3 answers
Gen
Student
Cebu City, Central Visayas, Philippines
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know if I'm on the right track?
I am currently studying in one of the most prestigious university in my country and I am enrolled in a program wherein i did not want. I took the opportunity since the passing rate of this institution is very high, and i ended up realizing that this program isn't meant for me. So i decided to drop one of the major courses and decided i am going to shift next semester to BA Communication.
What I'm afraid of is that I might make the same mistake twice and I'm currently in a point of my life wherein i do not know what i want; but i do need money. And I'm afraid that this program might not have as much opportunity as my current one (math).
I have always believed/convinced myself that i am a STEM person. However i haven't realized until recently that what i want is to speak in large crowds, to inspire, and create stories that connects with people. And I have always wondered will this program sustain myself and my family in the future? Is it worth risking my future for something/ a course that i actually want to pursue?
Please enlighten me.
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3 answers
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
229
Answers
Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Hello Gen. It's perfectly normal to feel conflicted when choosing between a potentially profitable career and a profession that genuinely excites you. This is a crossroads many of us encounter. Here's a simplified guide to help you navigate through it:
You've already made significant progress by understanding that your current course isn't the perfect match for you. This demonstrates a high level of self-awareness and adaptability, which are invaluable traits.
Let's ponder over your strengths: You've mentioned that you love speaking, inspiring others, and telling stories. These are powerful communication skills that can be applied in numerous fields.
Research is your best tool:
- BA Communication: Investigate the various career opportunities within this sector. Which specific fields pique your interest (journalism, public relations, marketing)?
- Income potential: Look into the potential earnings and job growth in the communication field, and compare them to your current profession.
- Networking: Engage with professionals who are already working in communication roles. Learn from their experiences, the hurdles they've faced, and their career paths.
Don't box yourself into "STEM vs. Humanities": There are numerous professions that integrate both technical and creative skills. Consider how your analytical abilities could be a bonus in the communication field (like data journalism, digital marketing).
Your financial concerns are legitimate: Look into scholarships, part-time jobs, and financial aid options available for your chosen course.
It's perfectly fine to not have everything figured out: Career paths are seldom straight lines. Be open to exploring diverse opportunities and gaining experience in a variety of fields.
Always remember, your happiness and fulfillment are important: Opting for a career that you're truly passionate about can lead to a higher level of job satisfaction and long-term success.
In the end, the choice is yours. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages, seek advice from mentors and career counselors, and trust your gut feeling.
Best of luck!
You've already made significant progress by understanding that your current course isn't the perfect match for you. This demonstrates a high level of self-awareness and adaptability, which are invaluable traits.
Let's ponder over your strengths: You've mentioned that you love speaking, inspiring others, and telling stories. These are powerful communication skills that can be applied in numerous fields.
Research is your best tool:
- BA Communication: Investigate the various career opportunities within this sector. Which specific fields pique your interest (journalism, public relations, marketing)?
- Income potential: Look into the potential earnings and job growth in the communication field, and compare them to your current profession.
- Networking: Engage with professionals who are already working in communication roles. Learn from their experiences, the hurdles they've faced, and their career paths.
Don't box yourself into "STEM vs. Humanities": There are numerous professions that integrate both technical and creative skills. Consider how your analytical abilities could be a bonus in the communication field (like data journalism, digital marketing).
Your financial concerns are legitimate: Look into scholarships, part-time jobs, and financial aid options available for your chosen course.
It's perfectly fine to not have everything figured out: Career paths are seldom straight lines. Be open to exploring diverse opportunities and gaining experience in a variety of fields.
Always remember, your happiness and fulfillment are important: Opting for a career that you're truly passionate about can lead to a higher level of job satisfaction and long-term success.
In the end, the choice is yours. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages, seek advice from mentors and career counselors, and trust your gut feeling.
Best of luck!
great answer!
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
351
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt concerns with us, Gen. Using my Humanities degree, I have been able to able to provide for myself and my family, with jobs often focusing on my writing skills. I understand that the US is larger than the Philippines, but here is why I encourage you to pursue your passions:
- If you love (or at least like) what you are doing, you are likely to work harder and do better. So you are more likely to advance professionally in Communications than STEM
- While starter jobs in STEM may pay more than starter jobs in Communications (depends upon the employer and duties) salaries do increase with experience. There are plenty of Communications roles that you and your family could live on
- There are many jobs (including in the Philippines) that use writing skills, such as Marketing, Internal and External Communications, Social Media, Documentation, etc. These may not specifically involve inspiring large crowds, but you could address that part through volunteer work
Please look at the links I have below for more practical information about careers in communications. I hope this helps put your mind at ease and wish you good luck.
Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-communications-degree-jobs
Coursera - https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-can-you-do-with-a-communication-degree
Glassdoor - https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/philippines-communications-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,11_IN204_KO12,26.htm
- If you love (or at least like) what you are doing, you are likely to work harder and do better. So you are more likely to advance professionally in Communications than STEM
- While starter jobs in STEM may pay more than starter jobs in Communications (depends upon the employer and duties) salaries do increase with experience. There are plenty of Communications roles that you and your family could live on
- There are many jobs (including in the Philippines) that use writing skills, such as Marketing, Internal and External Communications, Social Media, Documentation, etc. These may not specifically involve inspiring large crowds, but you could address that part through volunteer work
Please look at the links I have below for more practical information about careers in communications. I hope this helps put your mind at ease and wish you good luck.
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
Recruiter
91
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Gen -
This is a very good question and I am honored to be able to provide you with guidance, thank you for trusting us with this.
My parents convinced me to attend a pre-law program in school, and I knew that I never wanted to be a lawyer. I completed my degree and had no idea what to do with it because I didn't want it in the first place. I wish that I would have gone with my gut and did something that made me happy. You are lucky to know what makes you happy. If there is an opportunity to double major or minor in math I think that would be a great path, something that you're good at and it could be a nice backup plan.
I would do as others suggested and see what kind of jobs you can get with each degree and decide what would make you happiest and provide a nice life for you.
You have to do whatever job you choose for 8 hours a day, so it's really important that you enjoy it. And you may not want to go back to college for a second B.S. or even a M.S. so you'll want to get a degree in something that interests you. That being said, you can always go back to school. A lot of companies will pay for you to get a M.S. or B.S. just because you decide something today doesn't mean you'll be that thing forever. I am 20 years into my career and I've had lots of different jobs and I might change tomorrow, that's the great thing about education - you can always learn something new.
Don't put so much stress on yourself, everything is figureoutable! Do what you feel is best for you based on you. You know what is right for, trust yourself.
This is a very good question and I am honored to be able to provide you with guidance, thank you for trusting us with this.
My parents convinced me to attend a pre-law program in school, and I knew that I never wanted to be a lawyer. I completed my degree and had no idea what to do with it because I didn't want it in the first place. I wish that I would have gone with my gut and did something that made me happy. You are lucky to know what makes you happy. If there is an opportunity to double major or minor in math I think that would be a great path, something that you're good at and it could be a nice backup plan.
I would do as others suggested and see what kind of jobs you can get with each degree and decide what would make you happiest and provide a nice life for you.
You have to do whatever job you choose for 8 hours a day, so it's really important that you enjoy it. And you may not want to go back to college for a second B.S. or even a M.S. so you'll want to get a degree in something that interests you. That being said, you can always go back to school. A lot of companies will pay for you to get a M.S. or B.S. just because you decide something today doesn't mean you'll be that thing forever. I am 20 years into my career and I've had lots of different jobs and I might change tomorrow, that's the great thing about education - you can always learn something new.
Don't put so much stress on yourself, everything is figureoutable! Do what you feel is best for you based on you. You know what is right for, trust yourself.