Hate my research-focused Ph.D. program.

[jp120]

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I accepted an offer last year at a heavy research-oriented program and don't like it. I'd much rather be at a liberal arts institution, preparing to teach and do clinical service post-graduation. I just don't enjoy research - it's a chore that I use to get funded, but not a process I enjoy.

My adviser thinks she's training me to become a "clinical scientist." And that I'm going to be using all of these research practices and statistics in my future career. Ideally, I'll be teaching at a liberal arts institution and giving therapy.

I'm going to stick the program out - I'm practically done with my first year, and there's no sense taking a year to reapply and start over again.

I just don't know what will happen in my senior years when I'll want to do external site placements and my adviser will want me to bulk up my C.V. with research publications. 😎

Damn, I wish I could do this application process over again.

 

[deleted176373]

I accepted an offer last year at a heavy research-oriented program and don't like it. I'd much rather be at a liberal arts institution, preparing to teach and do clinical service post-graduation. I just don't enjoy research - it's a chore that I use to get funded, but not a process I enjoy.

My adviser thinks she's training me to become a "clinical scientist." And that I'm going to be using all of these research practices and statistics in my future career. Ideally, I'll be teaching at a liberal arts institution and giving therapy.

I'm going to stick the program out - I'm practically done with my first year, and there's no sense taking a year to reapply and start over again.

I just don't know what will happen in my senior years when I'll want to do external site placements and my adviser will want me to bulk up my C.V. with research publications. 😎

Damn, I wish I could do this application process over again.

Have you thought about telling her the "truth"? You might just explain to her that your priorities have changed, (after all your previous priority was to get into grad school.) Now your priority is to do the above and that you hope that she will support you as best she can. Then soften the blow like any good clinician and tell her that you won't abandon the research because good psychologists should have a solid scientific foundation, but you want more of a clinical focus.

You don't have to commit sepaku, just see if you can get her on board with your plans.

Mark

 

[futureapppsy2]

Keep in mind that to get a faculty position at ANY 4 year school, you'll still need a substantial CV, as LACs still expect their professors to do research (and involve students in it).

 

[jp120]

I know. In a sense, I feel bad because I'm sure she expects me to carry on her research legacy. At the same time, I know I need to carve out a career path that will make me happy. My dad has stressed the importance of loving what you do to me.

I guess I posted this because I know many students are deciding on programs right now and might benefit from hearing this. Also, I sort of just wanted to release what I had been feeling - you can't go blurting that out around your program.

 

[Jon4PsyD]

Sorry to hear about this. Are you sure you can do it for 4-5 more years? I mean, it's not worth being miserable.

What 1-7 clinical-research number did the Insider's Guide assign to your program? And..did you just realize now that your interests have changed?

I'd feel bad myself but honestly, this is about your future so if it doesn't feel right you just have to tell her. It's too bad you didn't defer at any of the programs you got into last year...you could make the switch now if you had.

Jon

 

[Eruca]

I agree.. you may need to "come out of the closet". You might be surprised by who will support you when you can plainly speak what is right for you. If your advisor doesn't fully support you, and you'd like to stick the program out, find other faculty members or outside resources to help you along.

Also, just to note, I'm also in a research-oriented program - but came out of the closet some years ago. It was definitely a relief. My then advisor did abandon me (implicitly), but I switched to a faculty member that has supported all of my subsequent decisions/training. She is also walking me through my dissertation, since it can be difficult to maintain motivation on something my heart isn't in. I love research. I just would prefer it not be my primary focus. After explicitly refocusing my goals, I have reached out for trainings in areas not offered by my program like group therapy training, ACT/DBT/MBCT workshops, etc. And some faculty have supported me without question. You can still make your mark - you will just have to get good at accessing resources on your own.

Basically... OWN IT! It's yours, so go for what feels right to you.

 

[ladysky61]

Thanks for posting this! It's definitely something to think about.

I accepted an offer last year at a heavy research-oriented program and don't like it. I'd much rather be at a liberal arts institution, preparing to teach and do clinical service post-graduation. I just don't enjoy research - it's a chore that I use to get funded, but not a process I enjoy.

My adviser thinks she's training me to become a "clinical scientist." And that I'm going to be using all of these research practices and statistics in my future career. Ideally, I'll be teaching at a liberal arts institution and giving therapy.

I'm going to stick the program out - I'm practically done with my first year, and there's no sense taking a year to reapply and start over again.

I just don't know what will happen in my senior years when I'll want to do external site placements and my adviser will want me to bulk up my C.V. with research publications. 😎

Damn, I wish I could do this application process over again.