If I feel like I am not really getting anywhere with my PhD research, what should I do?
106689
You don't need an advisor to show that you are dedicated and intelligent. If you insist on relying on advisors for external motiviation or help, find yourself another source.\n\nIf you are close to finishing your research, then continue. If you've just started, then perhaps it's time to search for another route.
1043006
god bless you honey! Keep working and doing whatever you're doing and (even if it's not much)...it is fine. I rather make money for things blow it all anyway.\nIf you don't feel like you're doing enough have a little party yourself or just kick back with your closest friends. I think when you cram your life with so much, it can become a little monotanous. Go through life nice and easy. You gotta a long time to do EVERYTHING !
426146
Probably can get something in clinical research. I am not sure, you should talk with a councilor at college to see what job options there are.
513111
Great queston. I'd say always lose, cause that's what I feel like I'm doing most of the time. :(
175722
Find a supervisor with research interest that is in the same line as you are. Email them and find out if they are looking for students to do research, and tell them u're interested, submit your qualification, if you are desperate, drop by to UBC to see them to show them u mean it.
802804
I can't believe that somebody doing a PhD is asking for help on Yahoo Answers.\n\nIf you want your PhD to mean anything then do a lot of research, that's what it's all about.
58305
Hi - I'm sorry that you feel that way. It sounds like you may need to talk with someone professional. There are so many things to be done that can help you to feel more social, or to alleviate that "empty" feeling. I hope you mention these feelings to someone near you who is kind and very caring.
25157
im also looking for a phd program but you have to tell us some specifics. decide on the place, course and check if ur grades match the program u want to enter.
965720
all graduate students are underpaid and exploited. youre not alone! grad students are cheap labor, and schools take advantage of that. if your school has some kind of counseling program, i would make an appointment and talk to them, if only to vent. they may be able to help you cope with what youre feeling. you are not a failure, youre an academic! and one day it will pay off!
756141
I am sorry to hear about your difficulty.  Usually, if a professor declines to write a recommendation, it is because s/he does not feel able to write a good one.  \n\nI do not know what field of study you are in, or at what level you are currently studying.  However, publication of articles is usually not expected until a student reaches the PhD level, so if you are not yet a doctoral student, your professor's expectations would seem to be very unusual, even strange.\n\nI do hope you can find other recommenders.  This one does not seem worth pursuing.
315356
It would certainly be more difficult. I would look into your institutions PhD programs requirements since in many cases you can apply for some type of extension depending on your circumstances, but most places are going to require you to have made some significant progress in 3 years otherwise they may drop you from the program. Most likely it just means  your margin of error is a little bit smaller than otherwise.
978543
hun i feel for you i'm diong that same stuff in science right now... just i haven't gottent to my hw yet....good luck and if i get to my hw i'll look for your ? i don't get it either
478873
Well I do think that this requires a little more thought before you make a decision. I doubt that you are as far behind as you think, even when you see that others may have more experience than you do. I don't know what your grades are like, but your task right now is to learn some of the basics in your field, make contacts with some faculty members who can mentor you and with whom you can try out some ideas, and look at what are some of the things that you can do with your major. \n\nI don't know what you mean by scientist, so that is something you have to consider. If you mean by scientist someone who does research for a living, you are correct that it does take ideas and it does take a real knack for science to be successful. But I think you'll find that many scientists don't start out that way but their training builds it in them.\n\nBefore you decide to switch, talk to a faculty member in your field and share your concerns. They can give you good advice. You should also talk with your academic advisor. I would certainly try not to give up your scholarship if you can avoid it. Its worth too much. \n\nOne last thought--there are lots of things you can do with science besides be a research or bench scientist. Someone already mentioned forensic sciences, but there are things like medical lab science, environmental sciences, etc. I don't know which major you have now, but go to your career services center and find out what the variety of jobs are that graduates with majors like your have gotten.\n\nHope this helps. Don't give up too soon!
939023
If you a doing a Masters, you should be on top of it. Try picking a few topics to explore and allude knowingly to the rest.
490533
If you're looking at R&D then definitely the PhD... a company will look at your transcripts possibly, I doubt they will care for your undergrad grades... most importantly they will look at your thesis if you're trying to get a job fresh out of school.  Otherwise, experience in the field, any research you've done in the past (including anything you had published while in school.)  That means when there's an opening for any position working with a prof you should try to get it, even if the first one isn't his research assistant it could help you get in that position later.  You want to have actual research done and at the very least be able to get a reference letter saying that you were an excellent assistant.  You will most likely start as someone's underling and it can be a long process to work your way up to making the actual research...  But you can get there if you try.
179583
Oh Mr. Baldwin, I am feeling just that.\n\nIt's been a difficult journey, and I am doing my absolute best, but I do feel just as though I'm not getting anywhere.\n\nJust over a week ago, I thought I had reached my destination, then disappointment hit me head on again!  My sadness, unfortunately, was displayed in a question just this past week.  \n\nWell, I'll be there soon enough.  Thank you for asking.
688958
First of all, you just identified what is making you feel bad ... you feel bad for not completing college!  That's simple to fix, enroll in college again and get your degree.  Even if it's just at the local community college it'd be a great start and you'd feel like you're working toward something.\n\nI've also struggled with anxiety and depression and I'm on lamictal as well.  One of the best things that improved my self esteem was that I applied to two graduate programs in subjects I was interested in, and now I feel like I have goals and am moving forward in my life.  I still feel depressed at times, but I'm feeling a lot better.\n\nOne more thing I want to recommend is emotions anonymous -- talking to other people who feel like you do is an awesome way to work through your problems, make friends and feel less alone.