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Is it really my dream job?

There are so many career options available but how do I know if I’ve chosen the right one before actually starting to work? I plan on majoring in chemistry because I’ve always loved science, but I’m worried that, even though there are lots of careers through that major, I might not love it enough to want to get a job in that field. #careers #jobs

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Katie’s Answer

Combining a love of science with a chemistry degree opens up a variety of career options for you. Since you are still in the planning stages, you can take the time now to think about what excites you. Do you like working on research projects? Do you prefer to work mainly on your own or within a team? Do you want to work on products that you can share with your family and friends? Do you want to help protect the environment? Do you want to live in a big city or in a cabin in the woods?

Your answers to the questions above can help you narrow down the types of jobs you'll apply for as intern or even when you graduate. You should also look for ways to connect with people who are working in jobs that you find interesting to learn more about what it is they do day to day.

There are many factors that impact what/who you'll be when you grow up beyond what you major in. Co-oping in college helped me figure out that I did not want to spend my career in a lab. I also discovered that I really wanted to make products that I could share with my friends and family.

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Simeon’s Answer

Its honestly hard to know if you will truly love a field until you are in it. If you haven't already, I'd recommend trying out some higher level classes to get a better taste of what the field feels like. I'd also talk to upperclassmen as well as anyone currently working in the field to see what their honest thoughts and opinions are. I feel like an under-asked question is "What is your least favorite part of this job?" If you are able to ask this question in a setting where they can be transparent, you will get a much better idea of the pain points for a given job. If you don't know anyone in the field, you could look up people who've made videos of their thoughts on YouTube.
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Kathy’s Answer

It depends, what is your definition of a "Dream Job"? You need to look at what's important to you.

If you want to do something that genuinely makes you happy, ask yourself if what you do makes you feel fulfilled by the end of the day.

If you want to do something that makes a lot of money, look into salary comparisons between this job and other jobs.
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Carolyn’s Answer

Your major in college doesn’t have to define your job. If you major in chemistry and you end up completely hating being in a science based career, you will have other options. There are ample business jobs that desire employees with science backgrounds. Can you imagine working at a pharmaceutical company and not knowing periodic elements? Did you know that the best wine makers and beer brewers are master chemists?


I think it’s also really important to remember, even for veteran employees, that you’re not going to love every aspect of your job. Throughout your career you will probably have jobs that you love and that you less than love, but being able to find something that you love to do with in each job you hold is vital. I wanted to mention this, because there is a very widespread myth that the perfect job will not have parts you dislike or days you distain. I’ve had jobs of absolutely loved and I’ve had jobs that I never want to go back to but by understanding my own personality I was able to find something I liked in each one.

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Jacob’s Answer

Hi, Madi,


I think you already have two great answers there but wanted to add something else you may want to look at. Choosing a major and career are daunting decisions. You're certainly not alone in your trepidation. A really valuable tool a friend suggested to me is: https://80000hours.org/career-guide/job-satisfaction/. The link is to an extensive career guide that is definitely worth checking out.


Good luck in your decision!
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