While it is quite apparent and well known in the research environment, let me tell you and highlight the untold story of a research in the world.
While all of us can agree that it is very important and some groundbreaking discoveries have come out of the same system, I think it is high time for the things to be more transparent and more talent-oriented.
Let me tell you the story of a researcher's life and then draw parallels and point out steps where transparency is required.
So as a young undergraduate very few actually think about a career in research. It is through education and going through the next step we become aware that going to a Grad school (or joining a PhD program) becomes a possibility in a researcher's life. (Mine was an exception I always knew from the beginning that I wanted to contribute more TO SCIENCE and be a researcher).
As soon as we decide we are caught in the web and endless cycle of the industry. It is an industry like all others, I would like to call it a "Knowledge Industry".
Knowing the key stages:
Step 1: Obtaining the degree: It requires a lot of courage and mental strength to be able to zero on this possibility and subject oneself to an experience such as grad school. Although people may say that it made them strong and blah..blah... but the truth is if it was a such a great experience you would not find a string of articles and videos on the web addressing various aspects of it.
More important and difficult thing is selecting one and zeroing on a field and mentor to work with. Believe me this will decide your fate for the next 4-6 years (Yup the time it takes to get a PhD degree!!). Also choosing is important as you would be building an expertise and you would be branded as such your whole life!! A few lucky one break the mold and switch or expand their knowledge base.
These are the choices just on paper. Even joining the best and biggest name doesn't ensure a safe passage. You would be lucky in terms of resources but be ready to forget all the social life that you ever had. A PERSON THAT REMAINS YOUR FRIEND THROUGH THIS PERIOD IS A TRUE FRIEND. NEVER LET THIS PERSON GO!!
More to follow....
While all of us can agree that it is very important and some groundbreaking discoveries have come out of the same system, I think it is high time for the things to be more transparent and more talent-oriented.
Let me tell you the story of a researcher's life and then draw parallels and point out steps where transparency is required.
So as a young undergraduate very few actually think about a career in research. It is through education and going through the next step we become aware that going to a Grad school (or joining a PhD program) becomes a possibility in a researcher's life. (Mine was an exception I always knew from the beginning that I wanted to contribute more TO SCIENCE and be a researcher).
As soon as we decide we are caught in the web and endless cycle of the industry. It is an industry like all others, I would like to call it a "Knowledge Industry".
Knowing the key stages:
Step 1: Obtaining the degree: It requires a lot of courage and mental strength to be able to zero on this possibility and subject oneself to an experience such as grad school. Although people may say that it made them strong and blah..blah... but the truth is if it was a such a great experience you would not find a string of articles and videos on the web addressing various aspects of it.
More important and difficult thing is selecting one and zeroing on a field and mentor to work with. Believe me this will decide your fate for the next 4-6 years (Yup the time it takes to get a PhD degree!!). Also choosing is important as you would be building an expertise and you would be branded as such your whole life!! A few lucky one break the mold and switch or expand their knowledge base.
These are the choices just on paper. Even joining the best and biggest name doesn't ensure a safe passage. You would be lucky in terms of resources but be ready to forget all the social life that you ever had. A PERSON THAT REMAINS YOUR FRIEND THROUGH THIS PERIOD IS A TRUE FRIEND. NEVER LET THIS PERSON GO!!
More to follow....
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