The long journey!

“I started working as an engineer in the Gulf for HP authorised dealers right after my B.E.. But soon I learnt the promotions were largely rigged on qualifications. So I quit my job to do a Master’s.

I was the topper of my class at Manipal and that landed me an internship at TIFR, Mumbai from a collaboration, resulting in my first publication. My professors were so impressed that they brainwashed me into doing a PhD stating I had the analytical skills and the discipline to be a researcher! Prior to that, I had never even given it any thought.

The plan was to finish my PhD in 4 years, but it took me almost double the time to accomplish that. I survived on my job savings. My guide and research were based in Manipal, but I did a major chunk of my objectives with my co-guide in RRI, Bangalore. Coordinating between bosses consumed a lot of time. I was especially intimidated by my co-guide because she is notable in her field and it was inspirational to work under a female scientist.

Frustrated, I started looking for jobs and I got one in Romania that insisted on work experience rather than a PhD degree. When I informed my advisors about the job offer in hand, they pushed me to finish my PhD instead of quitting. I eventually did defend my thesis and got the degree. But I wish that drive from my guide had come before I had got the job.