Forum:What should I choose between a thesis and a project for masters in bioinformatics?

Question

[koushikayaluri]

I am right now at that point in my career where I need to choose whether I need to take a thesis or project to end my Master's degree. I want to enter into the Industry side of Bioinformatics and I want to ask the recruiters what mainly they look in the candidates when they hire a bioinformatics student the technical knowledge or the research experience?

[Ram]

Make a well-thought-out choice that you can defend better. If you do not have any research experience whatsoever, you're better off working on a project that culminates in a thesis. Either way, you'll create documentation for your project, so you might as well create a thesis worth presenting.

If you're not doing a thesis, be prepared to talk extensively about your research projects and show proof of the skills you think can get you a job in the industry. Getting into the industry is not simple here in the US, as most research organizations are non-profits and the industry is pretty competitive.

[koushikayaluri]

Thank you for your valuable suggestion. Will consider the pros and cons and choose one.