4 answers
Miracle
Student
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
5
Questions
Asked
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Q4: I’ve done a lot of career tests, and I’ve scored high in science and healthcare, but I’m not sure what career would be good for me specifically in the science field, and what I want to do?
Hi, my name is Miracle and I’m about to start college in the fall, but I’m not sure what to major in and I was hoping that having a scientist answer my questions then that might give me some insight on what to major in. I know these aren’t ideal questions, but I’ve always loved science and science fiction in general, and I want to be a scientist and , I just don’t know what scientist to be. I want my career to be fulfilling and have purpose and to see my work help people. Thank you for your time.
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4 answers
Vanessa Bordonaro
Biologist; Clinical Ophthalmic Assistant
1
Answer
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Hello, I would look up/compare the different main types of science degrees as well as future careers associated with each one and see which one feels like something you like the most.
Biology - common major for premeds because of the physiological aspects but there’s also the ecological side of biology if your interested in biodiversity, field work and finding ways to help with conservation of different ecosystems…; Other sub fields of biology are microbiology, immunology, cell and molecular biology, genetics,…..
Chemistry - a lot of lab work, mixing chemicals and studying reactions, and how certain chemicals react together. Chemistry is important for anyone interested in studying pharmacy for example.
Physics - mechanics, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism…. Very interesting because we learn how many things in life work (ex: how different shaped lenses help people see further/closer; why we feel “lighter” under water; why we feel “pulled back” when accelerating in a car)
Psychology/Neuroscience - studies behaviour, mood, the brain, mind… Ex: You can learn about how certain early life experiences can affect someone’s future relationships
There’s obviously a lot more to each of these but this is my little description for these 4. If you feel like you’re interested in more than 1 or all of them, you can always take elective courses in the other science fields. Or if after you’ve chosen one and feel like you don’t like it, you can always switch major and try something else:) In my opinion, any career in science is fulfilling and helps others in one way or another!
Biology - common major for premeds because of the physiological aspects but there’s also the ecological side of biology if your interested in biodiversity, field work and finding ways to help with conservation of different ecosystems…; Other sub fields of biology are microbiology, immunology, cell and molecular biology, genetics,…..
Chemistry - a lot of lab work, mixing chemicals and studying reactions, and how certain chemicals react together. Chemistry is important for anyone interested in studying pharmacy for example.
Physics - mechanics, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism…. Very interesting because we learn how many things in life work (ex: how different shaped lenses help people see further/closer; why we feel “lighter” under water; why we feel “pulled back” when accelerating in a car)
Psychology/Neuroscience - studies behaviour, mood, the brain, mind… Ex: You can learn about how certain early life experiences can affect someone’s future relationships
There’s obviously a lot more to each of these but this is my little description for these 4. If you feel like you’re interested in more than 1 or all of them, you can always take elective courses in the other science fields. Or if after you’ve chosen one and feel like you don’t like it, you can always switch major and try something else:) In my opinion, any career in science is fulfilling and helps others in one way or another!
Thank you, Vanessa for the advice.
Miracle
RAVI REDDY
Product Marketing Manager
100
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
RAVI’s Answer
Congratulations Miracle on your College journey! And best wishes too!
Most colleges will put you through lot of core courses in the first few semesters. If you have not chosen a major yet, I am sure you do have some time to make that decision.
During this time take classes in biology, chemistry, physics from among the core courses. This will not only help meet your core requirements, but also helps you explore. This will also help you interact with the professors, advisors in each of the department, networking with professionals and students in these department that might open up to information and opportunities that you may never have imagined.
The fields that open up are just unlimited: From becoming a doctor, to chemist, an astronaut, material scientist, semiconductor chip designer, to a professor etc. It is endless. All of these can be research oriented with advanced degrees and PhDs that will lead you to the kind of scientist you want to be.
Every one of the field will have impacts on the society, helping in many ways. There is a long road ahead and I am sure you will have many wonderful experiences and turns and changes in your journey.
By the way I got my undergrad in communications engineering, graduate degree in computer engineering, and was a software developer for 15 years before changing into a product marketing role developing and delivering communication services to large global customers. Coming from a farming family and wanted to be successful farmer, never thought I would end up as an engineer early on and never though of managing global network service right now when I was your age and thinking of college. Once I stepped into the college and made some friends in different fields and liked what they were doing, I tried it out and here I am.
Enjoy the journey, learn from experiences and people, choose the path that interests you, and shape your future. Never stop working hard!
Very best wishes for your success in wherever the journey takes you.
Most colleges will put you through lot of core courses in the first few semesters. If you have not chosen a major yet, I am sure you do have some time to make that decision.
During this time take classes in biology, chemistry, physics from among the core courses. This will not only help meet your core requirements, but also helps you explore. This will also help you interact with the professors, advisors in each of the department, networking with professionals and students in these department that might open up to information and opportunities that you may never have imagined.
The fields that open up are just unlimited: From becoming a doctor, to chemist, an astronaut, material scientist, semiconductor chip designer, to a professor etc. It is endless. All of these can be research oriented with advanced degrees and PhDs that will lead you to the kind of scientist you want to be.
Every one of the field will have impacts on the society, helping in many ways. There is a long road ahead and I am sure you will have many wonderful experiences and turns and changes in your journey.
By the way I got my undergrad in communications engineering, graduate degree in computer engineering, and was a software developer for 15 years before changing into a product marketing role developing and delivering communication services to large global customers. Coming from a farming family and wanted to be successful farmer, never thought I would end up as an engineer early on and never though of managing global network service right now when I was your age and thinking of college. Once I stepped into the college and made some friends in different fields and liked what they were doing, I tried it out and here I am.
Enjoy the journey, learn from experiences and people, choose the path that interests you, and shape your future. Never stop working hard!
Very best wishes for your success in wherever the journey takes you.
Jackson Ku
Cybersecurity Practitioner at AT&T
41
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jackson’s Answer
Miracle: Congratulations on your next chapter in life - college. I agree with what Priya wrote earlier. Enjoy the first two years of your college by taking basic science classes and joining science clubs. Pay attention to the subjects and activities that attract you and do more of them.
I am an engineer and not a scientist. When I started college, I had no idea what kind of engineer I wanted to be. I had ideas about what kind of engineering degrees I wanted to avoid. Just because I graduated with an electrical engineering degree does not mean I know how to replace the electric wires in my house. I went back to school 2 years ago after I received my bachelor's degree 25 years ago. What I am trying to say is that you never stop learning. The type of scientist you want to be at 18 may not be the same at age 28.
You sound like an overachiever. I recommend watching the TED Talk on "5 Steps to Designing the Life You Want" by Bill Burnett. Bill is the
Executive Director of Design Program at Stanford University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate students how to find their purpose and live a fulfilling life with their Stanford degrees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SemHh0n19LA
I am an engineer and not a scientist. When I started college, I had no idea what kind of engineer I wanted to be. I had ideas about what kind of engineering degrees I wanted to avoid. Just because I graduated with an electrical engineering degree does not mean I know how to replace the electric wires in my house. I went back to school 2 years ago after I received my bachelor's degree 25 years ago. What I am trying to say is that you never stop learning. The type of scientist you want to be at 18 may not be the same at age 28.
You sound like an overachiever. I recommend watching the TED Talk on "5 Steps to Designing the Life You Want" by Bill Burnett. Bill is the
Executive Director of Design Program at Stanford University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate students how to find their purpose and live a fulfilling life with their Stanford degrees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SemHh0n19LA
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Miracle
Priya Mathew
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Art Student
170
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Miracle,
I am unsure if I answered one of your previous questions but you have some time to narrow down what type of scientist you want to be while in college. If you still have to take your basic classes when entering then you have about 2 years before it gets to crunch time :). I would pick a science major that sounds interesting to you at this time and then spend the time in the next two years to research careers, visit a career counselor on campus, talk with your advisor and try different classes while you finish your basic courses! Good luck and hope this is helpful!
I am unsure if I answered one of your previous questions but you have some time to narrow down what type of scientist you want to be while in college. If you still have to take your basic classes when entering then you have about 2 years before it gets to crunch time :). I would pick a science major that sounds interesting to you at this time and then spend the time in the next two years to research careers, visit a career counselor on campus, talk with your advisor and try different classes while you finish your basic courses! Good luck and hope this is helpful!
Thank you, Priya for the advice.
Miracle