It is no secret that I've been fairly unhappy of late with my graduate school experience. There's a lot about my lab I dislike, a lot about my research I dislike, and a lot about how long it is taking me to do the research that causes other things I dislike (i.e., long distance marriage of 19 months and counting). I try very hard to remind myself that just because I am having this one bad experience does not mean I should write off all of academic research, but some days, I just can't imagine ever wanting to step foot in an academic laboratory every again. As such, I've been keeping my eyes peeled for alternative career opportunities. So far, there are two strong contenders:
1) Yeast Laboratory
I was able to escape the lab for a weekend to visit my parents over Hanukkah. During the weekend, we took a tour Troegs, a local microbrewery, producers of fine beers such as Troegenator, HopBack Amber, Dreamweaver Wheat, Flying Mouflan, and Mad Elf. During the tour, we learned that this pint-sized microbrewery in the middle of Harrisburg employs not one, but two full time microbiologists to manage the yeast laboratory. A job requiring a science background playing an integral part in the brewing process? SIGN ME UP. (And, even better, if you notice that the laboratory is empty, that's because it is a Saturday, and the microbiologists don't work weekends.)
I was able to escape the lab for a weekend to visit my parents over Hanukkah. During the weekend, we took a tour Troegs, a local microbrewery, producers of fine beers such as Troegenator, HopBack Amber, Dreamweaver Wheat, Flying Mouflan, and Mad Elf. During the tour, we learned that this pint-sized microbrewery in the middle of Harrisburg employs not one, but two full time microbiologists to manage the yeast laboratory. A job requiring a science background playing an integral part in the brewing process? SIGN ME UP. (And, even better, if you notice that the laboratory is empty, that's because it is a Saturday, and the microbiologists don't work weekends.)
Dear Troegs: HIRE ME FOR YOUR YEAST LABORATORY. YOU CAN PAY ME IN BEER. 2) Polamolecules
What on earth, you may ask, are Polamolecules? Watch the quick video below to educate yourself.
What on earth, you may ask, are Polamolecules? Watch the quick video below to educate yourself.
Now, seriously. Science + Polamalu + great hair? It's a match made in career heaven!
Dear Procter & Gamble: HIRE ME TO STUDY POLAMOLECULES.
Any other suggestions to add to my career considerations??
I had the same reaction when people from Carlsberg (the Danish beer company) came to lecture at my undergrad; "We have a little fridge in the lab with beer. Can't drink any before 4.30 pm but after that" yeah... there were a few of us expressing interest in at least summer internships ;)
ReplyDeleteYou should move to Kentucky and be a scientist for Alltech, for the following reasons:
ReplyDelete1. If you lived in Lexington, we could be friends.
2. Alltech brews the best beer I've ever tasted (Bourbon Barrel Ale) as an adjunct to their real endeavors, which include algae research and animal feed development.
Love Troegs :) Some wineries employ microbiologists too!
ReplyDeleteChall: Even more than the BEER (!) I think the atmosphere would be far more laid back and fun than what I do now, and goodness knows I could sure use a change....
ReplyDeleteMint Juleps: I think that sounds pretty amazing! If only I could convince my husband that he would want to move to Kentucky post-residency...
Irongrrl: My taste preferences are partial to beer (I have to be careful around wine, certain varieties can contribute to my migraines), but I certainly would not turn down a job at a winery, should one want to hire me! :)
yeah i'm late, but at our state asm this year there was a talk by a coors/budweiser microbiologist. he was a very happy camper in his job. also when i did my master's, my fave biochem prof was a Q&A tester for a local microbrewery, but he kept telling me to get into wine chemistry.
ReplyDeletei plan to figure out how to meld micro and wineries when i finish school. my experiences haven't been near as bad as yours, but with the funding climate we all should keep in mind how to get paid (and be really happy!) when NIAID is funding the top 8%.