Hey!
You might remember me, the palestinian guy. I recently finished my master's in molecular medicine (life sciences etc.) and was looking to do a PhD.
The problem is, I have no idea in what I want to do my PhD.
I currently feel lost, without orientation, sitting in a place far from university, communicating through the internet, isolated.
I went traveling for nearly 6 months, not worrying about what will come after, I felt that I needed it. Now the fun is over and its time to apply for graduate schools and PhD positions. But where to apply if I have no idea what I want? How do I know that the lab that I choose will be O.K. and I wouldn't be working like a slave without guidance (happened to me during an internship at UCL). And what subject should it be?
In the past, it didn't matter in which direction the research went. I am a curious person. If I find a research question interesting the passion and motivation came by itself. Here I am supposed to bring interest with me for a specific subject, explain why it interests me and tell them about my 3 favorite recent publications.
Were you even in a situation like this? How did you overcome it?
I am, similar to ButterflyEffect, going through this weird phase of confusion. Hopefully somebody has some advice on this situation.
UPDATE:
Out of desperate need of something to do (and a little money to pay my monthly checks) I sent an E-Mail to a prof. who used to teach during my bachelor's times that is situated in Düsseldorf (my current city).
He invited me over today and told me that he has some PhD positions to fill. Showed me his research subject and the labs.
I was very impressed. They work on axonal regenration, just got loads of funding etc.
I was excited and could imagine myself working on this subject for the next few years. But I hate this city. It is expensive, very money-centered (loads of stock , consulting and insurance companies). I wanted to move into a young city, with many students.
What do I do now? Accept this awesome offer, knowing that I will have a cool job that I enjoy or go for another city?