Redefining My Path: From Bench Science to Program Evaluation
By Irfan Alam
My academic journey began in a molecular biology lab, where I pipetted DNA samples and ran gels. Although I enjoyed science, lab research never completely resonated with me. Everything changed when I started teaching as a graduate assistant. Leading biology labs, interacting directly with students, and facilitating their “aha!” moments transformed my perspective. I discovered a passion not just for biology, but for the process of learning and teaching itself. Driven by this newfound passion for education, I pursued my Ph.D. in biology education research. This path allowed me to formally transition from molecular science to social science, where I studied student experiences in STEM classrooms.
In the later stages of my Ph.D., I served as an assistant evaluator at my alma mater’s evaluation center. Initially, this felt like just another interesting role: cleaning data, conducting analyses, and writing evaluation reports. However, I soon realized that evaluation was different from typical academic research; it was applied, practical, and had direct impacts on program decisions. Working alongside an experienced evaluator, I saw firsthand how evaluation skills aligned perfectly with the tools I had already acquired: survey design, qualitative analysis, data visualization, and reporting. Even without formal “evaluation” credentials, my interdisciplinary training in education research had equipped me with the necessary tools to excel. More importantly, my time as an assistant evaluator sparked a realization: there were meaningful and fulfilling careers beyond academia’s traditional tenure-track path, which I increasingly felt unprepared for and uninterested in pursuing. Evaluation offered me a career alternative that leveraged my strengths, aligned with my values, and provided the practical impact I sought.
Today, as an Evaluation Associate at CERE, my job is rewarding because it combines research rigor with tangible outcomes. Each new initiative stretches my capabilities, keeping me curious and challenged. Evaluation hasn’t required me to abandon my academic interests entirely. Thanks to a supportive supervisor, I continue to publish manuscripts and participate in STEM higher education research.
Advice for Those Considering Evaluation Careers
If you’re a graduate student exploring careers outside the tenure-track, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Recognize your transferable skills. You don’t necessarily need a degree in evaluation if you’ve trained rigorously in research. Survey design, interviewing, statistical analysis, and qualitative methods are highly transferable.
- Learn evaluation skills through practical experience. I had no formal training in logic modeling or theories of change before starting, but these tools were easy to master with on-the-job experience.
- Stay open and curious. Some of my best professional experiences emerged from projects beyond my comfort zone. Embracing new challenges keeps the work engaging and your skills sharp.
