http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/02/19/research-aaas-meeting-notes-difficult-job-market-academic-science
Interesting perspective that applies to my earlier post on job market and might be useful to those considering their options. Key feature for me was 8% of Biology PHDs find TT jobs, and the science market for advanced degrees is generally glutted. So, why do we keep saying their is an STEM shortage? My friends in computer science and engineering don't see one either. Having graduates = jobs is probably not any more healthy for a discipline, but suggesting their is a shortage when their is clearly not a shortage is simply charlatanism. Science is a great field, its an extremely competitive field, and all of us cannot make it to the top, some of us can't even make it to the plate for batting practice. Some of us can't hit curves, others can't hit at all, others can close their eyes and swing and get home runs every time. Employers want the latter, and most of us fall in one of the former more human categories. Its a reality many of us try to ignore because we really want to succeed in our field. However, being a success is not based on what job you hold, how much money you make, or where you live. Its about how you personally feel about what you have done. IF you take high energy physics try your best and get a D, what is there to be ashamed of? Likewise, if you got through a PHD or an MS you are more successful than the vast majority of others. It also shows you have one heck of a good head on your shoulders. You might not be able to hit a curve ball, but you know what...most people don't get up to the plate. Just do what will be best for your long-term health, satisfaction, and future. The rest tends to fall in place eventually. Not that this makes the present any easier. -- Malcolm L. McCallum Managing Editor, Herpetological Conservation and Biology "If the government is covering up the existence of aliens, then they are doing a better job of it than they do at anything else," Stephen Hawking 1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea" W.S. Gilbert 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. 2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction MAY help restore populations. 2022: Soylent Green is People! Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. -- Malcolm L. McCallum Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry School of Biological Sciences University of Missouri at Kansas City Managing Editor, Herpetological Conservation and Biology "Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" - Allan Nation 1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea" W.S. Gilbert 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. 2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction MAY help restore populations. 2022: Soylent Green is People! The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi) Wealth w/o work Pleasure w/o conscience Knowledge w/o character Commerce w/o morality Science w/o humanity Worship w/o sacrifice Politics w/o principle Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.