Logan
How can I be sure that this is the field I want to go into?
My future can change at any moment, why would I want to stick to the plan of going into a STEM field? I've always loved science, but what if there is a different option I could go for not in the STEM field? Would it be worth it? #college #biology #bachelors-degree
2 answers
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Logan!
You asked a very important question. It is one that we all asked at one time or another. Here is a site that will help answer that question:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/14-free-personality-tests-thatll-help-you-figure-yourself-out
Looking for an appropriate career area is like buying a pair of shoes. They may look great, but you need to try them on and walk in them for a while to determine proper level of fit and comfort. When you see something that looks interesting, here are a few things that you can do:
- talk to you school counselor about becoming involved in coop, intern, volunteer, or shadowing programs that will allow you to see the inside of the career area and talk to people to see what they are doing, how they got there, and how you feel about that
- talk to the head of alumni relations at your school to arrange to meet and talk to graduates of you school who are doing what you think that you want to do, so you can learn more
Best of luck!
Nicole Baillie
Nicole’s Answer
As I respond to your question, now in the year 2021 as the world is still combating the effects of a global pandemic, I share two pieces of feedback. 1) my own bias on the power of having familiarity in STEM-related and/or technology-based careers and 2)the resiliency in some areas of the global economy when there are dire situations.
In very general terms, those areas where there is an inclusion of STEM and/or technology seems to have been hit less hard both in the areas of job loss. Also, the ability to regain jobs in these fields seemed to kick back in a little sooner. As another example, technology plays a large role in the ability to remote learn/work and to support "in-class room" needs.
Even before such drastic circumstances, demand for STEM knowledge sets was high. My response is not to suggest that other interests don't matter. Individuals should pursue careers that they find rewarding. My intent though is to advise on those areas that I am most familiar. Having worked in this field for a long time, I share that there is a lot to gain by engaging in STEM and/or technology as part of a sustained career path.
Hope you find this answer helpful and best of luck!