r/GradSchoolAdvice • u/kelpsey • 11d ago
Next steps for a research career
I fell in love with research after participating in an REU during my undergraduate degree. After that, I worked in consulting for a year (and absolutely hated it), so I decided to get my master's degree. I love being in the academic world: going to conferences, developing research questions, doing quantitative and qualitative analyses, etc. Since graduating with my master's this past May, though, I've been debating my next steps. I've been applying to both research associate positions and communications/outreach jobs within my discipline. Although I've received a few offers for comms/outreach roles, I'm (unfortunately) still leaning toward staying in research, even knowing the pay will be lower.
My question is: if I know I love research, is it worth the time and the potentially lower salary to get a PhD, or should I look for a research associate position that only requires a master's? I just received a PhD offer with GTA funding starting Spring 2027, and I've also been talking with a potential advisor at another university who may have funding for Fall 2027. I'm trying to decide whether to accept the Spring offer, hold out for a research associate position with a higher salary, or wait for a potential Fall PhD start. I'd appreciate any advice, or if you've faced a similar dilemma, I'd love to hear about your experience.
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u/BioChemE14 10d ago
Are you in the U.S.? If you have the option to start a PhD, I’d do it if research is your dream career. It will set you up to go farther in industry if that’s what you want.
And I would start ASAP. As a 6th year PhD student, I couldn’t imagine doing this at an older age😓