Becoming a scientific researcher

[chez_butt23]

I have wanted to be a paleontologist my entire life. I am currently a senior in high school, going to college as an evolutionary biology major next year. I know that I have plenty of time before I really have to worry about this, but how does one become a scientific researcher? Obviously I need to earn a PhD in my field, but I am not sure where to go from there.

 

[chiro]

I have wanted to be a paleontologist my entire life. I am currently a senior in high school, going to college as an evolutionary biology major next year. I know that I have plenty of time before I really have to worry about this, but how does one become a scientific researcher? Obviously I need to earn a PhD in my field, but I am not sure where to go from there.

I know its early days, but do you have any idea of any specifics? It's ok if you don't since most people decide on specifics when they've had a decent amount of exposure to a particular area.

To be honest I'm pretty ignorant of your field. For all I know all the famous archeology type people are like Indiana Jones being a professor 9-5 monday to friday, and on the weekends discovering the holy grail and saving the world, but that's just me. [I'm certain its not as glamorous though ;)]

 

[mal4mac]

Try reading: Advice to a Young Scientist by P.B. Medawar

 

[Andy Resnick]

Another excellent book: Advice for a Young Investigator

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0262181916/?tag=pfamazon01-20