Forum:Looking for career advice

Question

[randalljellis]

Hello,

I'm currently doing a postbac fellowship for two years. I am focusing strongly on bioinformatics. These fellowships are meant to prepare people for grad school. I may have an opportunity to do three years instead of two.

My question is, with three years of bioinformatics under my belt, how strong of an idea is it to attempt to begin working in industry after the fellowship is over and skip graduate school?

Thank you all very much in advance for any insight you an provide.

[GenoMax]

In addition to looking at the thread @Michael linked above I will say the following.

It will not matter how many years you have under your belt than what kind of knowledge/skills you acquire and what type of things you are able to do. If you become an ace programmer along the way many more industries can become accessible besides bioinformatics (if you are only looking for a well compensated job in future).

If your interests are academic and if you hope to continue long term in this area then going to grad school at some point would be essential (earlier the better). Having a post-grad degree would make wider opportunities in industry (e.g. management) accessible as well.

Do the terms of the fellowship prohibit you from starting grad school on the side (take courses etc)? You may be able to hit two targets in one stone, though it will be more work.

[Michael]

See Should I work first in a Bioinformatics company or get a Ph. D.?

Answer 1

[LLTommy]

I don't think anybody can answer that question for you. Two do three years instead of two will not hurt your chances in the future, on the other hand it might also not incredibly boost your career - you are already well educated. So I think, you simply have to ask yourself - do you like what you are doing right now? If you enjoy it, why not stay longer? On the other hand, if you don't like it or would prefer to go to the industry - well, than start to look around for another job, maybe you find a good opportunity somewhere. I think it is as simple as that.