the field. I can offer some advice and insights on your questions.

Firstly, joining a graduate program right after your undergraduate studies can have several benefits. It allows you to continue your academic momentum and build on the knowledge and skills you have gained in your undergraduate studies. Additionally, it can provide you with a deeper understanding of your chosen field and potentially open up more opportunities for research and career advancement. It also gives you a chance to network and collaborate with other researchers and experts in your field.

However, as you mentioned, it is also important to explore different areas and gain a diverse range of experiences before committing to a specific path. This can help you determine if cosmology is truly the right fit for you and give you a better understanding of the various career options available in the field. Your internship at NASA is a great opportunity to do just that, as you will be exposed to different aspects of cosmology and work with a multidisciplinary team.

In terms of pros and cons, joining a graduate program immediately after your undergraduate studies may require a significant financial commitment and time commitment. It is important to carefully consider your options and weigh the potential benefits against the costs. It may also be beneficial to speak with current graduate students or recent graduates in your field to get a better understanding of their experiences and the challenges they faced.

Ultimately, the decision to join a graduate program right away or gain more experience before committing is a personal one. It is important to take the time to reflect on your interests, strengths, and goals before making a decision. I encourage you to continue seeking advice and insights from others in the field and trust your instincts as you navigate your career path.

Best of luck in your future endeavors!
 

1. What is the main difference between grad school and field experience?

The main difference between grad school and field experience is the focus of the learning. Grad school typically involves classroom instruction and theoretical knowledge, while field experience is more hands-on and practical. Grad school is also typically longer in duration and results in a degree, while field experience may be shorter and lead to certifications or specialized skills.

2. Which is more important for a career in science, grad school or field experience?

Both grad school and field experience can be important for a career in science. Grad school provides a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, while field experience allows for the application and development of those skills in real-world settings. Depending on the specific career path, one may be more valuable than the other, but having a combination of both can be beneficial.

3. Can you pursue both grad school and field experience simultaneously?

Yes, it is possible to pursue both grad school and field experience simultaneously. Many graduate programs include field experiences as part of their curriculum, and some may even offer opportunities for internships or research in the field. However, it may require careful planning and time management to balance both at the same time.

4. How does the cost of grad school compare to field experience?

The cost of grad school varies depending on the program and institution, but it is generally more expensive than field experience. Grad school typically involves tuition and other fees, while field experience may involve travel and living expenses, but may not have the same level of tuition costs. Additionally, there may be funding opportunities such as scholarships and assistantships available for grad school, while field experience may not have as many funding options.

5. Which option is better for gaining practical skills and hands-on experience?

In terms of gaining practical skills and hands-on experience, field experience is typically the better option. While grad school may provide some opportunities for hands-on learning, field experience is specifically designed to provide practical training and experience in a real-world setting. However, grad school can also provide valuable skills and experiences, such as research and laboratory skills, that can be applied in the field.

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