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First and foremost, a direct benefit of research starts in the most curious minds, but asking questions and finding
the classroom. When investigating any phenomenon in answers is a calling that many discover only after they
class, it is useful to know how the original study was first test the research waters.
performed. By engaging in research first hand, students Due to focus and importance of research at PhD level,
find it easier to understand the rationale underlying it is often believed that creating new knowledge is
others’ research. For example, only after forming your the main goal of postgraduate academic degrees. The
own hypotheses do you truly understand the nuances of main objective of completing a doctoral degree is
research designs and better conceptualize course material. to become a competent researcher who can conduct
In addition, undergraduate research can provide students independent research in his or her chosen area. If we
with an ongoing source of one-on-one mentorship that accept the premise that the purpose of a PhD program
is otherwise unheard of in the broader undergraduate is to produce competent researchers, then the research
curriculum.
completed during such programs is primarily undertaken
Exposure to an area of research undoubtedly also helps as a contribution toward this goal, and the nature and
students explore career fields. If you are considering sophistication of the research output is less important.
research as a career path, experience in a research What is important is to learn to properly formulate
setting is invaluable. Exposure to research guides some a problem and apply suitable techniques to produce
students toward research after graduation, as well as results that further the state of understanding about that
allowing other students to make informed decisions not problem. Hence, while doing a PhD, the scholar should be
to pursue careers in research. In addition, the earlier self-motivated and committed to working hard and over
that students become involved more experience they extended periods of time on problems. Research is often
attain, which, in turn, enhances their career choices. a lonely business (except, of course, in disciplines where
For example, students considering careers in medicine group activity is more common), and a PhD program is an
will also benefit greatly from exposure to research. incisive preparation for a career in it. Research is a tough
Many medical schools value research experience for career; but, with the development of these skills by doing
admissions. Perhaps more importantly, a solid basis a PhD, it can become easier and more satisfying.
in hypothesis-driven research is what evidence-based
medical practice is built upon. Experience in this area Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The
can enhance an understanding of both the medical important thing is to not stop questioning.
curriculum and the medical literature. -Albert Einstein

Exposure to research as graduates can also increase the
likelihood of becoming successful researchers in the future. REFERENCE
Some undergraduates, unsure what to do upon degree
completion, proceed to graduate school with the ill-fated 1. Lopatto D. Undergraduate research as a high‑impact student experience.
idea that it is the next logical step after undergraduate Peer Rev 2010;12:27‑30.
studies. If they have undergraduate experience in
research, they are more likely to know if they actually How to cite this article: Goyal G. In consideration of a career in
research. Plast Aesthet Res 2014;1:3-4.
enjoy research. Usually, however, undergraduate students
discover a passion for research they did not know existed. Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
Institutions of higher education have a way of attracting Received: 21-04-2014; Accepted: 28-05-2014

4 Plast Aesthet Res || Vol 1 || Issue 1 || Jun 2014