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How did you pick your field of science?

How did you pick your field of science? I love animals but I also love psychology and don’t know how to decide between them.

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T.J.’s Answer

Hello Eleanor!

There is a field that might interests you:

You can become a Animal Psychologist!

It's a career path where you study how animals interact with each other, with humans, and with the environment.
People usually study psychology as a undergraduate degree and use minors + undergraduate research experience to prepare themselves for studying animal behavior in the future.

Check out these websites to learn more:

↪ What Is an Animal Psychologist? | https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/animal-psychologist
↪ A Career Spotlight on The Animal Psychology Field | https://iloveveterinary.com/blog/a-career-spotlight-on-the-animal-psychology-field/
↪ 12 Animal Psychology Jobs | https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/animal-psychology-jobs

Enjoy learning about opportunities within animal psychology! :)
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Megan’s Answer

Hi Eleanor! Fun fact: A lot of people who work with animals have studied psychology! Particularly animal trainers. Working with animals because we can not communicate it is important to understand psychology to know what motivates them and helps them learn. If you are interested in working with animals you could always major in zoology, biology, environmental students etc., and minor in psychology. In college you usually pick a major (your main focus) and a minor (a side focus) to study. Now you don't have to choose between them!

Hope this helps!
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Both of those fields are awesome! To help you with this process, here are a few simple steps:

- Check out the classes and higher-level degrees needed for various majors and jobs
- Discover what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what's important to you
- Look up different majors and careers that fit your likes and interests
- Think about how much money you could make, how happy you'd be, and how easy it would be to find a job in different majors and careers
- Talk to people like your school counselor, academic advisor, career center, mentors, family, and friends for advice
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Rishabh’s Answer

There's some good advice on this question already. I agree with all that advice that's been given.

Just adding my 2 cents on this - always a better idea to start with subjects/courses that are most foundational and develop a breadth of knowledge. You can intern in a few areas you are interested in and talk to people in those fields. Based on your learnings from that, you can choose whether you want to study one subject in more depth or work for some time to get opportunities.
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Marissa’s Answer

Hey there, Eleanor! During my college days, I took up Gerontology (which focuses on people aged 65 and above) and Human Development and Family Studies as my minor subjects. My major was Communications, and I was eager to find a job that allowed me to merge all my passions. That's how I became a UX designer in the tech world! I searched for careers that brought together science, design, and communications.

Check out this awesome website, https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip, where you can take a quiz to pinpoint your interests. It'll also show you some cool career options you might want to think about.
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Raymond’s Answer

Hello Eleanor - Deciding on a scientific field can be tough, particularly when you're passionate about multiple subjects. To assist you in choosing between your love for animals and psychology, here are some encouraging steps to follow:

1. Investigate both areas: Spend time collecting information about animal science and psychology. Discover the different subfields, career possibilities, educational requirements, and potential opportunities in each domain. This will offer you a clearer picture of what each field involves and support you in making a well-informed choice.

2. Reflect on your strengths and abilities: Consider your personal strengths, skills, and qualities. Which area aligns better with your innate talents and capabilities? Think about the tasks, knowledge, and skills needed in each field and determine which one you feel more enthusiastic and confident about.

3. Examine your motivations: Delve into the reasons behind your interest in animals and psychology. Ask yourself what attracts you to each field. Is it the urge to comprehend and assist animals? Or is it the fascination with human behavior and the mind? Grasping your motivations can offer insight into which field connects with you on a deeper level.

4. Consult with professionals and experts: Connect with individuals working in both animal science and psychology. Request their advice and insights about their respective fields. Talk about daily tasks, career prospects, challenges, and rewards in each area. Their experiences can supply valuable viewpoints and support you in making a knowledgeable choice.

5. Gain practical experience: Contemplate acquiring hands-on experience in both fields through volunteering or interning. Search for opportunities to work with animals, such as animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or veterinary clinics. Likewise, look into internships or shadowing opportunities in psychology-related environments, like mental health clinics or research labs. Practical experience can offer a glimpse of the work involved and help you gauge your interest and enjoyment.

6. Ask for guidance from mentors: Contact mentors, teachers, or advisors who can help you navigate the decision-making process. They can offer valuable insights, pose thought-provoking questions, and assist you in evaluating your options objectively.

7. Discover interdisciplinary possibilities: Keep in mind that you might be able to merge your interests in animals and psychology. For instance, you could explore fields like comparative psychology, ethology, or animal behavior, which involve examining animal behavior from a psychological standpoint. Investigating interdisciplinary fields may grant you the best of both worlds.

Remember, selecting a scientific field doesn't need to be a fixed choice. Your interests might change over time, and you could have chances to delve into various aspects of both animal science and psychology throughout your educational and professional journey. Remain open to new experiences, seek guidance, and trust your instincts to make a decision that feels perfect for you.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Eleanor,

My academic journey chose me, rather than the other way around. Wondering how? At the tender age of 11, my parents gifted me a small telescope to gaze at the stars, igniting my desire to become an Astronomer. However, life had other plans. My world shifted when my uncle, my father's brother, suffered a fatal heart attack.

This tragic event led me to cross paths with my uncle's former supervisor from Queensland University, who had recently moved to Griffith University to teach biochemistry. At that time, I had just embarked on my studies in nutrition, and this encounter sparked a curiosity in me to delve deeper.

Under the tutelage of this biochemistry professor, I learned about the body's process of cholesterol accumulation. Further, with a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics under my belt, another professor enlightened me on how our bodies increase cholesterol levels when we consume saturated fat-rich foods, such as sausages.

Stay Blessed,
James Constantine.
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jasmine’s Answer

When choosing a field of science, it's important to consider your interests, strengths, and goals. If you love animals and psychology, you might consider fields such as animal behavior or comparative psychology. You might also consider interdisciplinary fields such as cognitive neuroscience or animal cognition, which combine elements of both.

You can also explore different fields by taking courses, volunteering, or shadowing professionals in the field. This can give you a better sense of what the work is like and help you decide if it's the right fit for you.

Ultimately, it's important to choose a field that you are passionate about and that aligns with your values and goals. Don't be afraid to explore and try new things, and remember that it's okay to change your mind and pursue a different path if you discover that your interests or goals have shifted over time.
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Matt’s Answer

I echo all of the previous answers. Also keep in mind that in many cases, the field you choose at first is not going to be the field you have to stick with for the remainder of college. As long as you take coursework in your first year to help decide which path you ultimately want to take, you most likely will be offered the ability to switch fields by the end of your first year. It is after your first year it starts being more difficult to switch fields.
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Jacob’s Answer

Hello Eleanor,

There's already plenty of helpful advice here, but I'd like to contribute a little more. Deciding on a science or any major in college can be quite a challenge. I've known people who changed their science majors four times! The fantastic news is that many of the core requirements and prerequisites are quite similar. This allows you to enter college undecided, choose a single major/minor, or even pursue a double major – it's entirely up to you. Regardless of your choice, you'll be attending the same classes during your first year or so. As you gradually specialize in your coursework, you'll likely discover which field truly captures your interest. There's no rush to make this decision; simply explore all the subjects that intrigue you, and you'll be on the right track.

Wishing you the best on your exciting journey.
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Elissa’s Answer

Hello Eleanor! Choosing your area of interest, be it science or something else, can be both thrilling and challenging at the same time. You don't have to determine your entire career path right now; instead, take this opportunity to delve into various fields (of science) and discover what you like and dislike. The adventure of learning about diverse fields is truly exhilarating!

If you're certain that you want to explore a field that combines psychology and animals, consider options like pet therapy or animal psychology. Once you're in college, you can consult your career counselor for ideas on how to integrate these interests into the experiences available on campus.

Most importantly, remember to maintain balance in your life. You can concentrate on one subject as your career path or field of study while also enjoying a hobby that lets you focus on your other interests.
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