How early on in your academic path did you realize what your area of most interest would be?
This has been a topic of discussion that I’ve had with a few of my friends from time to time.
I’m a couple exams away from completing my Master’s degree in Biological Engineering and I’m still not sure what it is that I would LOVE to do in the future.
This may seem odd for some, but here in Portugal the academic pathway until one completes a degree can be very very wide spread.
My degree for example is anything but specific. I’ve had advanced levels of teaching in industrial downstream processing as I also have learned my fair share of molecular biology, genetics, immunology and even wastewater treatment!
Although this system is now changing with the Bologna Treaty, it makes it a bit difficult to focus on what I really can and will do in the future.
In an age where being very good at very little is probably better than being quite good at a whole lot, it breaks my heart that I like so many different areas and yet don’t know which one is MY area.
My friends tell me that I’ll find my spot when I complete my degree and start working, but how sure can I be that I’ll get a chance to work in every area that I’m interested in?
So, was it love at first sight for you? Or did you have to date around to find the right one? (scientific area of interest, that is!)
I was struck by a lecture on radiation biophysics given as part of a statistics module-course, in my freshman year at Physics. Since then, I have not yet changed my general area of expertise.
I don’t believe much in the idea that you will know (what to choose) when you will graduate. I think it can happen anytime, as long as you keep your ears and eyes wide open. Attend many seminars, that’s my humble advice. You will definitely bump into something fascinating. Good luck!
Here’s a tip that works for me. You may not be able to try working in every area, but there’s nothing to stop you blogging or writing about every area.
You’ll soon work out what interests you the most. Certain subjects will get the creative juices flowing whereas others will leave you uninspired.