[Talewinds]

I'm not sure where how or where you've developed your ideas about grad school, maybe because of your immersion in the pure sciences but in my experience/ familiarity, all of the research you mention really isn't much of an issue until you pursue truly advanced degrees.
And it pains me to say this, my perspective having spent many years in the "working world" now, and also as a current student, but, a graduate degree is the price of admission these days kid, sorry.