Is it too late for me to become a scientist?

Question

Being a scientist was the very first thing I ever wanted to be but life took me in a different direction.

I'm 25 years old and about 9 months away from a Bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems from Devry Online.

Right now I'm about to go to Iraq as a civilian truck driver. It pays about $100,000 a year so I figure ill do this for a couple years and save up some money, then come home and finish my education. At that time I'll be 27-28 and it could take anywhere from 2-8 years after that to earn the degree I need to get the job I want.

I kind of like Biology and Genetics. I like the idea of working with DNA to help people. Would I be able to make any difference in the world if I became a scientist? A difference that would make the years of studying worthwhile?

Do you have any general guidance for me? Do you think its too late?

Answer 1

You can work with biology, genetics, and DNA without being a scientist. Take a wider look at career possibilities, and try to match your aspirations to your skills. Consider looking for a company doing the kind of work you admire and want to help with, and see about an IT job with them. Tell them up front what you'd like to do. As you get involved in what they are doing, you will have a much better idea how you'd like to contribute, and therefore what further education you'll need. As your team gets to know you, they will be in a position to offer you counsel regarding the kind of work you are suitable for.

Only once was I seriously motivated to get a PhD. I'm very glad I didn't, because my company turned out not to be interested in the field I would have mastered. Rather than furthering my career, it could have ended it.

Answer 2

I don't think it's too late, but I think your aspirations may be a bit lofty. Of course you can get your PhD and do research, but you will likely be focusing on a very specific problem (for example, trying to understand how a specific disease is manifested in genes). The work can be very tedious and take you on many wrong turns before you discover anything important if ever. While this is very worthwhile, you may be a bit disillusioned if you were expecting to walk into a lab and cure cancer over night. With your background, you might want to consider bio-informatics, as it requires a lot of computer knowledge.

Save at least half of what you are making (you should be able to like VERY comfortably on 50K), then go back to school full time when you come back. See if you can continue to take classes on-line in the mean time. You could even be ready to apply for grad school by the time you get home. Most science PhD programs are stipend-based, which means you don't pay tuition and get a (very) small salary.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Hi there

I personally think it's not too late. It's never too late. I'm 25, and I've just started my degree in physics - to become either a physicist or astrophysicist.

I started uni at age 21 - but left because I wasn't satisfied with my major (Psychology) - and now, after 3 - 4 years - I've joined again - and now I know I want to do Physics! Because it rocks, I'm passionate about it and I want to help people too!

Besides, there's plenty of people at my university who have started their degrees in their 40's! :O

I think the best advice I can give you is to do your research before you join. Make sure you know EXACTLY what you're getting into and what you will be studying - and whether you can sustain interest in the subject.

For example, I knew for a fact that physics wouldn't be easy and I'd have to do a TON of mathematics (my weakest subject) - but I prepared myself and now I'm doing really well.

So research, research research!

Apart from that - if you have the will and the passion, then there's nothing to stop you from succeeding! And you can do it - regardless of age! :)

And good luck! I wish you the best! :)

Answer 4

It's never too late. Look at Grandma Moses.

Answer 5

no maybe around your 50s is too late....hehe........ but around 30 is perfect. good luck in the army driver thing