Perhaps because of this perspective, there have been few surprises. The profession of entomology has afforded me opportunities I likely would not have had otherwise. I have traveled widely, have been associated with many outstanding people, and have been able to combine a career in entomology with a legal career that in many ways is unique. While I might have reached much the same result if my original field had been medicine or veterinary medicine, I think it unlikely that I would be in the same position if I had realized my early goal of becoming an agricultural journalist. In that sense, I certainly am glad that I became an entomologist.
Typical students have tunnel vision, at least at the outset of their academic careers.
Once admitted, students who perform satisfactorily generally graduate, and as members of a licensed profession subsequently enjoy the status accruing to physicians and lawyers. On the other hand, disciplines such as entomology have bottlenecks that are harder for the average student to see-at least early in their careers. In contrast to medicine, etc., most students seeking admission to graduate programs will find a spot, and if they apply themselves, generally complete their degree program. Our system of research depends in large part on the labors of such students. It is only when they find that they are one of many applicants for the few professional jobs available do they finally discern the bottleneck.