How old is too old? Seeking bio advice.

[steinski]

Hey all,

I've been lurking on this forum for a time, and thought it could be a good place to seek advice.

Currently I'm 28, and instead of pursuing my science dream eight years ago, I started out as a news journalist in a major Scandinavian newspaper.

Being quite tired of writing about car accidents, I've decided to go back to school and start on my bachelor and eventually master in biochem. Ill be (minimum) 33 years old when I'm finished.

Talked to my boss, who was HUGELY supportive of the whole idea, so it wont be a problem to study and follow the progression while working some (if I cut down on beers during weekends).

But the question remains: Is it to late to start on a scientific career at this age of 28, and realistically hope for a job and future in the field?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

(Sorry about the bad english - it's not my first language.)

[February Beetle]

Defiantly not to late for a biology career,

but I don't know anything about biochem careers. Hopefully you can get a better response from another member of the forum.

[mcar]

Yeah, FebruaryBeetle was right.

Who said you're already late for that?
33 is still young for that new prospect, as long as you're dedicated it can always make a miracle.

[steinski]

Thanks for reassuring replies, February Beetle and mcar.

If all fails I could always fall back as a science journalist.

[MichaelXY]

Your too old when you think you are too old. I am 47 yrs old and going to school, so shad up about being too old.

I have worked in the Electronics industry for longer than I care to remember, I opted for a career change, and now I am working to make it so. I like what I have done, I feel good about it, and I have made many new friends.

[Sepals]

Technically you're be starting your career at 33, which I don't think will make a difference, especially as you'll have an MSc and many people put off postgrad education until they are in their late twenties to thirties.

I finished my MSc at 25 and got my first proper scientific job soon after, in microbiology. I know someone who who started here later, I think 30 or maybe older, because he spent some years teaching and his age wasn't held against him. In science, they want the best applicant and experience, I can't stress how important the latter is! I mean experience out of uni and most young graduates don’t have this. Which is why I undertook a studentship at the John Innes Centre during my BSc and I advice you look out for similar opportunities. It can give you the edge.

Experience is the only issue I can think of. Some jobs ask for 1-2 years in industry. This can be an obstacle for younger people as well, as I have found. As for PhDs, as far as I'm aware, age is not a problem. Again they want the best candidate, who may so happen to be in their thirties and a lot of people do start PhDs and postdocs in that age range.