- #1
FequalsMMA
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Greetings Physics Forums,
Yes, checking for typing errors apparently is not my strong point! I'm a few months away from my defense, and have been considering the next step for a few months now. My PhD will be from a physics department, but I have been doing what amounts to biological engineering work (making and using devices for measuring cellular forces and all the associated imaging and analysis). So while nearly all of my course work has been physics, I found an atypical lab to work in because I wanted something new and as "applied" as I could find. I'm a fellow with the university's institute for nanobiotechnology, so my PhD comes with a cert. of advanced studies in nanobiotechnology.
Moving forward, I have no interest in continuing in academia (I prefer to work to live). Looking around for jobs, I see very little that fits my skills. Most biotech companies are doing nanomedicine or otherwise biochem related work, of which my research required very little. I'd have no issue working in a more entry level position doing something like electrical engineering and working my way up from there, but getting one of those spots with a PhD will likely be tough (overqualified, under-experienced). I'm interested in almost any interesting science work and a field change would be no issue, so I'm trying to sell my PhD as "Look at how dedicated and independent I am! Look how I did interdisciplinary research, I can learn anything!". It just seems like a field change once you have a PhD isn't so easy, especially when I'm not technically an engineer.
One big point that I keep rolling over in my head would be a software job. I did a bit of C in undergrad and grad courses, and I use an analysis suite (Igor) that is basically C based. I love to program and I'm good at it, I just haven't spent all my time doing it. I'll likely teach myself C++ prior to my defense just to add to those skills. While I would certainly miss doing hands on lab work, I realize that it may simply not be an option.
So what's my question? I'm not exactly sure. I guess I'm looking for general advice from anyone with experience in this type of situation. I'm a smart guy with broad interests and I love to learn, but my current skill set isn't leading me in any clear direction.
Thanks for taking a look!
Yes, checking for typing errors apparently is not my strong point! I'm a few months away from my defense, and have been considering the next step for a few months now. My PhD will be from a physics department, but I have been doing what amounts to biological engineering work (making and using devices for measuring cellular forces and all the associated imaging and analysis). So while nearly all of my course work has been physics, I found an atypical lab to work in because I wanted something new and as "applied" as I could find. I'm a fellow with the university's institute for nanobiotechnology, so my PhD comes with a cert. of advanced studies in nanobiotechnology.
Moving forward, I have no interest in continuing in academia (I prefer to work to live). Looking around for jobs, I see very little that fits my skills. Most biotech companies are doing nanomedicine or otherwise biochem related work, of which my research required very little. I'd have no issue working in a more entry level position doing something like electrical engineering and working my way up from there, but getting one of those spots with a PhD will likely be tough (overqualified, under-experienced). I'm interested in almost any interesting science work and a field change would be no issue, so I'm trying to sell my PhD as "Look at how dedicated and independent I am! Look how I did interdisciplinary research, I can learn anything!". It just seems like a field change once you have a PhD isn't so easy, especially when I'm not technically an engineer.
One big point that I keep rolling over in my head would be a software job. I did a bit of C in undergrad and grad courses, and I use an analysis suite (Igor) that is basically C based. I love to program and I'm good at it, I just haven't spent all my time doing it. I'll likely teach myself C++ prior to my defense just to add to those skills. While I would certainly miss doing hands on lab work, I realize that it may simply not be an option.
So what's my question? I'm not exactly sure. I guess I'm looking for general advice from anyone with experience in this type of situation. I'm a smart guy with broad interests and I love to learn, but my current skill set isn't leading me in any clear direction.
Thanks for taking a look!