In this week's lecture we learned about the two options for careers in biomedical engineering, academia or industry. Academia involves doing research as a professor but also allows individuals to work as consultants. Dr. Simon mentioned the many pros, such as tenure and benefits, but also the cons, such as managing finances and taking on tons of projects. That got me thinking about what set me off from academia and more towards industry when I was first thinking about careers, I love research but I want a position where I know I am stable. It is also great to know that what I need to get done is fixed and set for me. Yet, industry also has its hardships, as mentioned it is very immediate work, yet I do like that what to do next isn't so vague. The part of travel was also something I hadn't considered before, it is important to consider the work life balance of your career and travel is definitely something that grips people. Considering all that I'm still more inclined for a role in industry because of the stability of the position and upward movement, yet I do concede that there will be a lot I would miss when not pursuing academia. That said, what draws you in? What is important to you about your career, money, stability, lifestyle? Did Dr. Simon's discussion make you consider alternative routes? If so what and why?
Hey there! I agree that industry seems more appealing than academia, mainly due to the stability that comes with it. I prefer a job where a goal is set in front of me, I am told exactly what is expected of me and when, and I can follow the steps to achieve said goal. While the fast-paced nature of industry work may seem intimidating, I feel as though I work well under pressure, and I honestly have a bad habit of procrastinating, but knowing I have a hard deadline approaching quickly heavily motivates me. I also feel like industry work will allow me to feel more stable financially. However, I also agree that not pursuing academia gives a bit of FOMO. In the past, I never really even considered academia, I just assumed I'd jump right into industry following the completion of my masters. After hearing Dr Simon's lecture, though, I do love the idea of traveling, as well as doing so much to help others (teaching young engineers while also leading several research projects), but as fulfilling as that would be, I know I would find myself overwhelmed. Overall, while Dr Simon did offer me new perspectives on academia, I am still more drawn to industry for the mental and financial stability.
Hello, I'd like to also chime in and agree that industry seems more appealing over academia at least from my current perspective. Personally I do enjoy the business aspect of device development and being able to leverage concepts, while collaborating to push devices to the front lines to be marketed. Academia does provide what seems to be a lot of security in the long run, but I feel with that level of expertise that industry demands and start ups based on niche skillsets could far outweigh the long term security a university could offer. As was touched on in Dr.Simons lecture breaking into industry will be highly production and deadline based without the same pace and setting academia would provide. It does have its draw backs as it seems you still have to climb the corporate ladder and flow where opportunities are present for pay, but that excites me because it seems that you never really know where you could land or what skillset may be required next. I've seen a few academia professors primarily in the tri-state area leave academia to cofound start ups or r&d positions with rather large companies and I think that still leads me to my position that industry outweighs academia for me because theres more entrepreneurial opportunities to scale ideas and profit.