Having Trouble Deciding...[Research]

[sam_b]

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The Fall semester is around the corner, and I'm unsure if I should continue my research position. If I'm going to quit, this would be the best time. I work under the supervision of a graduate student who works for a professor at a different building. I have never met this professor, who leads the whole study, and I probably never will. When s/he does publish, only the graduate students are listed while the lackeys (me) are unrecognized. I am in charge of making very simple observations and recording them for the graduate student(s) to then use and nothing more.

I've been volunteering there for a year now, and I'm almost certain that this is a dead end for me. I have no other options in terms of research right now, but I'll be able to get one in the Spring semester. Should I continue just for the sake of commitment in the Adcom's eyes, or have I already milked the cow?

 

[theseeker4]

The Fall semester is around the corner, and I'm unsure if I should continue my research position. If I'm going to quit, this would be the best time. I work under the supervision of a graduate student who works for a professor at a different building. I have never met this professor, who leads the whole study, and I probably never will. When s/he does publish, only the graduate students are listed while the lackeys (me) are unrecognized. I am in charge of making very simple observations and recording them for the graduate student(s) to then use and nothing more.

I've been volunteering there for a year now, and I'm almost certain that this is a dead end for me. I have no other options in terms of research right now, but I'll be able to get one in the Spring semester. Should I continue just for the sake of commitment in the Adcom's eyes, or have I already milked the cow?

Since you have been there a while already, I wouldn't hesitate to drop it and try to find something more meaningful to do. Having a year there is plenty to "check the box," and from the sound of it you won't get anything more than a box-check out of this lab, so I would move on.

 

[hoihaie]

that sounds like a dead end where you won't learn anything new. You should find a new research lab to join

 

[wwulf2k13]

Definitely find a new research opportunity if you have been there a while.
Research can be so rewarding if you are allowed to do tasks that aren't menial!