Career questions tagged research
Research is a skill acquired by increasing knowledge of a particular topic. Popular careers include research scientist, historian, and sociologist. For more information, please read below. Read more Show less
What skills and experiences helped you transition from being a technical professional to a leader in AI driven organizations, and what should a student start building today?
I am a final year Computer Science and Business Systems student from India. My interests include AI, healthcare technology, data analytics, research, and entrepreneurship. I have completed internships at ICMR NIE and Menmozhi Technologies and am building AI based solutions for accessible education and healthcare. I hope to pursue graduate studies abroad and would appreciate advice on the technical and leadership skills I should prioritize.
How do i select a career path in biochemistry?
I am Ella, a third year biochemistry student in KNUST.I am really interested in research and curious about science. Please i would love to know some real life career paths in biochemistry aside research and some various soft skills as a biochemist and some area i can further in .Thank you.
Between NUS and IIT which college and major are right for me?
I am a high school graduate who is currently deliberating between nus (national University of Singapore), bachelor in Biomedical Engineering and iit (Indian institute of technology), bachelor in medical science and engineering. I understand both are premier institutions and thus have trouble choosing. I'd like to know which has greater scope in the future, is there a necessity to pursue postgraduate in either, and which curriculum out of the two covers skills that employers are looking for. For reference I've attached a summary of both courses' curriculum below: IITM Medical Sciences and technology: • Foundational Sciences: Human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. • Engineering Tools: Signals and systems, fluid mechanics, biomaterials, and biomechanics. • Data & Tech: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, medical imaging, and healthcare data analytics. • Clinical Training: Mandatory hospital internships and hands-on clinical rotations. • Capstoning: Multi-disciplinary medical device design and drug discovery projects NUS Biomedical engineering: • An engineering foundation with specialized medical science and data literacy. • A common design and engineering core covering Python, machine learning, and mathematics • Transitions into major-specific courses like quantitative physiology, biomechanics, signal processing, and medical imaging. • A capstone design project and industry internship • Unrestricted electives for specialized tracks like tissue engineering or robotics. My own interests lie in the integration of biology and engineering, and their application in the real world, whether in industry on in research. So both courses are interesting to me personally. However i'm not sure how they fare in global job market. Thank you for your time.
How can a humanaties student go to space?
Can a humanities student(basically, it consists of Social studies, Law, psychology, and also Maths) become an astronaut or somehow travel/go to space, like to space stations and all.... Also, consider that if I have done *psychology with Bio* too, i.e. can I go to space and observe how the human body and emotions react in space and conduct such research? If yes, then how?
AP Exam Score Relevance for Architecture Major?
Hi, my name Sanvhi and I am planning to major in architecture. I am currently a junior and my dream school is University of Pennsylvania. I have listed the AP's I have taken with the score I have received, and the ones I plan to take. All the following AP's I hope to get a 5 on, but if I were to get a 4 on any, they would most likely be APUSH, both AP English's, and possibly Calculus AB or BC. I plan to put majority of my focus on AP Physics 2 and Research to show growth from a 4 in AP Physics 1 and Seminar to a 5 in those, as well as AP 3D Studio, Art History, and Calculus. AP World History Modern: 4 AP Microeconomics: 5 AP Precalculus: 5 AP Macroeconomics: 4 AP Seminar: 4 AP Physics 1: 4 AP Art History: AP Research: AP Calculus: AP English Language: AP Physics 2: AP 3D Studio Art: APUSH: AP Calculus BC: AP English Literature: Other than my exam scores, I have been doing research outside of school on architecture and domestic violence and plan to publish it, founder of the Engineering Club (integrated the Society of Woman Engineers program in it), applied for a SWE award (hopefully a recipient) and to be a SWE Influencer, applying for the Scholastic Art award and other architecture contest, SGA president for 3 years, and a youth ambassador for a domestic violence nonprofit working for university outreach. I have not taken the SAT yet, but plan to try my best to get around a 1500. I know nothing is set in stone and things can change with my results in contests, real SAT score, and more, but I was just wondering how important my AP scores would be for UPENN. Again I know there's no definite answer but I just wanted some others opinions! Thank you!!
How realistic is it to AIM for a career as a senior academic researcher today?
Research feels almost like a vocation to me because what motivates me most is the possibility of contributing new knowledge. If that contribution isn't realistic, I'm not sure pursuing science would make sense for me. For context, I am now considering neuroscience, or maybe molecular genetics. I don't see myself in clinical practice or teaching in secondary school. What I hope for is a career centred on research, ideally combined with university teaching, scientific writing and public engagement. From your experience, is this still a realistic ambition today? Does academia still allow people to spend most of their careers doing meaningful research, or has the reality changed so much that I should rethink my expectations? If you were advising an 18-year-old with this motivation, would you still encourage them to pursue this path?
Is it realistically possible to build a successful career in biological research in Italy?
I'm considering a long-term career in neuroscience or genetics research and I'm trying to understand whether Italy can realistically offer the opportunities needed to build an impactful academic career. From your experience, can researchers do internationally competitive work while staying in Italy, or do most eventually need to move abroad because of funding, career progression or research infrastructure? I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have worked both in Italy and abroad.
Which countries would you recommend for someone aiming for a long-term research career in neuroscience?
My goal is to become a researcher, not a clinician, and I'm looking for undergraduate programmes in English that provide a strong foundation for a future PhD and an academic career. Beyond rankings, which countries do you think offer the best environment for training future neuroscience researchers? Would you still consider the UK one of the best choices today, especially given how quickly AI is changing biomedical research? Additional information At the moment, the UK is my first choice because of its undergraduate Neuroscience degrees. I'm also open to countries such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany or the Nordic countries. In Italy, I've mostly ruled out studying, except for universities like Trento or Pavia, as I haven't found programmes that fit what I'm’m looking for. Do you think that's a sensible approach, or should I reconsider Italy or other countries?
How would you choose an undergraduate field if your long-term goal was to make a meaningful contribution to research on human biology?
I'm trying to identify the field in which I could make the greatest long-term scientific contribution, rather than simply choosing the subject I currently find most interesting. I'm drawn to research that helps us better understand human beings, especially questions at the intersection of biology, cognition, behaviour and ethics (i am really into philosophy and am good with languages and both creative and scientific writing!). I enjoy connecting ideas across disciplines, thinking about fundamental questions, and communicating complex concepts through writing. However, I'm still unsure whether I would be happiest in a predominantly wet-lab environment or in more computational, theoretical or integrative research. I'm also uncertain how advances in AI will reshape biomedical research over the coming decades, and whether this should influence the choice of an undergraduate discipline. If you were advising a student with these interests, what criteria would you use to choose a field? Are there particular traits or experiences that predict whether someone is better suited to neuroscience, genetics, or another area of biomedical research? What do you think will matter most for building a career with lasting scientific impact? Additional information At the moment, I'm considering undergraduate Neuroscience programmes in the UK. In Italy, since there isn't really a direct equivalent, I'm also looking at Molecular Genetics as a possible alternative foundation. I'm genuinely open-minded and would value an unbiased perspective on how these paths compare, especially for someone whose ultimate goal is a research career rather than clinical practice.
If I do research with a professor how can I use this purpose to make a greater impact ?
I am doing research in stem and I want to make an impact with the knowledge I learn, what are some ideas I can lean on to, which will reach a greater audience specifically? any advice and guidance will be appreciated!
Is 50% of a standard work week sufficient for a part-time PhD?
I'm starting out on a part-time employer-sponsored PhD after spending a few years in industry. My employer has given me 50% of my usual work-week time - ie about 19 hours a week (flexibly scheduled to suit me, not a strict pattern)- to work on the PhD research work, with the expectation that the PhD is spread over double the full-time number of years. I know PhDs have a reputation for long hours - although I don't know to what extent this reflects the workload coming in fits-and-starts vs a steady workload; how much is down to poor student time management leading things to be packed in last-minute, and how much this reflects the workload *actually* being higher. Averaged over a year, how many hours a week is typically actually needed for a PhD? Is my work allocation enough, or do I necessarily need to put in outside-of-work hours to ensure I complete in time? If so, roughly by how much should I expect to need to put in?
"How can I find and apply for a hospital internship as a 6th semester biotechnology bachelor student in Islamabad and Rawalpindi"?I am currently in my 6th semester and looking for an internship opportunity at a hospital or medical/research lab in Islamabad, Pakistan. I have not done an internship before. I want to know: Which hospitals or institutes in Islamabad and Rawalpindi offer internship programs for students? What is the application process — do I apply directly or through my university? Is orientation or training provided? Any advice for a first-time applicant would be very helpful."
I am currently in my 6th semester and looking for an internship opportunity at a hospital or medical/research lab in Islamabad, Pakistan. I have not done an internship before. I want to know: Which hospitals or institutes in Islamabad offer internship programs for students? What is the application process — do I apply directly or through my university? Is orientation or training provided? Any advice for a first-time applicant would be very helpful."
Advice for a mature student part-time PhD?
Having previously finished my studies at Masters level and after spending a number of years in industry in operational technical roles, I've started doing more research work and found myself underqualified for research positions, having not originally completed a PhD. I'm fortunate that my employer has been able to support a part-time PhD to rectify this - however, as someone coming back into University as a part-time mature student, what change of mindset from my current industrial work approach do I need to be successful in a PhD and in research work?
Do I need a research mentor if I plan on conducting secondary research?
Hello! My name is Sanvhi and I am a rising junior. This summer and in the following months, I plan on conducting secondary research on the connection between architecture and domestic violence in India, exploring how spaces can impact the increase or decrease in violence taking place. To be honest, I am not completely sure how having a mentor works. In my research about it, I learned that I would assist them with their findings, and others different stories. I have heard that it is best to have a mentor for research, but since my research is not something I believe I can do with primary data I have gathered, I am not sure if I need one. If I did have one, I honestly am not sure what we would be able to discuss, or how they would be able to help me. Please let me know what you think. Thank you!
What career should I pursue, I am from biology background and confused?
Hey, I am a 3rd year student at IISER Bhopal. I am very much confused about what career should I pursue. After coming to the institute I got to know that I am not interested in research. In school I used to get good marks in everything so never thought of any subject as my fav one. Currently I am not interested in any kind of activities. I feel demotivated often. Sometimes it feels like that maybe I should join Indian foreign services but feels like I am behind and I don't want my parents to know about it and after my post graduation I need some kind of job or work. Then I think of being a business woman (joining iim) but then I don't know if I will like that career because since my school days I was never interested in it. My college grades are very bad. My dreams or things that I want to get fulfilled: 1) Time for my family and myself; 2) I want to build a university of my own; 3) I want to travel in foreign countries; 4) A good and stable income; 5) Social work
What can I expect in a career like non-partisan policy analysis?
I am a 15 year old and I enjoy researching in my down time and a drive to solve world issues. In my recent dive into future careers, I found out about a policy analyst career, which I found interesting and, perhaps, too good to be true. I would like to ask professionals about the positives and negatives of getting into non-partisan analysis, which path is best for both my interests in social/environmental issues, and what skills I might need to develop as a current 9th grader, going into 10th grade. A lot of details would be highly appreciated.
What are some keywords?
Question writing tips
Why is immunology an important job?
Why is having immunologist important to peoples health and finding cures in for the immune system.
When should I cold email professors for lab experience or observation?
Hi, I’m a transfer student planning to attend a 4 year university as a psych major this fall. I wanted to ask when is a good time to cold email professors due to my schedule. Ideally, I would like to start as soon as possible (around summer and then into the fall), so I’ll get more experience. However, I am working full time and taking classes this summer. I do have some availability to go to office hours and lab meetings but that depends on the labs and professors that I am interested in. I wanted to know if it’ll look bad if I cold email professors around this time when I am busy, and if I should just wait until fall semester starts.
How rewarding is it to know you are directly helping or contributing to something that can benefit many people?
Specifically for those in STEM areas. This fall, I will be attending the University of Washington - Seattle, intending to major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. I am interested in conducting research in a lab or potentially studying medicine. I would like to know what it feels like to have a direct impact on people's lives, whether you are working in a hospital or a lab.
How to get a intership or reasearch program as a undergraduate student in college, it can be from the school or not is both fine with me.
I am a undergraduate student but I don't know how to approach internship, research program ( it doesn't have to be really from the school it can be outside the school too). I am undecided major but maybe wanted to be somewhere in the healthcare ( not confident yet). I have applied to my everything from my school's internship, research programs but it's super completive in my school and hard to get one. I have applied to ones outside my school too but it's super competitive too and didn't get it? WHAT CAN I DO? I have already spend two years in college and super sadly :(, still don't have one ( have tired everything in the past two years but nothing good has land on me yet :<). Also, I am open to anything, it can be just hands-on too, I feel like this can help me decide where I wanted to do and be in. Any advices, tips, anything. THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!
What are some research/career opportunities associated with pharmacology and astrobiology, and what universities have graduate programs that involve these concepts?
I am a freshman in college and am interested in graduate research.
What experiences or skills do I prioritize and how do you suggest developing them during college to become truly valuable in a research lab and contribute to research that has real-world impact?
I will be a college freshman next year, majoring in molecular biology and biochemistry with a minor in chemistry. As a freshman I look forward to working working in a lab and building my research experience. #Spring26
How can I share my research writing with others ?
I'm going to college for psychology, and one thing I've been doing on the side is writing. I already write a lot of fiction for my own fun but I also really like writing about my research on substack. I want to know how I could monetize + expand my writing I've done and continue to do on my research, and how did the first couple years of building a writing go? What mistakes did you now experts make that I could maybe avoid? I'm a good writer but a bad marketer if that makes sense, so I want to learn how to share my writing more successfully over a writing platform like substack + medium. #Spring26
What are the best ways to gain experience in forensic psychology early in college? ?
I’m a college student majoring in psychology, and I want to have a career in forensic psychology. As a freshman with little to no experience, I’m trying to figure out the best way to start building experience early. What kinds of internships, volunteer opportunities, research positions, or other experiences should I look for? How early in college should students start applying for internships in this field, and is it realistic to apply as a freshman? Any advice on this field would be really helpful.
How could I get along with my professors so I can have a choice for getting a research position?
I'm an upcoming first year student and I'm planning to take the Pre-Med route
What are some extracurriculars, pertaining to medicine/research, that would make me stand out to top colleges?
For context, I am currently a junior in high school and looking to apply for universities soon. Right now, I am a member of NHS, HOSA, Student Council, FCA, and FCCLA. I have a passion project where I have a team of 6 peers where we word together to gather unexpired, usable medical supplies from clinics/hospitals to distribute to low income areas in my city, as well as host fundraisers and drives for these supplies. This summer, I will spend three days a week at Washington University working (unpaid) at a Rheumatology lab and two days a week shadowing a doctor. I am also a state representative for a student-led nonprofit organization that teaches youth about the importance of CPR. I have worked two summers as a life guard and winters as a ski instructor. Is this enough for top colleges, and if not, how can I really strengthen my application extracurricular wise?
How do Biomedical Research paths compare to Medical School in terms of long-term intellectual challenges and growth #Spring26 ?
I am a high senior and I intend to major in Biomedical Sciences on a Pre- Med track. I'm exploring whether to stay on a pre-med track or focus on research and innovation. For those who chose a non-MD scientific path, what was the hardest "mindset shift" you had to make? Do you feel that your field offers a stepper learning curve and more growth opportunities than clinical practice.
What is the best way to reach out to college professors you have not had classes with about getting involved in undergraduate research in their lab?
(#Spring26) I am currently a graduating high school senior committed to college for Biochemistry and Biophysics and planning to pursue a career in biomedical research on genetic engineering for treatment of neurological cancers and Alzheimer's disease. There is a professor at my school in the Chemical and Biological Engineering department who is currently doing research that closely aligns with my interest area and ultimate career goals and I would love to reach out about working on this project as part of an undergraduate research opportunity next year but am not sure exactly how and when I should go about doing this.
What kind of Internships are available at universities like UF for Linguistics majors, and to add on, what kind of research is available?
For example, I am interested in doing Internships and research in my semesters at university. However, I haven't met any Linguistics majors yet to ask about these opportunities, and I haven't seen much information on this topic. Are there internships specific to Linguistics areas, like how engineering students have many for their specific subfields, or is the major too obscure to get something like that?