is there a rsearch position for those without degree or wanting one ,but they r already naturally inclined?

Question

well to be more specific i can build electronic model airplanes and helicopters from scratch and can reciter the scuba code and all, i am excellent at math ,and i am a magic guy who can see into things with an extra insight so to say,i just run from it and dont want to abuse it i just want to do something worth my talent and my time without going to school and all that. would love to get hired for a research position on religion or earth based issues such as, geothermal energy consumption or even space technology and i dont want u to think i am taking easy road its just its the only way i can go.i am not stupid and realize i shoulda went to school,duh,but i didnt and here i am.

Answer 1

I didn't start college until I was in my thirties--so I can appriciate your position and feelings.

But--no, if you are interested in research--school is necessary. The good news--you don't have to wait till you are finished school to start doing real research.

Here's how you can work this--IF you want it enough. First, you need to get into a university with good technical departments (probably engineeering, from what you said). You might need to do this by stages (thats's what I did--and what I'm going to suggest is similar tothe path I followed). Let's assume worst possible case: you don't have the background to get into a decent 4-year engineering program--and can'ta fford it if you did. And you have to work full time

The following path will work (note: this is general--you may be able to skip ahead; you'll also find other options along the way that can make it easier, etc. This is WORST-case situation):

>enroll at an accredited community college (they are cheap, and as long as you have a high-school diploma or GED, most will let you in.) They are cheap, have schedules for working adults--and if you check with advisors, you can make sure the courses you take will all count toward a bachelors. Of course, you may be able to skip this and go straight to step 2:

>step 2-I-transfer to a 4-year university into their engineering program (or whatever is best--I'm guessing at engineering). You will be leigible for financial assistance--and if you choose a public university in your state of residence, you won't need a lot of cash--maybe none.

Now-this is where the fun part starts:
Get to know your professors in your department. This is actually easy--they all have offce hours and will be glad (during those times or by appointment) to talk to you about any questions youhave--or about how you want to build your qualifications/expertise.

CAUTION: I'm assuming you are being honest about your ability. From here on out, I'm assuming you have an academic record of A[s and B's --and will continue to maintain it. What I'm talking about now are the opportunities that are there--for top students. Make B's and C's and you can get a degree--but not at this level.

Go for an undergraduate internship and/or a professional co-op position. These are part time positions--and the kind you want will involve you in real research. Here's two examples (real): a student who, by the time he was a junior, was working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)--among other things, they have builta number of the interplanetary spacecraft that are teaching us so much about space. He worked at an entry-level position, of course--but that's where everyone starts. But we're talking working on real research. Example two: a student who has (she's a co-worker) a positon doing research at a university technical center. also a junior--works as an undergraduate research assistant (again, real research)--part-time, but I bet she makes as much per hour as you do--or more.

Step4: Two tracks--one: with the kind of academic record you will have when you graduate, you can land a top entry job in any venue--business, research, government. Or you will have the option of continuing as a graduate student--and will be able to move into a program where cutting-edge research is going on. And don'tkid yourself--these people are at the core of research. Example: the guy who invented the microprocessor (R. Noyce) was a grad student under Shockley when he inventedthe transistor.

Whatever you decide--good luck.