5 answers
5
Questions
Asked
1412 views
Would you recommend having niche careers over standardized ones, such as pre-med and com sci?
I heard a lot of people recently hate on pre-med and how it's not worth the extra years and debt. I am not considering medical careers, but I am interested in what they think of people with more uncommon careers that don't necessarily need college degrees.
Login to comment
5 answers
Updated
Vern’s Answer
There are lots of common degrees that don't require a college degree but having a college degree will make you more successful in those degrees. For example, you don't need a college degree to be a general contractor, just as license and a well rounded knowledge of construction methods. However, if you have an engineering or business degree you will be much more successful. Also, having a college degree tends to give you more options that you would not have without a degree.
I've noticed that young people have a tendency to try to create a plan for their life which is overly detailed. A better approach is to develop a very broad outline of where they want to accomplish. Then focus on a combination of education, work experiences, life experiences, needed skills. In the case of general contractor, you might for a degree in civil engineering, volunteering on several Habitat for Humanity Builds, and doing some home improvement projects with an experience family member.
I sense a deep concern about the cost of college. My sons were very successful going to a local community college and transfering to a public 4-year university that allows you to live at home. This approach should leave the college grad with very limited debt.
I've noticed that young people have a tendency to try to create a plan for their life which is overly detailed. A better approach is to develop a very broad outline of where they want to accomplish. Then focus on a combination of education, work experiences, life experiences, needed skills. In the case of general contractor, you might for a degree in civil engineering, volunteering on several Habitat for Humanity Builds, and doing some home improvement projects with an experience family member.
I sense a deep concern about the cost of college. My sons were very successful going to a local community college and transfering to a public 4-year university that allows you to live at home. This approach should leave the college grad with very limited debt.
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
Do what fits you best. People will make comments and complain about a lot of things when it comes to college because they were not willing to do the research for themselves, or they did not have much options available where they lived. Look at the through the colleges, universities and vocational schools programs to see what you are willing to do within your own goal time frame. This is how you decide if you are willing and able to commit. If you have the opportunity and money to move out of state then do so. You don’t have to stay local if you don’t want to. There are other states that are affordable. Research is important for everything you want to do.
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Serena,
Wow, you’re asking such a thoughtful and timely question—this is something so many students wrestle with as they try to figure out their futures. First off, kudos to you for thinking critically about career paths instead of just following the crowd or what’s “expected.” That kind of self-awareness is rare and incredibly valuable.
Now, let’s dive into your question about niche careers versus more standardized ones like pre-med or computer science (com sci). There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—it really depends on you : your passions, goals, lifestyle preferences, and willingness to take risks. But I’ll break it down in a way that hopefully helps you weigh the pros and cons and feel more confident about whichever direction you choose.
1. Niche Careers: The Pros & Cons
Niche careers are often misunderstood because they don’t follow traditional paths, but they can be incredibly rewarding if they align with your passions and strengths. Here’s what to consider:
The Upsides:
Passion-Driven Work: If you love what you do, every day feels fulfilling—even if it’s not glamorous or high-paying at first. For example, someone who loves art restoration or underwater archaeology might find immense joy in those fields, even though they’re not mainstream.
Less Competition: Because niche careers are specialized, there’s often less competition for roles. If you become an expert in your field, you can carve out a unique space for yourself.
Flexibility & Creativity: Many niche careers allow for more creativity and autonomy. Think about roles like freelance writers, podcast producers, urban farmers, or ethical hackers—they often have unconventional schedules and the freedom to shape their own careers.
The Challenges:
Financial Uncertainty: Some niche careers may not offer the same stability or earning potential as standardized fields like medicine or tech. It’s important to think about how comfortable you’d be with financial ups and downs while building your path.
Lack of Clear Roadmaps: Unlike pre-med or com sci, where the steps are fairly well-defined (e.g., med school → residency → doctor), niche careers often require you to pave your own way. This can be exciting but also overwhelming without guidance.
Perception from Others: Unfortunately, society sometimes undervalues non-traditional careers. People might question your choices or worry about your long-term prospects. Learning to tune out negativity and trust your instincts is key.
2. Standardized Careers: The Pros & Cons
Fields like pre-med and computer science are popular for good reasons—they offer clear pathways, strong job security, and competitive salaries. But as you mentioned, they’re not without drawbacks. Let’s explore both sides:
The Upsides:
Job Security & Demand: These fields are highly sought after, meaning steady employment opportunities. Doctors, nurses, software engineers, and data scientists are always in demand globally.
Structured Paths: With pre-med, you know exactly what’s required (MCAT, med school, residency) to reach your goal. Similarly, com sci has defined milestones like internships, certifications, or coding bootcamps.
Higher Earning Potential: Both fields tend to pay well, which can offset student loan debt over time. Plus, advanced degrees in these areas usually lead to leadership roles or higher earnings later in life.
The Challenges:
Burnout Risk: As you’ve heard from others, pre-med tracks (and even com sci) can be grueling. Long hours, intense competition, and years of schooling/training can take a toll on mental health and personal relationships.
Debt & Time Commitment: Medical school especially comes with significant costs and a decade+ commitment before you start earning a full salary. Even com sci grads who pursue advanced degrees or certifications may face similar pressures.
Loss of Passion: Some people enter these fields because they feel “safe” or pressured by family/society, only to realize later that they don’t actually enjoy the work. Staying connected to your true passions is crucial.
3. Finding Your Sweet Spot
Here’s the beautiful part—you don’t have to pick between “niche” and “standardized.” Many successful people blend elements of both. For instance:
A biologist might specialize in marine conservation (niche) while using their science background (standardized).
A graphic designer could focus on creating content for healthcare apps (combining creativity with tech/medicine).
A writer might author books about AI ethics (merging storytelling with technology trends).
Ask yourself:
What excites me most? If you’re drawn to something unusual, lean into it—but research its viability and brainstorm ways to monetize it.
What am I willing to sacrifice? Are you okay with taking financial risks for a passion project, or do you need stability sooner rather than later?
How can I combine interests? Sometimes, blending two seemingly unrelated fields creates magic. For example, pairing psychology with entrepreneurship or photography with environmental activism.
4. Addressing the Pre-Med Hype
You mentioned hearing negativity about pre-med, and honestly, it’s valid criticism for some people. Not everyone thrives in high-pressure environments, and the debt-to-reward ratio isn’t ideal for everyone. However, for those truly passionate about medicine, the sacrifices can feel worth it.
If you’re not considering medical careers, that’s totally fine! Don’t let societal expectations sway you toward something you’re not excited about. Instead, channel that energy into exploring alternatives that light you up.
5. Trust Yourself & Stay Open-Minded
At the end of the day, the best career is one that aligns with your values, skills, and aspirations—not anyone else’s opinions. Here’s my advice:
Experiment Early: Use internships, side projects, or online courses to test different fields. The more you try, the clearer your preferences will become.
Build Transferable Skills: No matter what path you choose, focus on developing skills like communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and digital literacy. These make switching careers easier if needed.
Stay Curious: Keep learning about emerging industries and trends. Fields like sustainability, virtual reality, mental health advocacy, and remote work design are growing rapidly—and they often welcome unconventional thinkers.
You’re clearly someone who thinks deeply and values authenticity. Whether you go niche, standardized, or somewhere in between, trust that your unique perspective and determination will carry you far.
Remember, there’s no “right” answer when it comes to choosing a career—it’s all about finding what works for you . Take your time, stay open to possibilities, and embrace the journey. You’ve got this, and whatever path you choose, I know you’ll bring passion and purpose to it.
Wow, you’re asking such a thoughtful and timely question—this is something so many students wrestle with as they try to figure out their futures. First off, kudos to you for thinking critically about career paths instead of just following the crowd or what’s “expected.” That kind of self-awareness is rare and incredibly valuable.
Now, let’s dive into your question about niche careers versus more standardized ones like pre-med or computer science (com sci). There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—it really depends on you : your passions, goals, lifestyle preferences, and willingness to take risks. But I’ll break it down in a way that hopefully helps you weigh the pros and cons and feel more confident about whichever direction you choose.
1. Niche Careers: The Pros & Cons
Niche careers are often misunderstood because they don’t follow traditional paths, but they can be incredibly rewarding if they align with your passions and strengths. Here’s what to consider:
The Upsides:
Passion-Driven Work: If you love what you do, every day feels fulfilling—even if it’s not glamorous or high-paying at first. For example, someone who loves art restoration or underwater archaeology might find immense joy in those fields, even though they’re not mainstream.
Less Competition: Because niche careers are specialized, there’s often less competition for roles. If you become an expert in your field, you can carve out a unique space for yourself.
Flexibility & Creativity: Many niche careers allow for more creativity and autonomy. Think about roles like freelance writers, podcast producers, urban farmers, or ethical hackers—they often have unconventional schedules and the freedom to shape their own careers.
The Challenges:
Financial Uncertainty: Some niche careers may not offer the same stability or earning potential as standardized fields like medicine or tech. It’s important to think about how comfortable you’d be with financial ups and downs while building your path.
Lack of Clear Roadmaps: Unlike pre-med or com sci, where the steps are fairly well-defined (e.g., med school → residency → doctor), niche careers often require you to pave your own way. This can be exciting but also overwhelming without guidance.
Perception from Others: Unfortunately, society sometimes undervalues non-traditional careers. People might question your choices or worry about your long-term prospects. Learning to tune out negativity and trust your instincts is key.
2. Standardized Careers: The Pros & Cons
Fields like pre-med and computer science are popular for good reasons—they offer clear pathways, strong job security, and competitive salaries. But as you mentioned, they’re not without drawbacks. Let’s explore both sides:
The Upsides:
Job Security & Demand: These fields are highly sought after, meaning steady employment opportunities. Doctors, nurses, software engineers, and data scientists are always in demand globally.
Structured Paths: With pre-med, you know exactly what’s required (MCAT, med school, residency) to reach your goal. Similarly, com sci has defined milestones like internships, certifications, or coding bootcamps.
Higher Earning Potential: Both fields tend to pay well, which can offset student loan debt over time. Plus, advanced degrees in these areas usually lead to leadership roles or higher earnings later in life.
The Challenges:
Burnout Risk: As you’ve heard from others, pre-med tracks (and even com sci) can be grueling. Long hours, intense competition, and years of schooling/training can take a toll on mental health and personal relationships.
Debt & Time Commitment: Medical school especially comes with significant costs and a decade+ commitment before you start earning a full salary. Even com sci grads who pursue advanced degrees or certifications may face similar pressures.
Loss of Passion: Some people enter these fields because they feel “safe” or pressured by family/society, only to realize later that they don’t actually enjoy the work. Staying connected to your true passions is crucial.
3. Finding Your Sweet Spot
Here’s the beautiful part—you don’t have to pick between “niche” and “standardized.” Many successful people blend elements of both. For instance:
A biologist might specialize in marine conservation (niche) while using their science background (standardized).
A graphic designer could focus on creating content for healthcare apps (combining creativity with tech/medicine).
A writer might author books about AI ethics (merging storytelling with technology trends).
Ask yourself:
What excites me most? If you’re drawn to something unusual, lean into it—but research its viability and brainstorm ways to monetize it.
What am I willing to sacrifice? Are you okay with taking financial risks for a passion project, or do you need stability sooner rather than later?
How can I combine interests? Sometimes, blending two seemingly unrelated fields creates magic. For example, pairing psychology with entrepreneurship or photography with environmental activism.
4. Addressing the Pre-Med Hype
You mentioned hearing negativity about pre-med, and honestly, it’s valid criticism for some people. Not everyone thrives in high-pressure environments, and the debt-to-reward ratio isn’t ideal for everyone. However, for those truly passionate about medicine, the sacrifices can feel worth it.
If you’re not considering medical careers, that’s totally fine! Don’t let societal expectations sway you toward something you’re not excited about. Instead, channel that energy into exploring alternatives that light you up.
5. Trust Yourself & Stay Open-Minded
At the end of the day, the best career is one that aligns with your values, skills, and aspirations—not anyone else’s opinions. Here’s my advice:
Experiment Early: Use internships, side projects, or online courses to test different fields. The more you try, the clearer your preferences will become.
Build Transferable Skills: No matter what path you choose, focus on developing skills like communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and digital literacy. These make switching careers easier if needed.
Stay Curious: Keep learning about emerging industries and trends. Fields like sustainability, virtual reality, mental health advocacy, and remote work design are growing rapidly—and they often welcome unconventional thinkers.
You’re clearly someone who thinks deeply and values authenticity. Whether you go niche, standardized, or somewhere in between, trust that your unique perspective and determination will carry you far.
Remember, there’s no “right” answer when it comes to choosing a career—it’s all about finding what works for you . Take your time, stay open to possibilities, and embrace the journey. You’ve got this, and whatever path you choose, I know you’ll bring passion and purpose to it.
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
You certainly don't have to go to college to have a successful career. My former father in law is now the owner of a business, and he started there by sweeping the metal shavings off the shop floor; he never went to college. My boyfriend makes over 100K a year and he started as a customer service rep in a call center, never went to college. Those are two slightly extreme examples; it's not supremely common to have such high paying jobs without some sort of formal training, but it is definitely possible.
There's also a huge shortage of people in the trades right now (electricians, HVAC workers, plumbers, ect) because of the generation that was told to push their children towards college vs trade school or going directly into the work force. So if there was ever a time to steer away from "the college tradition", I would say now would be that time (especially with college debt being what it is).
Good luck! You know where to go if you have more questions on whatever career path you do choose!
There's also a huge shortage of people in the trades right now (electricians, HVAC workers, plumbers, ect) because of the generation that was told to push their children towards college vs trade school or going directly into the work force. So if there was ever a time to steer away from "the college tradition", I would say now would be that time (especially with college debt being what it is).
Good luck! You know where to go if you have more questions on whatever career path you do choose!
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Serena,
Choosing between a niche career and a conventional one, such as pre-med or computer science, is like selecting between a mystery novel and a classic bestseller—both have their unique appeal. Niche careers offer the opportunity to pursue your passions and potentially avoid substantial student debt, though they can be less predictable and present challenges in finding job openings. Conventional careers, in contrast, provide structured and stable paths, often leading to lucrative salaries, such as those for doctors or tech professionals. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferences: if you enjoy the excitement of forging your own path, a niche career may be ideal; if you value the security of a clearly defined route, a conventional career might be more suitable. Hope this helps!
Choosing between a niche career and a conventional one, such as pre-med or computer science, is like selecting between a mystery novel and a classic bestseller—both have their unique appeal. Niche careers offer the opportunity to pursue your passions and potentially avoid substantial student debt, though they can be less predictable and present challenges in finding job openings. Conventional careers, in contrast, provide structured and stable paths, often leading to lucrative salaries, such as those for doctors or tech professionals. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferences: if you enjoy the excitement of forging your own path, a niche career may be ideal; if you value the security of a clearly defined route, a conventional career might be more suitable. Hope this helps!