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Hi everyone.
I'm in a bit of a funk and would really appreciate some advice.
I've just accepted the ASEE SMART fellowship and the work commitment is one year of service at a DoD agency (I have 'some' say in where I will be placed) per year of funding I receive.
However, in hindsight, I'm a little scared that I may totally and utterly hate the job (I have about another 4 years to go for my PhD) when I finish.
Can anyone shed some light on the work culture at a DoD lab/agency? I'd really appreciate it. Does anyone even know if the starting pay is half decent?
I'd say you are one lucky undergrad/grad student. I would also say that you perhaps didn't get the Fellowship since the award parameters are listed online, among other tells.
"However, in hindsight, I'm a little scared that I may totally and utterly hate the job (I have about another 4 years to go for my PhD) when I finish."
Your references went to bat for you. ASEE & DoD, must think you hotstuff else your references would not have recommended you. Further, your commitment to this program will reflect upon you getting accepted to a phD program or passing your phD orals.
Why do you say 'you perhaps didn't get the Fellowship...'?
I'm a 2nd year PhD now and have already passed quals. I am very aware of how fortunate I am to be selected for this award. It really is a great honor.
I'm just worried that I may realize a career in research is NOT for me when I finish. What then? I'm sure the DoD does many things, but I wouldn't want to do something half-heartedly after graduation...
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