3 answers
Cindy
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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What are the steps to take, to determine what you want to do in life besides exploring absolutely everything??
I'm conflicted between two careers, the medical field or the business field.
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3 answers
Grace S
Technical Program Manager
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Grace’s Answer
I think that all of the answers below provide great advice! From my personal experience, shadowing and internship opportunities are the best way to get you on the job experience that will help you determine if this is something that you want to do. It's difficult to truly know if you'll like something until you've tried it out.
Anne O'Hara, LCSW
Outpatient Therapist
13
Answers
Radford, Virginia
Updated
Anne’s Answer
I like to do a value exploration with my clients. Write down your values and personal ethics. What are things that you believe and stand for? Now look at these two fields, what do you think someone in that field stands for? Luckily, both of these fields are pretty well paid, so you wouldn’t have to compromise one over the other on your own values so you can survive. Think about are you more for giving back, directly caring for the ill? Lean medical. Being innovative? Making a change in the world? Lean business. (Those are just examples of what a value exploration can look like.)
Do a value exploration
Look up inspiring people in both fields
Reach out to see if you can shadow
Anne recommends the following next steps:
Darya Tsitova
83
Answers
Grodno, Hrodna Region, Belarus
Updated
Darya’s Answer
Hi, Cindy! Determining what you want to do in life can be a complex process, especially when you're considering two distinct career paths like the medical field and the business field. Here are steps to help clarify your interests and goals.
Self-assessment:
List your skills and strengths. Are you more analytical or creative? Do you enjoy working with people directly or prefer strategic roles?
Determine what values matter most to you (e.g., helping others, financial success, innovation) and what interests you in each field.
Research both fields:
Look into the educational pathways for both the medical field (e.g., pre-med, medical school, internships) and the business field (e.g., business degrees, certifications).
Research various roles within both fields. The medical field has a wide range of roles (doctors, nurses, researchers), while business includes finance, marketing, management, etc.
Examine the job outlook and growth potential in both fields. Consider factors like stability, salary potential, and demand for jobs.
Shadowing and internship opportunities:
Try to shadow professionals in both fields or secure internships. This firsthand experience can provide insight into daily responsibilities and the work environment.
Look for volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings and business-related organisations to see what resonates more with you.
Networking:
Reach out to professionals in both fields to ask about their experiences, challenges, and what they enjoy about their work.
Find a mentor in each field to gain insights and guidance on making a decision.
Evaluate lifestyle implications:
Consider the typical work hours and stress levels of jobs in each field. Medical careers can involve long hours and high stress, while business roles vary widely.
Look at the potential for job changes and advancement in each field.
Create a pros and cons list:
Make a list of pros and cons for pursuing a career in the medical field versus the business field. This can help clarify your thoughts and reveal which aspects matter most to you.
Reflect and visualise your future:
Think about where you see yourself in 5-10 years. What kind of impact do you want to have on the world? What lifestyle do you envision? Ensure that your career choice aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Make a Decision:
Trust your instincts and decisions based on the information you've gathered. Remember that it's okay to change directions if you find that your first choice isn't the right fit.
By taking these steps, you’ll be better equipped to make a more informed decision about which career path may suit you best. Good luck! With love, Darya
Self-assessment:
List your skills and strengths. Are you more analytical or creative? Do you enjoy working with people directly or prefer strategic roles?
Determine what values matter most to you (e.g., helping others, financial success, innovation) and what interests you in each field.
Research both fields:
Look into the educational pathways for both the medical field (e.g., pre-med, medical school, internships) and the business field (e.g., business degrees, certifications).
Research various roles within both fields. The medical field has a wide range of roles (doctors, nurses, researchers), while business includes finance, marketing, management, etc.
Examine the job outlook and growth potential in both fields. Consider factors like stability, salary potential, and demand for jobs.
Shadowing and internship opportunities:
Try to shadow professionals in both fields or secure internships. This firsthand experience can provide insight into daily responsibilities and the work environment.
Look for volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings and business-related organisations to see what resonates more with you.
Networking:
Reach out to professionals in both fields to ask about their experiences, challenges, and what they enjoy about their work.
Find a mentor in each field to gain insights and guidance on making a decision.
Evaluate lifestyle implications:
Consider the typical work hours and stress levels of jobs in each field. Medical careers can involve long hours and high stress, while business roles vary widely.
Look at the potential for job changes and advancement in each field.
Create a pros and cons list:
Make a list of pros and cons for pursuing a career in the medical field versus the business field. This can help clarify your thoughts and reveal which aspects matter most to you.
Reflect and visualise your future:
Think about where you see yourself in 5-10 years. What kind of impact do you want to have on the world? What lifestyle do you envision? Ensure that your career choice aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Make a Decision:
Trust your instincts and decisions based on the information you've gathered. Remember that it's okay to change directions if you find that your first choice isn't the right fit.
By taking these steps, you’ll be better equipped to make a more informed decision about which career path may suit you best. Good luck! With love, Darya