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If STEM was just one of your interests in school, how did you balance your love for other "less stable" careers such as arts. How important is it to prioritise what will benefit your future than what will make you truly passionate?
I'm currently a year 12 student and will pursue a STEM career in neuroscience if my ATAR is sufficient. However, I also have many other interests involving the arts that I want to incorporate in my career but not sure how to :,)
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John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
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John’s Answer
Lots of things I could say here but I understand your challenge. I originally wanted to be a dancer (ballet) but then an injury put paid to that and STEM and hence IT was really an afterthought...
Remember that a lot of what is done in STEM needs creativity. Creative solutions to problems. Creative ways of thinking about a problem and how it might be solved and so on. That creativity might give you some of what you need. Communication of what you are doing and why / how you are doing it also needs to be done in a way that's appropriate for the target audience and very often having an 'arts' background can give you an advantage here too.
I think the key thing to remember is that this is not an "either-or" type problem. There is no reason why you cannot blend STEM and 'arts' - after all, that is what STEAM is all about - into a career that works for you.
Remember that a lot of what is done in STEM needs creativity. Creative solutions to problems. Creative ways of thinking about a problem and how it might be solved and so on. That creativity might give you some of what you need. Communication of what you are doing and why / how you are doing it also needs to be done in a way that's appropriate for the target audience and very often having an 'arts' background can give you an advantage here too.
I think the key thing to remember is that this is not an "either-or" type problem. There is no reason why you cannot blend STEM and 'arts' - after all, that is what STEAM is all about - into a career that works for you.
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Martin’s Answer
While considering your future profession, you'll often hear guidance to chase your dreams from many advisors. However, I propose a different perspective. This involves understanding the distinction between a career and a hobby. When it comes to your career, it's crucial to consider the kind of life you aspire to lead. Your chosen profession should align with this vision and be capable of providing the financial stability required to support it. If your passions don't align with this financial need, don't abandon them. Instead, cultivate them as hobbies.
As you journey through life and achieve financial security, there's always the opportunity to transform your hobby into a profitable venture. The important thing to remember is that establishing a solid financial base is the first step towards this goal.
As you journey through life and achieve financial security, there's always the opportunity to transform your hobby into a profitable venture. The important thing to remember is that establishing a solid financial base is the first step towards this goal.
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Heather’s Answer
Hello there! Just like my fellow authors, I too believe that it's perfectly feasible to balance a job and your passions, even if they aren't the same thing. I was once told something early in my career that has stuck with me: you don't need a job that completely fulfills you, your job can simply be a means to fund your hobbies and passions.
This could mean you choose to minor in or take additional courses in subjects that spark your interest and ignite your passion. For instance, I chose to minor in English and French simply because I enjoyed them, and I even took up art history classes. I opted for a STEM major as I knew it would open up more job opportunities for me, and I didn't have any other specific career path in mind. Now, I utilize my leisure time to delve into my other interests.
I believe it's crucial to stay true to yourself and pursue what brings you joy. Personally, I've found that no sum of money is worth enduring a job that drains your happiness. Consider whether you can truly envision yourself dedicating 40-60 hours a week to a job in the field you're studying. If not, remember that there's a vast array of other marketable fields you could explore or study.
This could mean you choose to minor in or take additional courses in subjects that spark your interest and ignite your passion. For instance, I chose to minor in English and French simply because I enjoyed them, and I even took up art history classes. I opted for a STEM major as I knew it would open up more job opportunities for me, and I didn't have any other specific career path in mind. Now, I utilize my leisure time to delve into my other interests.
I believe it's crucial to stay true to yourself and pursue what brings you joy. Personally, I've found that no sum of money is worth enduring a job that drains your happiness. Consider whether you can truly envision yourself dedicating 40-60 hours a week to a job in the field you're studying. If not, remember that there's a vast array of other marketable fields you could explore or study.
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Cynthia’s Answer
With over three decades of experience in the STEM field, I've begun to explore and expand my artistic abilities. I've enrolled in pottery classes, practiced yoga, and pursued other activities after work to enrich my spirit. Despite my technical career, I don't feel my creativity is stifled. On the contrary, I'm constantly tackling new technical and project management problems. My career allows me to indulge in my hobbies without the pressure of turning them into a profession.
I've always been intrigued by law, but the extensive reading was a deterrent. My professional journey began as a developer in the field of information technology. Now, I'm in compliance, working hand in hand with lawyers to ensure my company abides by various regulations, including privacy and government laws.
Remember to always think innovatively, as opportunities are multiplying at an incredible rate. There are far more thrilling prospects now than when I was in college. Don't hesitate to pioneer new academic fields and continually reinvent yourself throughout your career.
I've always been intrigued by law, but the extensive reading was a deterrent. My professional journey began as a developer in the field of information technology. Now, I'm in compliance, working hand in hand with lawyers to ensure my company abides by various regulations, including privacy and government laws.
Remember to always think innovatively, as opportunities are multiplying at an incredible rate. There are far more thrilling prospects now than when I was in college. Don't hesitate to pioneer new academic fields and continually reinvent yourself throughout your career.
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Moiz’s Answer
It's truly inspiring to see you delving into your passions and contemplating the harmony between your enthusiasm for STEM and your affection for the arts! I want to reassure you that blending diverse interests into your career is not just feasible, but can be extremely advantageous.
First off, it's crucial to understand that embarking on a STEM career, such as neuroscience, can lay a robust foundation for your future. These domains frequently offer security and plentiful chances for progression and promotion. However, this doesn't imply that you need to abandon your love for the arts.
Indeed, merging your artistic passions with your STEM career can prove to be immensely beneficial. Many groundbreaking discoveries in science and technology are driven by creativity and unconventional thinking. Be it through visual expression, narrative, design, or even music, your artistic abilities can amplify your capacity to convey intricate ideas, cooperate with diverse groups, and tackle problems from distinctive angles.
As you set off on your journey, ponder how you can employ your artistic skills to augment your STEM endeavors. You might want to investigate opportunities in scientific illustration, medical animation, science communication, or even cross-disciplinary research initiatives that connect STEM and the arts.
Bear in mind, your career trajectory doesn't need to be straight or confined to a single domain. Welcome your varied interests and let them enrich your professional voyage. By focusing on what genuinely thrills you and aligning your passions with your career aspirations, you'll not only achieve satisfaction but also make a significant contribution to both the STEM and arts communities.
Keep discovering, remain receptive to fresh opportunities, and have faith in your capacity to forge a path that merges your passions in a manner that's distinctly you. I'm certain that with your determination and imagination, you'll craft a career that's both gratifying and fulfilling.
First off, it's crucial to understand that embarking on a STEM career, such as neuroscience, can lay a robust foundation for your future. These domains frequently offer security and plentiful chances for progression and promotion. However, this doesn't imply that you need to abandon your love for the arts.
Indeed, merging your artistic passions with your STEM career can prove to be immensely beneficial. Many groundbreaking discoveries in science and technology are driven by creativity and unconventional thinking. Be it through visual expression, narrative, design, or even music, your artistic abilities can amplify your capacity to convey intricate ideas, cooperate with diverse groups, and tackle problems from distinctive angles.
As you set off on your journey, ponder how you can employ your artistic skills to augment your STEM endeavors. You might want to investigate opportunities in scientific illustration, medical animation, science communication, or even cross-disciplinary research initiatives that connect STEM and the arts.
Bear in mind, your career trajectory doesn't need to be straight or confined to a single domain. Welcome your varied interests and let them enrich your professional voyage. By focusing on what genuinely thrills you and aligning your passions with your career aspirations, you'll not only achieve satisfaction but also make a significant contribution to both the STEM and arts communities.
Keep discovering, remain receptive to fresh opportunities, and have faith in your capacity to forge a path that merges your passions in a manner that's distinctly you. I'm certain that with your determination and imagination, you'll craft a career that's both gratifying and fulfilling.
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Natalia’s Answer
As someone with many passions, I often found myself struggling with these decisions. What I have come to realize is that not everything you do needs to be linked to a career. I have always had a strong passion for acting and am heavily involved in local theaters, commercials, and films outside of my 9-5 career in tech. I also have a love for teaching and have been able to implement that by teaching at my local community college every couple of semesters. Though this takes up a lot of time, my time outside of work is full of fun, passion, creativity, and community. And I get to do this while having a stable career that supports me as well. So while you can certainly combine your passions, remember that your life exists outside of your career as well. Those pursuits can be just as fruitful.
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Tasha’s Answer
Hi, Jenny. This is a great question. I think many people have interests that are unique enough that we're unlikely to find a single career that encompasses all our interests. In my mind, there are three things to assess when a person is attempting to choose a career path: (1) aptitude, (2) passion/interest, and (3) value.
1. What things are you good at? You don't have to pursue a career in an area where you excel, but it will probably end up being frustrating if you choose a career where you struggle at a critical skill. For example, what would it look like if a surgeon was squeamish around blood?
2. What things do you like? Many people spend 40 years working in a chosen career, so you want it to be interesting for you. You may be really good at something but you don't like it, so that could lead to frustration or boredom. Consider what you like, what interests you, and even your passions.
3. What will people pay for? The reality is that you'll need to make a living, so your chosen career path should enable you to meet your needs. Figure out where your skills and interests can bring value to others.
If you can find a career path that meets all three of these criteria, that seems like a great option for you. But what if you like STEM, you are good at STEM, you can get paid for STEM, but you are still passionate about the arts? Well, first, I'd consider roles that do incorporate art and technology. Some ideas:
Gaming: computer science + coding + animation
Content for tech apps: coding + content creation (e.g., BioDigital is an app that is like Google Maps for the body, and they hire people who create the images but those content creators also need to understand the underlying technology so they can optimize the app)
If that doesn't work, a reasonable approach is to take a role in STEM that meets the criteria, and pursue your artistic endeavors on the side. Many people have a "split" career path -- they work at a job that aligns with their skills and allows them to make money, and then they pursue their passion on the side. Sometimes, that passion can even turn into a full-time job at some point.
There is no right answer, but I hope these ideas will get you thinking about some paths that could work for you. Good luck!
1. What things are you good at? You don't have to pursue a career in an area where you excel, but it will probably end up being frustrating if you choose a career where you struggle at a critical skill. For example, what would it look like if a surgeon was squeamish around blood?
2. What things do you like? Many people spend 40 years working in a chosen career, so you want it to be interesting for you. You may be really good at something but you don't like it, so that could lead to frustration or boredom. Consider what you like, what interests you, and even your passions.
3. What will people pay for? The reality is that you'll need to make a living, so your chosen career path should enable you to meet your needs. Figure out where your skills and interests can bring value to others.
If you can find a career path that meets all three of these criteria, that seems like a great option for you. But what if you like STEM, you are good at STEM, you can get paid for STEM, but you are still passionate about the arts? Well, first, I'd consider roles that do incorporate art and technology. Some ideas:
Gaming: computer science + coding + animation
Content for tech apps: coding + content creation (e.g., BioDigital is an app that is like Google Maps for the body, and they hire people who create the images but those content creators also need to understand the underlying technology so they can optimize the app)
If that doesn't work, a reasonable approach is to take a role in STEM that meets the criteria, and pursue your artistic endeavors on the side. Many people have a "split" career path -- they work at a job that aligns with their skills and allows them to make money, and then they pursue their passion on the side. Sometimes, that passion can even turn into a full-time job at some point.
There is no right answer, but I hope these ideas will get you thinking about some paths that could work for you. Good luck!
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Vicky’s Answer
When I was in school, I was passionate about both industrial design and computer science, but I wasn't sure how to combine them. I explored different paths and eventually found a career in UX design, which integrates both my interests.
It's important to prioritize what will benefit your future, but don't forget to sprinkle in what makes you tick. Exploring different paths might take a bit of time, but trust me, you'll find the sweet spot eventually. So, keep rocking the STEM route with neuroscience while dabbling in your artsy side. You never know where it might take you!
It's important to prioritize what will benefit your future, but don't forget to sprinkle in what makes you tick. Exploring different paths might take a bit of time, but trust me, you'll find the sweet spot eventually. So, keep rocking the STEM route with neuroscience while dabbling in your artsy side. You never know where it might take you!
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Terra’s Answer
Balancing multiple interests, especially when they span across different fields like STEM and the arts, can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. Here are some thoughts on balancing passion with practicality:
Find Connections: See if you can mix your love for STEM and arts together. Look into fields like digital art or media where they overlap.
Try Different Courses: Take classes in both STEM and arts to see what you enjoy most.
Keep Doing What You Love: Even if you focus on STEM, don't stop doing art as a hobby.
Think Long-Term: Consider how your interests fit into your future career plans.
Be Realistic: Understand the job market in both STEM and arts fields.
Follow Your Heart: Don't forget to prioritize your happiness and passion alongside practical concerns.
Find Connections: See if you can mix your love for STEM and arts together. Look into fields like digital art or media where they overlap.
Try Different Courses: Take classes in both STEM and arts to see what you enjoy most.
Keep Doing What You Love: Even if you focus on STEM, don't stop doing art as a hobby.
Think Long-Term: Consider how your interests fit into your future career plans.
Be Realistic: Understand the job market in both STEM and arts fields.
Follow Your Heart: Don't forget to prioritize your happiness and passion alongside practical concerns.
Updated
Kady’s Answer
Maintaining a balance between nourishing your body and enriching your spirit is indeed a fine art. Personally, I've spent a considerable amount of time in the business sector. However, by embracing additional hobbies such as yoga and painting, and taking up side gigs like bartending that cater to my passion for human interaction, I've managed to keep my sense of fulfillment alive.
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Abitha’s Answer
Hello Jenny! What a wonderful question. It really is important to use both the left brain and the right brain, they work together in ways we cannot imagine but can only experience. Personally, I do whatever I truly love doing, whether its spending many hours working with the best team of engineers or designing jewelry, taking photographs. When you do what gives you joy, you naturally give your best. For me, it was not about spending equal amount of time in each activity or allocating certain amount of time daily but to go with the flow and gain experience and knowledge along the way. Equally important is also taking ownership of the job we took or what we are pursuing even if it's for fun. Sometimes, we have to push ourselves to get to the finish line or just to clear a blockage in order to continue. How we feel once you are on the other side is worth every bit of it. Hope this helps.
Good luck with everything and have a wonderful summer!
Good luck with everything and have a wonderful summer!