6 answers
Ari
Student
Columbia
1
Question
Updated
790 views
What career could suit my interests and academic background?
I recently graduated from college with degrees in biology and studio art, but I feel stuck in planning my next steps. Human physiology greatly interests me, and I know I would enjoy studying it the most. I haven't ruled out medical school yet, I just worry about the time/financial commitment. I was wondering what other careers I could break into with a scientific and creative background, that could incorporate my passion for the body. I would be more than willing to return to school to get a master's or PhD, too. If anyone has insight about their medical school experience, that would also be greatly appreciated!
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6 answers
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
120
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Ari,
I love that others have already recommended scientific illustration because it is a very cool field and can be quite lucrative (in comparison to other artistic routes). Scientific illustration can be very nature focused- animals, flowers, fungi, etc. It may even turn into a career illustrating books or museum mural design. Medical illustration is more focused on internal organs, illustrating disease, etc. Medical illustration graduate degrees are incredibly intense and require a lot of technical skill (using computer graphic programs and tools). Another idea is to go into museum studies to become a curator; museum studies pertain to all kinds of museums, not just fine arts. As an art therapist myself, understanding biology is not necessary, but it may enhance your ability to understand some of the medical terminology and conditions you will come across when working in an integrative setting (such as primary care). Since you find the body fascinating, you could also consider massage school, reflexology, Feldenkrais, Structural Integration, Physical Therapy, Reiki, or some other body-based type of work. There are many ways to study these days- more formal degree programs as well as certificate programs. I would consider whether you are drawn to a more typical/traditional work environment or prefer more outside-the-box settings. Are you feeling more inclined to study holistic modalities or want to don that white doctor's coat? Education is costly and can take a lot of time- from months to years. If you are unsure, it may be wise to wait until you feel more certain. Other ideas- graphic arts, architecture, teaching, and sex education (which can be quite creative!).
I love that others have already recommended scientific illustration because it is a very cool field and can be quite lucrative (in comparison to other artistic routes). Scientific illustration can be very nature focused- animals, flowers, fungi, etc. It may even turn into a career illustrating books or museum mural design. Medical illustration is more focused on internal organs, illustrating disease, etc. Medical illustration graduate degrees are incredibly intense and require a lot of technical skill (using computer graphic programs and tools). Another idea is to go into museum studies to become a curator; museum studies pertain to all kinds of museums, not just fine arts. As an art therapist myself, understanding biology is not necessary, but it may enhance your ability to understand some of the medical terminology and conditions you will come across when working in an integrative setting (such as primary care). Since you find the body fascinating, you could also consider massage school, reflexology, Feldenkrais, Structural Integration, Physical Therapy, Reiki, or some other body-based type of work. There are many ways to study these days- more formal degree programs as well as certificate programs. I would consider whether you are drawn to a more typical/traditional work environment or prefer more outside-the-box settings. Are you feeling more inclined to study holistic modalities or want to don that white doctor's coat? Education is costly and can take a lot of time- from months to years. If you are unsure, it may be wise to wait until you feel more certain. Other ideas- graphic arts, architecture, teaching, and sex education (which can be quite creative!).
Lauren Howard
Sales & Engineering Enablement
3
Answers
Fishers, Indiana
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hello there! As someone who has studied both business and art and now works in the tech industry, I believe your choice of focus will depend on which major you're more inclined towards. Art can be applied in numerous ways; it primarily aids me in tackling projects with a creative mindset. I find myself caring more about the aesthetic appeal and user experience of the programs I develop compared to some of my colleagues.
Here are some job roles that directly align with your majors that you might want to explore: Medical Illustrator or transitioning into Art Therapy.
Additionally, consider these roles: Medical Scientist, where you can log results and approach them creatively; Marketing roles in Pharma or Healthcare companies like Eli Lilly or Abbot; or Medical Sales, where you can leverage your artistic and creative thinking to engage customers (and potentially earn a substantial income).
Remember, you can also pose this question to ChatGPT for more suggestions.
Here are some job roles that directly align with your majors that you might want to explore: Medical Illustrator or transitioning into Art Therapy.
Additionally, consider these roles: Medical Scientist, where you can log results and approach them creatively; Marketing roles in Pharma or Healthcare companies like Eli Lilly or Abbot; or Medical Sales, where you can leverage your artistic and creative thinking to engage customers (and potentially earn a substantial income).
Remember, you can also pose this question to ChatGPT for more suggestions.
Rama Alazzeh
Clinical Embryologist
4
Answers
Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
Updated
Rama’s Answer
Hello,
Some other fields you might want to explore further include a master's in respiratory therapy, clinical embryology, pathology, or physiotherapy!
Some other fields you might want to explore further include a master's in respiratory therapy, clinical embryology, pathology, or physiotherapy!
Jerome Petit-Jacques
I was a scientist for 25 years
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I would become a scientific illustrator. You would combine your love of science and your love of art and creativity. Maybe start by searching for a science editor job, then more and more presenting your science illustration skills. I suggest you check: www.sci-illustrate.com a company created by Dr Radhika Patnala in Singapore. I believe her work is absolutely amazing!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
616
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Ari,
That's a great question! With your background in biology and studio art and your interest in human physiology, there are several creative and scientific career paths you could explore:
1. Medical Illustration: This field blends your artistic skills with biology, particularly in human anatomy and physiology. Medical illustrators create visuals for textbooks, research, and medical communications. Many medical illustrators have advanced degrees in biomedical visualization or medical illustration.
2. Biotechnology or Biomedical Engineering: If you're fascinated by the body, working in biotech could be a great fit. You could work on medical devices, artificial organs, or prosthetics. You'd be combining biology and technology, with opportunities for creativity in design and innovation. A master's or PhD in biomedical engineering could be helpful here.
3. Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering: This career focuses on designing products and systems that fit the human body and cognitive functions. It combines physiology, psychology, and design to make tools, workspaces, or technology more user-friendly.
4. Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy: These careers focus on helping people recover or manage physical injuries or disabilities. If you're fascinated by physiology and enjoy working directly with patients, this might be a rewarding path. You would likely need additional schooling, but not as long as medical school.
5. Health Communication or Medical Writing: You could use your understanding of biology and your creative skills to write or create content for healthcare organizations, research publications, or educational programs.
6. Anatomy or Physiology Researcher/Professor: If you love studying human physiology, pursuing a PhD to become a researcher or professor in anatomy or physiology might align with your passion. This path allows for both deep scientific research and the creative process of teaching and mentoring.
7. Art Therapy: Combining your artistic background and interest in helping people, you could specialize in art therapy. While it's not directly tied to human physiology, it can be an impactful career focused on mental and emotional healing through creativity.
If you're still contemplating medical school, connecting with current students or professionals could give you better insight into the experience and help you assess the commitment involved.
Ultimately, the best career path for you will depend on your individual interests, values, and goals. It's important to explore different options and find a career that is both fulfilling and rewarding.
Best wishes!
That's a great question! With your background in biology and studio art and your interest in human physiology, there are several creative and scientific career paths you could explore:
1. Medical Illustration: This field blends your artistic skills with biology, particularly in human anatomy and physiology. Medical illustrators create visuals for textbooks, research, and medical communications. Many medical illustrators have advanced degrees in biomedical visualization or medical illustration.
2. Biotechnology or Biomedical Engineering: If you're fascinated by the body, working in biotech could be a great fit. You could work on medical devices, artificial organs, or prosthetics. You'd be combining biology and technology, with opportunities for creativity in design and innovation. A master's or PhD in biomedical engineering could be helpful here.
3. Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering: This career focuses on designing products and systems that fit the human body and cognitive functions. It combines physiology, psychology, and design to make tools, workspaces, or technology more user-friendly.
4. Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy: These careers focus on helping people recover or manage physical injuries or disabilities. If you're fascinated by physiology and enjoy working directly with patients, this might be a rewarding path. You would likely need additional schooling, but not as long as medical school.
5. Health Communication or Medical Writing: You could use your understanding of biology and your creative skills to write or create content for healthcare organizations, research publications, or educational programs.
6. Anatomy or Physiology Researcher/Professor: If you love studying human physiology, pursuing a PhD to become a researcher or professor in anatomy or physiology might align with your passion. This path allows for both deep scientific research and the creative process of teaching and mentoring.
7. Art Therapy: Combining your artistic background and interest in helping people, you could specialize in art therapy. While it's not directly tied to human physiology, it can be an impactful career focused on mental and emotional healing through creativity.
If you're still contemplating medical school, connecting with current students or professionals could give you better insight into the experience and help you assess the commitment involved.
Ultimately, the best career path for you will depend on your individual interests, values, and goals. It's important to explore different options and find a career that is both fulfilling and rewarding.
Best wishes!
Martin Schoen
APRN
288
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Perhaps you might consider paths like bioengineering or research-oriented sectors. No matter the level of education you decide to pursue, it's important to remember that there will be a cost and a significant time commitment involved. However, these are steps towards achieving your dreams. Alternatively, a career in anthropology could be a great way to utilize your existing knowledge. You possess a unique set of skills that, with a bit of exploration, could lead you to exciting opportunities. I'm confident that you can discover fascinating fields that align with your current background and allow you to build upon it.
Thank you and always available to try to help.
Martin Schoen