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how did you finally decide what to major in?
How did you eventually decide what to do? I want to do something with medicine but I can’t make up my mind. any advice?
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I played to my strengths, which turned out to be in the public sector.
I was a very good writer and communicator, had a lot of energy and dedication, and was interested in making a difference in the lives of the people that I had contact.
So, education was the route that I took. You will need to do some self analysis. Review your strengths, determine what you love and are passionate about, see where you feel you can make the greatest contribution and difference in your community.
I was a very good writer and communicator, had a lot of energy and dedication, and was interested in making a difference in the lives of the people that I had contact.
So, education was the route that I took. You will need to do some self analysis. Review your strengths, determine what you love and are passionate about, see where you feel you can make the greatest contribution and difference in your community.
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
I never went to college, but I can share that my journey led me to where I am today. For you, if medicine interests you, maybe explore roles that align with that field, even without a traditional degree. You could consider certifications or training programs to get started. It's about finding your path, just like I did in facility maintenance. Good luck!
Updated
Janet’s Answer
Great question! I think work experience can really help you decide what you want to do. I did 2 years at a community college while working in retail. At that point I realized how much I enjoyed fashion and working around clothing and accessories. I finished my degree in Fashion Merchandising, which I would not have known if I didn't start working in the industry. One opportunity lead into another until I was able to see what I did/didn't want to do in my career. You can also try internships. My son is 16 and did one this summer for a minor league soccer team (he's a huge soccer fan) and he loved it. It's helping him realize what aspects of the industry he does and doesn't want to be in. Good Luck!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Mary !
It may seem like a concern to not know what to choose, but at least you do have an interest in medicine. The only way you can move along on the discovery would be to make it real. How to do that. There are some ways you can get a feel for the field of medicine and I'd be happy to give some advice to you.
If you are showing an interest in medicine, which can mean being a doctor, I would advise you to do volunteer work at your local hospital or even get a part time job at the hospital in a neutral department like data entry, reception, food service, etc. This will put you in touch with the medical field as an observer. My first paid job when I was in high school was as a Dietary Assistant and there were times that the dieticians assigned me work that they would normally do. So you never know how much exposure you really would get for a real experience with patients and having doctors around.
You will eventually decide what to do when you expose yourself to the work and when you start to feel part of it. Medicine is interesting, though, because the term is very general compared to the jobs you can actually obtain . Think about what part of the medical field most interests you and focus on that. Medicine can mean anything from Psychiatry to Veterinary, Research, Chemistry and everything in between. So start slow with focusing on which aspect you may enjoy most.
Most of all, do not feel funny because you are having a time discovering what you want to do. It does take time for a lot of people. We are all different and have different things that influence us in different ways and it's better to take time finding out where you want to be rather than rushing it. The great thing is that much advice is very helpful but in the end, you have the ability to choose for yourself, whether it's in the medical field or something different.
I wish you all the best in finding out which career path would be best for you !
It may seem like a concern to not know what to choose, but at least you do have an interest in medicine. The only way you can move along on the discovery would be to make it real. How to do that. There are some ways you can get a feel for the field of medicine and I'd be happy to give some advice to you.
If you are showing an interest in medicine, which can mean being a doctor, I would advise you to do volunteer work at your local hospital or even get a part time job at the hospital in a neutral department like data entry, reception, food service, etc. This will put you in touch with the medical field as an observer. My first paid job when I was in high school was as a Dietary Assistant and there were times that the dieticians assigned me work that they would normally do. So you never know how much exposure you really would get for a real experience with patients and having doctors around.
You will eventually decide what to do when you expose yourself to the work and when you start to feel part of it. Medicine is interesting, though, because the term is very general compared to the jobs you can actually obtain . Think about what part of the medical field most interests you and focus on that. Medicine can mean anything from Psychiatry to Veterinary, Research, Chemistry and everything in between. So start slow with focusing on which aspect you may enjoy most.
Most of all, do not feel funny because you are having a time discovering what you want to do. It does take time for a lot of people. We are all different and have different things that influence us in different ways and it's better to take time finding out where you want to be rather than rushing it. The great thing is that much advice is very helpful but in the end, you have the ability to choose for yourself, whether it's in the medical field or something different.
I wish you all the best in finding out which career path would be best for you !
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I didn’t k ow what I wanted to do until half way through college. I took a general studies AA (to get all of my pre-req work done) and simply explored different disciplines during that time. I was able to learn, have some fun and be adventurous in the classes I took. I landed on Psychology for my Bachelors and ended up getting an MBA in Business.