What Really Is a Career in Research Like?

What is a career in research like?

A research career is like a roller coaster. You go through ups and downs as you pursue your goals. You might be on a high when you make a big discovery or publish a paper, but then you might be on the floor when your grant proposal is turned down. 

After those emotional ups and downs, you can look back and see how much you’ve accomplished and that will make you feel good for many years to come.

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Is Research the Right Career for You?

What does someone do in research? There are many different jobs and career paths that lead to becoming a researcher.  

What is a research career like? A researcher has the opportunity to get involved in many aspects of science and contribute to discoveries that help improve our lives.  

Do you have what it takes to succeed as a researcher? Explore the following questions and find out if you’ve got what it takes.  

What is your passion? Are you interested in scientific studies, or do you prefer something with more direct application, like medicine or engineering? 

You might be most interested in the content of the research, in which case you might be most interested in areas such as biology, chemistry, or physics. 

Or you might be more interested in how research is applied, such as engineering, medicine, and public health, or writing. 

These types of careers might be better suited for someone who cares more about the applications of scientific discovery than the science itself.  

If being involved in scientific discovery is your biggest interest, then you should consider a career as a researcher. 

What are your interests? Some people are naturally good at math and science while others prefer writing and art. 

The kind of career you choose should reflect your strengths and interests. If you’re good at both math and science, an academic career might be best for you because it will allow you time to pursue both kinds of interests. 

If you prefer writing and art but are also good at math and science, then a career as an author or newspaper reporter might be best for you.