There are hobby projects that I would like to do deep research into in my free time and perhaps try to put to use somehow. At the same time, since the fields of my interests change every couple of years, I don’t want to start a whole university programme for each of these deep dives. Nonetheless, I would still benefit from academic support/guidance, and I would like to be able to have some kind of final piece of work to show for all my effort.
(currently I’m deep diving into techniques of recycling plastic and trying to invent realistic ways to promote their use in society)
I’m currently doing my bachelors in which the system constrains me to one narrow field. What would be the best way to formalize my curiosity-driven deep dives (ie. Special Interests) so that they aren’t just private word documents and thoughts in my head? Does the academic system have any provisions for people like me?
The open source system might be a good avenue. Look for projects that are aligned somewhat similarly. Or start your own!
I had a really great professor in a class I really liked. I went to his office hours towards registration time for next semester and asked about an individual/independent study course. He was open to it and even fought for it to count towards something I needed to graduate.
It was so liberating to chase my wild ideas down their various rabbit holes and do legit research. I wasn’t, and likely won’t be a phd, bs in engineering was enough for me, but it was a nice break from the norm
Your question is how do you follow your adhd driven deep interest dives without committing to a graduate program while contributing to the field.
As a PhD student and someone who acts similarly with hobbies, current one is self hosting, I would say a couple things. Firstly, if I had to do it again I might say get a good paying job that you’re interested in and explore your hobbies on your own. Not getting a PhD won’t make you miss out on anything but 7 years of work for some credentials. Most of the skills you can hypothetically gain on your own, depending on the field.
Secondly, there is such a thing as an independent research. If you understand how research works in a field and can research and write accordingly, you can certainly do that.
For wanting to contribute I would start a website for your projects. I would use this to contact people in said field for advice and ask what they think about your ideas. You could use them as a stepping stone for potential publications.
I would say at least 50% of academics especially the 30-50 year old one’s are more than willing to help, or at least meet with you, if they have time.
