2 answers
Ruby
Student
Pineland, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What was the first step you took to begin your career?
Was starting your career stressfull? Were there bumps in the road? If so how did you overcome them?
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2 answers
George Ducach
Podiatry
35
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
George’s Answer
Hi Ruby,
I wanted to be a doctor as far back as I remember. I did well in High School and was accepted to a very good State University. At the University I directed my studies to a Pre-Med program and was assigned a "Pre-Med" counselor. He made sure I took all the prerequisite courses which included Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Comparative Anatomy, etc. I was free to select any Major course of study even if it was not a science. I did, however, major in Biological Sciences because I always had an interest in science. My college experience was very full between studying and playing 1st Division soccer. You asked about "bumps." For me, trying to study, working in a cafeteria part-time and playing soccer was a major bump trying to keep my grades at a level that Medical Schools were looking for at the time. Eventually, I gave up soccer in order to raise my grades. You have to find a way to balance your studies and "social" life in order to try to meet the requirements to be accepted to a Medical School. This depends on you and what you think you can handle. In my case, after graduation, I chose to work a few years before applying to a Medical School program. It turned out that I found my way to a Podiatric Medical School and recently retired from a wonderful 40-year career. Visit as many doctors as you can when you have the time to see what you will be doing a good part of your life. Make sure you like it and then go for it! Find that balance in College and see where it takes you.
I wanted to be a doctor as far back as I remember. I did well in High School and was accepted to a very good State University. At the University I directed my studies to a Pre-Med program and was assigned a "Pre-Med" counselor. He made sure I took all the prerequisite courses which included Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Comparative Anatomy, etc. I was free to select any Major course of study even if it was not a science. I did, however, major in Biological Sciences because I always had an interest in science. My college experience was very full between studying and playing 1st Division soccer. You asked about "bumps." For me, trying to study, working in a cafeteria part-time and playing soccer was a major bump trying to keep my grades at a level that Medical Schools were looking for at the time. Eventually, I gave up soccer in order to raise my grades. You have to find a way to balance your studies and "social" life in order to try to meet the requirements to be accepted to a Medical School. This depends on you and what you think you can handle. In my case, after graduation, I chose to work a few years before applying to a Medical School program. It turned out that I found my way to a Podiatric Medical School and recently retired from a wonderful 40-year career. Visit as many doctors as you can when you have the time to see what you will be doing a good part of your life. Make sure you like it and then go for it! Find that balance in College and see where it takes you.
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
481
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
You have already taken the first steps to begin your career. A career isn't something where you flip a switch and you have one...it's the culmination of all your experiences up to date. That could be someone who's been working professionally for 20+ years, or someone who is in high school who is just thinking about where they want to go...
I have worked in several different industries in my life, including retail, travel, education, and IT. I couldn't say when exactly my career began...it just sort of happened.
Yes, there were bumps. I've been laid off twice in my life. I've had jobs I hated. I've had other setbacks, but that's just how life works. There is no straight line from "A" to "B". You rely on friends and family to help carry you through the rough times, and to help you celebrate the good, just like you will help and celebrate your friends and family.
I have worked in several different industries in my life, including retail, travel, education, and IT. I couldn't say when exactly my career began...it just sort of happened.
Yes, there were bumps. I've been laid off twice in my life. I've had jobs I hated. I've had other setbacks, but that's just how life works. There is no straight line from "A" to "B". You rely on friends and family to help carry you through the rough times, and to help you celebrate the good, just like you will help and celebrate your friends and family.
Thank you for your feedback, it helped quite a bit to understand the "process".
Ruby