Hi,
I am a first year doctoral student pursuing stem cell research. Let me get into the matter without beating around the bush. I have lost the enthusiasm to pursue my project. I still love research have no problems with my current project yet I do not seem to enjoy being in research.
I had a productive Master's with a first author publication in a 3.9 impact factor journal (21 citations in two years). Worked for two years as Research assistant before deciding onto pursuing PhD. I did have my apprehensions yet when I got into the lab that I wanted to further work on and an exciting PhD project, I made up my mind to pursue it. And so far have done well. Currently authoring a paper on a project that I was working past a year, did well in all my courses, was placed for my poster presentation. Attended couple of conferences, workshops. Overall a very hard-working yet fulfilling year. Yet now am very unsure and as I mentioned earlier not happy at all.
I have always felt an urge to pursue the non traditional science jobs such as Regulatory affairs, Science Policy and Healthcare management. But because research is also something I enjoyed doing I thought of going ahead and pursuing PhD. I told myself that if I still wanted to pursue the above mentioned jobs, I could
use the skills I developed from doctorial training (i.e. written, communication skills) towards developing a career in these fields. However I feel like switching direction and working towards non traditional science careers. I did communicate the same with my senior colleagues, but everyone seem to be of the opinion that since am good in research and I love it, I should continue and get my degree and after perhaps pursue a career in science policy or other non academic jobs as there are numerous cases happening that way. I find myself at crossroads and also wondering if quitting would look bad.
I would love to have some opinion on the same from this forum before I take a crucial decision.
Regards,
Aditi.