ChemE Student's Dilemma: Should I Pursue a PhD?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a ChemE student's contemplation of whether to pursue a PhD in chemistry or switch majors to chemistry, reflecting on their experiences and preferences in their current program. The conversation touches on themes of career aspirations, personal interests in chemistry versus engineering, and the implications of pursuing advanced degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong preference for chemistry over chemical engineering, indicating a desire to pursue a PhD in chemistry to deepen their understanding.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the original poster's inquiry, seeking to understand the specific question being posed.
  • A suggestion is made that pursuing a career aligned with personal interests may lead to greater happiness, regardless of financial considerations.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for pursuing a chemistry career that lacks personal interest, alongside a mention of the financial viability of chemistry-related careers.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange regarding the concept of being an alchemist, with some participants reflecting on the notion humorously.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views regarding the value of pursuing a PhD versus focusing on personal interests and financial outcomes in career choices.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of concern about the implications of their academic and career choices, with some emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment over financial gain, while others highlight the practical aspects of job prospects in chemistry.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering advanced degrees in STEM fields, particularly those weighing their interests against career prospects, may find this discussion relevant.

Acidcat.
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Hello, I am a junior in a ChemE program right now and it is a lot more physics than I had imagined. I have some affinity for physics and my calc is strong, I am handling the coursework but I enjoy my chemistry classes much more than my Chem E classes. If I were to switch to chemistry I would be trying to get a PhD immediately because I am well aware that its kind of a joke and that you need the extra 4 years to actually learn wtf your talking about when it comes to sciences like these.
The chem E degree is an extra semester and summer compared to the BS in pure chem. I like the lab, I like biochemistry, I like plants, I don't know if engineering is for me. I don't HATE engineering i just enjoy chem more. I have always wanted to be an alchemist my entire life. If I do stick with engineering I was still looking to get a PhD in chemistry because I want to master it, I would just spend a few years in industry first. Med school may also be an option except I have a 3.0 and I'll have to work harder or something... its already pretty brutal.

Thank you for reading my first post
 
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What exactly is the question?
 
what would you do?
 
what would I do? To be honest, you can try to convince yourself money doesn't make you happy. Study what you like then go work wherever you can; most likely it will be a job unrelated to chemistry, but it will pay the bills. You can be an alchemist on your own if you like to.
 
its 15K its not poverty vrs upper-class... I am worried about doing chemistry I don't give a **** about. What about oncology pharmocognetics, 115k ave salary. Chemistry is a profitable major if you devote yourself.
 
So you want to be an alchemist?
 
your a sharp one
 
I thought there were no more alchemist these days, guess I was wrong
 

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