How to Become a Scientist

The first video I ever made. Quality is not great, but I am putting this up by request. Note: this process is the US process. The process in other countries is distinctly different.

To get your first tenure-track faculty job, you will need:
4 years to BS or BA
2 years to MS or MA (optional)
3-4 years to PhD
4-12 years of post-doctoral research
2-6 years as Associate Professor or Research Fellow.

If you start at 18, you could be tenure track as early as 31, or as late as 46. That's a HEAP of schooling.

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[pasyk12]

Any recommendations on how to sample a lab when applying for grad school? In particular, to see if you will get along with the PI or not? Or is this sort of a gamble? It seems snobby to ask the researcher if I could come view the lab to see if it is suitable for me.

[C0nc0rdance]

@pasyk12

Write the PI an email and say that you are considering graduate school, and are looking for a graduate advisor. You'd like to meet them and tour the lab, if they will allow it.

Once there, ask them about their research. Talk about what your thoughts are about the future, ask for advice.

Most PIs do enjoy mentoring young scientists. If you are serious and enthusiastic, they may be able to smooth your admissions process.

[VanKlaunch]

What if I only just discovered I wanted to be a scientist AFTER high school? I made good grades in high school but never thought of taking calculus or anything highly advanced because I was taught my entire life to not believe scientists... damn religious poison.

[C0nc0rdance]

Don't worry. You'll have to play a little bit of catch-up in your first year of college, but this isn't a race, it's a construction project. Lay a solid foundation, and plan ahead for the future.

I know I say it in the video, but pedigree and experience is important. Start working in a good lab as soon as possible, even just washing glassware. As in any career: "Who you know, and who knows you, counts for a lot".

[Fromanttodugong]

And don't forget to start your PhD thesis with the line " Hi My name is Ken Ham" ;)

[r1mang]

Why pay so much attention in high school, I go to university and have almost completed my B.s.c. I only completed grade 12 chemistry and never read any scientific journals.

Science is not something that needs to be found at a young age.

It can be found at any age. 

[OptimalElement]

aww, the effort... i'll just find Jesus and preach! :P

[BJ219]

What if you don't want a job in academia? What if you want a job doing R&D in industry or for a government-run lab?

[Geebsee]

@Fromanttodugong

That was actually Kent Hovind, not Ken Ham!

[Geebsee]

Wow, man.. You've come along way. Not to say that this video is bad, but editing, quality of sound and just general presentation skills have improved immensely over the years. Well done!

[chemnuke]

@BowToMySkill You're able to read this sentence because someone learned something useful in college.

[muesk3]

Around minute 4, is that rachmaninoff? Or what is that music?

[BowToMySkill]

@Guitcad1 College is just a waste of time, you dont learn anything useful in college.

[Guitcad1]

@BowToMySkill What if I'm burning in Hell but I want ice water?

[Joe22c]

Cool video Concordance!

I'm about to start my Master's in Psychology at the University of Western Ontario fall 2011.

It probably goes without saying but the exact means of becoming a scientist will vary base on field and country.

Ex. A prof of Organizational Behaviour I have been working with over the last 2 years finished his PhD at the University of Toronto and jumped straight into tenure track at Queen's University (both top tier Canadian Schools) w/o post docs. 6-figure salary. :)