Hello,

I am still an early-career bioinformatician (2 years as a research engineer), but I can share my experience in case it helps. For context, I am based in France.

I think it can be fine to go with the flow. During my Master, my internships were in different areas : statistics and eukaryotic genomics. Now I work in genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.

I can recommend specializing either in omics or machine learning/deep learning. I feel most roles focus on one or the other.

You are doing a great job Ahsan. Keep going.

But i would suggest you to focus on a specific niche now. You have gained multiple skills in your bachelor's that a good thing. Now focus on one thing, as Masters and PhD is all about this. Hope you got the point.

Cheers!

Hi Muhammad Ahsan Shoaib,

Congratulations on your recent graduation! I can relate to your dilemma as I'm currently pursuing my Master's degree and have faced similar crossroads.

Your concern about "More is Less" is completely valid, but I'd like to share a perspective that might help. While exploring multiple areas early in your career is valuable for understanding the breadth of bioinformatics, I believe that discovering and pursuing your genuine interest early will make your Master's and PhD journey much more fulfilling and enjoyable.

There's wisdom in the Islamic teaching that encourages us to become true experts in a specific field rather than being generalists. The key insight here is that when you become exceptionally skilled in an area you're passionate about, you'll not only excel but also find genuine satisfaction in your work. This isn't just about career success – it's about finding purpose and joy in what you do daily.

Consider these inspiring examples:

• Jennifer Doudna focused deeply on CRISPR mechanisms rather than jumping between trending topics, leading to her Nobel Prize
• Yoshua Bengio stayed committed to neural networks even when the field was considered "dead" in the 1990s, now he's a pioneer in AI
• Katalin Karikó persisted with mRNA research for decades when few believed in it, ultimately enabling COVID-19 vaccines

Here's my advice:

• What problems keep you thinking even after work hours?
• Which papers do you read for enjoyment, not just obligation?
• When explaining your work, which part makes your eyes light up?
• What would you work on if funding and job security weren't concerns?

Resources that might help you:

• "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport - challenges the "follow your passion" advice with a more nuanced approach
• "The PhD Grind" by Philip Guo - honest memoir about finding your research path
• "Letters to a Young Scientist" by E.O. Wilson - timeless advice on building a scientific career
• Consider reading review papers in different subfields and note which ones genuinely excite you

Remember, the world of science moves in unexpected ways. What seems niche today might become crucial tomorrow. By honoring your interests and developing deep expertise, you'll be positioned to make meaningful contributions when your field's moment arrives.

So yes, I think you should be thoughtful about your choice now, but not anxious. Use this time to explore, but pay attention to what truly captivates you. Your future self will thank you for choosing a path aligned with your genuine interests rather than just market demands.

Best of luck with your decision!