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Archive for the ‘Caraeer’ Category

Are Scientists Over-Educated?

 :: Posted by avi_wener on 12-06-2010

As American Biotechnologists, many of us have spent huge amounts of time in the educational system, often completing 4 to 7 years of post-graduate studies plus several years of post-doctoral training. While many of us love our jobs and wouldn’t trade what we do for all the money in the world, (OK…maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration), at times I do find myself wondering if it was all worthwhile. After all, while I was busy slaving away in the lab working towards a graduate degree, most of my friends were earning good money in business or computers and they seemed happy. Has my education made me a better person? Have I contributed more to the world?

In the soon to be released documentary Race to Nowhere, students talk about their lost childhood and the pressure they feel to succeed while experts are left questioning whether the educational system is broken and needs fixing. As one expert put it, “I am afraid that our children are going to sue us for stealing their childhoods.”

I believe that the American Biotechnologist readership is well qualified to voice their opinion on the matter. What are your thoughts on the current educational system? Are we under too much pressure to focus on our education while sacrificing on some of life’s other pleasures?

I’m so curious to hear your thoughts. Please do share!

Things to be thankful for

 :: Posted by avi_wener on 11-25-2010

For the second year in a row, the American Biotechnologist Blog has been named one of the top 50 science blogs. Last year we ranked second place among fifty general biotechnology blogs.

This year we were ranked one of the top 10 blogs in the General Science Career category by the Masters In Clinical Research website where we are touted as having information about careers, as well as news in science and great tips about how you can enhance your career.

We are honored to have received this recognition and we hope that we continue to be a place where you come to visit and participate in the fun. We are always open to your comments, suggestions and guest posts so please feel free to drop us a line by either leaving a comment or email: [email protected] (there’s also a button you can click on the top of this page).

Should I become an Industrial Biotechnologist?

 :: Posted by avi_wener on 07-27-2010

Are you thinking about becoming an industrial biotechnologist? You’ve got a ton of education under your belt (MSc, PhD, post-docs) and you may have had your mind set on an academic appointment…but thoughts of industry keep popping into your head. There aren’t any Nobel prizes for industrial biotechnologists. But what about money? Can’t money make up for the comforts of academia?

My twitter friend @jadedbybiotech claims to be a “veteran biotech worker in need of therapy but instead writes about the insanity of working in biotech.” She has recently written a great blog post on Lab Spaces about her experience in industry compared to academia. In her post she covers time management (you’ll be more heavily monitored in industry), working hours, managers and supervisors, publishing, and the question that’s on everyone’s mind…is industrial biotechnology real science.

The post is well written, entertaining and most importantly quite accurate! If you are thinking of “making the jump” from academia into industry, you should definitely read her post. If you already work in industry, read what she’s written and let us know how your experience compares to hers.