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Search MessagesForum Identity: Joe W.   Fri, 28 Apr 2006 07:21 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm 30 years old and just finished my masters degree in biology. Throughout that time, I've held a full time job in an IT department(not biology related). I've really enjoyed my masters experience and want to further pursue research. I've been seriously thinking about going for a PhD in a biomedical field. I don't feel that I want a career in academia, but would like to enter industry.

here's my dilemma...I continue to find very conflicting opinions about this. Do you need a PhD to do research in industry? My thesis advisor and other faculty members at my university are very adamant that you don't need one. They believe
you can find a good job doing research at the masters level. There is also downsides of a PhD program to consider...long hours, little pay,average 5-7 years to complete(not to mention a post doc). A person with a masters could get a job now and work their way up in a company gaining experience and probably more pay along the way.

However, I've seen people on this forum have the opinion that there is "glass ceiling" in industry. People with masters can only advance so far, and
sometimes they're looked down on as just "lab techs". I would like to be in a position to really contribute and not be just another set of hands at the bench. I'm confused by all this...

A PhD program sounds very exciting to me, but it's such huge investment. Maybe this is my fault, because I don't have direct experience working in industry. Perhaps I should get a job now for 1 or 2 years, then make a decision about a PhD. I would appreciate any advice...

thanks

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