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How do i decide on the best degree field?

So I'm stuck on deciding between 2 majors and having a hard time on what's the best option for me. I'm currently in homeland security, but I kind of don't want to leave the medical field. Is it worth me going into maybe a psychology degree or maybe a social worker degree? I want to help people. I feel like I don't work when I get the change to help and support people. Just don't know if it is worth it.

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James’s Answer

I have been using a free online assessment to help students and adults with career exploration for years. Go to:
https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
When answering, I strongly recommend that you answer based solely on your interest, not on how practical, etc.
I. Your case, I would also strongly encourage you to use a personality assessment like 16Personalities.com
Anyone looking for more info on how to use these tools to refine their career exploration can reach out to me via LinkedIn.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Nathan
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Nathan,

When deciding on the best degree field, it's important to carefully consider your interests, values, and long-term career goals. Here are a few steps you can take to help decide on the best degree field for you:

1. Self-assessment: Take some time to reflect on your interests, strengths, and values. Consider what subjects or activities bring you the most joy and fulfillment.

2. Research: Look into the job prospects, salary potential, and required education for careers in homeland security, psychology, and social work. Consider talking to professionals in these fields or seeking out informational interviews to gain insight into what each career path entails.

3. Education and training: Consider the level of education and training required for each field. Evaluate your willingness to pursue further education if necessary.

4. Job satisfaction: Think about what type of work environment would make you happiest, whether it's in a medical setting or within a different context such as social services or law enforcement.

5. Volunteer or intern: Gain hands-on experience in both fields through volunteer work or internships to see which one resonates with you more.

Ultimately, the best degree field for you will be one that aligns with your passions, values, and long-term career goals. It's important to thoroughly research your options and consider how each path will contribute to your personal fulfillment and professional success.

Best wishes.
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D.J.’s Answer

Hey Nathan,

I noticed that James has already given you some pretty good pointers. Now, if you're torn between homeland security and something in the medical field like psychology or social work, there's a great resource you can use. It's the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website, which you can find at https://www.bls.gov/.

Once you're there, check out their Occupational Outlook Handbook (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/). You can search for different careers such as "Psychologists," "Social Workers," and "Emergency Management Directors."

For each job, you'll see things like the average salary, what kind of education you need, the job outlook, and a description of what the role involves. This way, you can compare and contrast different careers based on facts.

Best of luck to you!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Nathan
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Annah’s Answer

Nathan, I am not sure by your statement, "I'm not sure if it is worth it." Wondering if you mean- worth it to change your field of study? Or wondering if it is worth it to be a social worker, counselor, or psychologist? I hear you on wanting to be an agent of change and help others. It sounds like you are currently in a criminal justice-oriented program (re: homeland security). You are also considering pre-med (or some type of career in the medical field). My first thought is about motivation- what is your specific interest in helping others? And how much does financial gain contribute to your decision-making process? What do you see yourself doing? Imagine every aspect. This is a tricky question because these are all fields with good future job outlook. If you are most interested in helping- what kind of helping? Where do your strengths lie? Do you enjoy talking and listening to others, enjoy learning about anatomy, interested in the law or socio-political advocacy, learning about safety and protection, like being in charge, etc. I would do some personal research (as mentioned by previous responses). Start a document with a column dedicated to each field of study. Underneath brainstorm (and research) all the qualities a person might need, and some of the jobs available within each category. If you can talk with someone working in each field this can be immensely useful. Getting first-hand knowledge might help guide you in whittling down your options. Keep in mind what is most important for you to know (or most important to you in terms of a career). At the end of the day (so to speak) see what fits. See if you have greater clarity or whether you continue to have questions. Also keep in mind no matter what you end up doing, you will be learning new skills! You do not need to know everything at this moment (in fact that would be pretty impossible)! Other considerations- how far are you in school? Do you have time to change your major, minor or consider a dual major? Can you start over at this point? Do you need to take time off to stop the academic clock? Sometimes this can be helpful- dedicate a quarter or semester to simply explore your interests. It might pay off in the long run. Talk with professors and students who are studying what you are studying or topics that interest you. More information is the name of the game! What is your learning style? Mine is experiential; for instance, I learn by doing. You might find you are interested in everything but need to be practical at this point in time and choose one path. This is not about making a right or wrong decision. It is about doing meaningful and purposeful work- whether this becomes a career or something you do independently, like as a volunteer or hobby. It sounds like you have a lot of great options! If you are close to graduating, get out into the world and get some hands-on experience. The biggest lesson I have learned in life- perfection does not exist and sometimes by following a non-traditional path in life we get where we need to go. Forge your own road! Good luck!
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Sha’s Answer

I recommend taking a gap year,to have enough time to evaluate yourself and consider which career will be worth for you.
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