6 answers
Alexa
Student
Damascus, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
500 views
Career paths
I’ve been reflecting and thinking for a while now. I’m stuck on my career path in life and honestly I’m feel stuck and confused. I don’t know if sonography or event planning is best for me. I’m soon getting out of high school and I want to make a decision before I graduate so I have a plan after high school. If anyone is in any of these industries please reach out! Thank you
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6 answers
Flo L.
Intuitive Strategist
22
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Flo’s Answer
Choosing a career path can be a tough decision, Alexa. But since it's a path, you can always pivot as it unfolds if you realize that this may not be the right one after all.
It’s understandable that you want to choose the right path before you graduate High School and before committing to a career path.
Sonography and Event Planning do seem like opposite fields, and I’m curious if you’ve created a list for each career path.
What is it that draws you to each one?
What specifically interests you about them?
Also, it’s important to be honest about what aspects of each career you might not look forward to.
For example, I earned my Event Planning Certification later in life, and I recognized that I have innate skills that are a good fit for this career. However, I realized that the social aspect of event planning can be challenging for me to maintain long-term. Despite this, I’ve been able to take on Planning roles in other industries, which allows me to live a more balanced life as a remote professional.
After high school, I considered exploring cosmetology. I was fascinated by hair and everything that came with that career. Looking back now, I’m grateful I didn’t pursue that path. While I was extremely interested in it during high school, my interests faded as my life evolved and I grew into the woman I am today. But no regrets!
I suggest starting with a list for each career so you can compare both the roles themselves and the paths you would need to take to achieve them. This will help you better understand the steps involved and what each career truly entails. This will help you make an informed decision before graduating from high school.
It’s understandable that you want to choose the right path before you graduate High School and before committing to a career path.
Sonography and Event Planning do seem like opposite fields, and I’m curious if you’ve created a list for each career path.
What is it that draws you to each one?
What specifically interests you about them?
Also, it’s important to be honest about what aspects of each career you might not look forward to.
For example, I earned my Event Planning Certification later in life, and I recognized that I have innate skills that are a good fit for this career. However, I realized that the social aspect of event planning can be challenging for me to maintain long-term. Despite this, I’ve been able to take on Planning roles in other industries, which allows me to live a more balanced life as a remote professional.
After high school, I considered exploring cosmetology. I was fascinated by hair and everything that came with that career. Looking back now, I’m grateful I didn’t pursue that path. While I was extremely interested in it during high school, my interests faded as my life evolved and I grew into the woman I am today. But no regrets!
I suggest starting with a list for each career so you can compare both the roles themselves and the paths you would need to take to achieve them. This will help you better understand the steps involved and what each career truly entails. This will help you make an informed decision before graduating from high school.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1895
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. It is a right time for you to consider the career path.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest eg, your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you have interest in music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest eg, your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you have interest in music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Carrie Chung
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
As you navigate your career choices, I want to share a personal perspective. While I may not have a path as a sonographer or event planner, I've learned that feeling stuck and uncertain is a common experience that many people face. It's a natural part of the journey to self-discovery.
Life is a journey of exploration, and it's a process of getting to know yourself, your strengths, and your passions. It's a journey to define your purpose and find your place in the world. Don't let feelings of uncertainty overwhelm you – instead, use them as an opportunity to reflect and grow first.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is the importance of self-awareness. When you're feeling stuck, take a step back and ask yourself some fundamental questions of "WHY". Why did you want to pursue a career in sonography or event planning? Was there a particular experience or inspiration that led you to this path? Once you ask these questions, you will feel more comfortable to navigate yourself.
Life is a journey of exploration, and it's a process of getting to know yourself, your strengths, and your passions. It's a journey to define your purpose and find your place in the world. Don't let feelings of uncertainty overwhelm you – instead, use them as an opportunity to reflect and grow first.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is the importance of self-awareness. When you're feeling stuck, take a step back and ask yourself some fundamental questions of "WHY". Why did you want to pursue a career in sonography or event planning? Was there a particular experience or inspiration that led you to this path? Once you ask these questions, you will feel more comfortable to navigate yourself.
Pamela Knight
Student
120
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hello Alexa
It's great that you're reflecting on your future and considering your options! Both sonography and event planning are distinct career paths with their own unique challenges and rewards. Here are some points to consider that may help you in making your decision:
### Sonography
**Pros:**
1. **Job Stability:** The healthcare field often provides stable job opportunities due to demand for medical professionals.
2. **Impactful Work:** Sonographers play a crucial role in patient care and can make a significant difference in people's lives.
3. **Good Salary:** Medical careers generally offer competitive salaries and benefits.
4. **Specialization:** There are various specializations within sonography (e.g., obstetric, cardiac, vascular) that you can explore.
**Cons:**
1. **Education Requirements:** Becoming a sonographer typically requires a degree or certification in a medical field, which may involve additional schooling and training.
2. **Shift Work:** Many healthcare roles require working nights, weekends, and holidays.
3. **Emotional Stress:** Dealing with patients in medical situations can be emotionally taxing.
### Event Planning
**Pros:**
1. **Creativity:** Event planning allows for a lot of creative expression and the opportunity to design memorable experiences.
2. **Variety of Work:** Each event is different, which can keep the work engaging and exciting.
3. **Networking Opportunities:** You have the chance to meet and work with various vendors, clients, and professionals.
4. **Flexibility:** Many event planners have the option to be self-employed or freelance, which can provide flexibility in work hours.
**Cons:**
1. **High Pressure:** Event planning can be stressful, especially when managing multiple details and meeting client expectations.
2. **Variable Income:** If you freelance, your income may fluctuate based on the number may fluctuate based on the events you book.
Long Hours: Event planning often requires working long hours, particularly as events approach.
Steps to Help You Decide
Research: Look into both fields more deeply. Consider reaching out to professionals in each career for informational interviews or job shadowing.
Reflect on Your Interests: Think about what excites you more. Do you enjoy working in fast-paced environments and being creative, or do you feel drawn to the healthcare field and helping others?
Consider Your Skills: Assess your strengths. Are you more analytical and detail-oriented (which might suit sonography), or are you more creative and social (which might suit event planning)?
Explore Educational Paths: Look into the educational requirements for both careers. Are you willing to commit to the necessary schooling for sonography, or would you prefer the potentially shorter path of entering event planning?
Think About Work Environment: Consider where you see yourself working. Do you prefer a clinical environment (sonography) or a more dynamic, varied setting (event planning)?
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best choice is one that aligns with your interests, values, and skills. Take the time to explore both options, and remember that it's okay to change directions in the future if your interests evolve. Good luck with your decision-making process!
Professional Pamela Knight
It's great that you're reflecting on your future and considering your options! Both sonography and event planning are distinct career paths with their own unique challenges and rewards. Here are some points to consider that may help you in making your decision:
### Sonography
**Pros:**
1. **Job Stability:** The healthcare field often provides stable job opportunities due to demand for medical professionals.
2. **Impactful Work:** Sonographers play a crucial role in patient care and can make a significant difference in people's lives.
3. **Good Salary:** Medical careers generally offer competitive salaries and benefits.
4. **Specialization:** There are various specializations within sonography (e.g., obstetric, cardiac, vascular) that you can explore.
**Cons:**
1. **Education Requirements:** Becoming a sonographer typically requires a degree or certification in a medical field, which may involve additional schooling and training.
2. **Shift Work:** Many healthcare roles require working nights, weekends, and holidays.
3. **Emotional Stress:** Dealing with patients in medical situations can be emotionally taxing.
### Event Planning
**Pros:**
1. **Creativity:** Event planning allows for a lot of creative expression and the opportunity to design memorable experiences.
2. **Variety of Work:** Each event is different, which can keep the work engaging and exciting.
3. **Networking Opportunities:** You have the chance to meet and work with various vendors, clients, and professionals.
4. **Flexibility:** Many event planners have the option to be self-employed or freelance, which can provide flexibility in work hours.
**Cons:**
1. **High Pressure:** Event planning can be stressful, especially when managing multiple details and meeting client expectations.
2. **Variable Income:** If you freelance, your income may fluctuate based on the number may fluctuate based on the events you book.
Long Hours: Event planning often requires working long hours, particularly as events approach.
Steps to Help You Decide
Research: Look into both fields more deeply. Consider reaching out to professionals in each career for informational interviews or job shadowing.
Reflect on Your Interests: Think about what excites you more. Do you enjoy working in fast-paced environments and being creative, or do you feel drawn to the healthcare field and helping others?
Consider Your Skills: Assess your strengths. Are you more analytical and detail-oriented (which might suit sonography), or are you more creative and social (which might suit event planning)?
Explore Educational Paths: Look into the educational requirements for both careers. Are you willing to commit to the necessary schooling for sonography, or would you prefer the potentially shorter path of entering event planning?
Think About Work Environment: Consider where you see yourself working. Do you prefer a clinical environment (sonography) or a more dynamic, varied setting (event planning)?
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best choice is one that aligns with your interests, values, and skills. Take the time to explore both options, and remember that it's okay to change directions in the future if your interests evolve. Good luck with your decision-making process!
Professional Pamela Knight
Simona Zaffaroni-Lucas
Financial Analyst
31
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Simona’s Answer
Hi Alexa - I am not able to advise on the specific area that you are asking. But on career in general and which next step to take after school I think I can comment, at least based on my own experience. My career has nothing to do with what I studied. And I don't think that I necessarily ''wasted'' my time during my school time, nor I think I am missing out anything now. My studies gave me some important background as far as general education, and the career I have has allowed me to continuously challenge myself and keep learning.
As an initial approach, after establishing what you like to do and especially, if you see yourself in that field for many years to come - then select couple options, investigate what opportunities there are (school, courses, etc) and invest time in checking with people you know who are working in those areas. You would need also to assess if you have the right skills, and also if there is any job demand. And what is that role opening up as future opportunities.. growth, further learning and personal satisfaction.
Hope it helps.. and good luck!
As an initial approach, after establishing what you like to do and especially, if you see yourself in that field for many years to come - then select couple options, investigate what opportunities there are (school, courses, etc) and invest time in checking with people you know who are working in those areas. You would need also to assess if you have the right skills, and also if there is any job demand. And what is that role opening up as future opportunities.. growth, further learning and personal satisfaction.
Hope it helps.. and good luck!
Evangeline Watkins
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
10
Answers
Santa Ana, California
Updated
Evangeline’s Answer
SONOGRAPHY
Schooling: I can only answer from a sonographer's point of view, but for me, I chose to go to a private school that offered courses at an accelerated rate. (40 credits a semester) My program was 18 months--- 12 of classes and 6 months of a clinical internship. We did not get a summer break or anything like that. I took the prerequisites at school, which was included in the 12 months. I took on about 25k of student loans, but I got a grant from FASFA which covered about half of it. There are also local community colleges that I found, but those would have taken 3 years to finish for just an associate's degree and there was a waiting list for the program. A little later, I looked into it and most students only paid 6k for the same degree I'm getting at my private school by choosing to go to a community college. If I could do it again, I would have taken my prerequisites at a community college and transferred the credits to save money. Different schools can only offer a certain kind of accreditation and you have to be careful because there are some schools that will only give you a certificate (NOT a degree). Most places will not hire you without an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Pay: The starting pay for a sonographer is anywhere from $25-35 an hour depending on whether you work at a clinic or hospital and what you specialize in (hospitals typically pay more.) After a few years of experience, it is not uncommon to find sonographers making 88k or even 6 figures a year. ($40-55 an hour) This will also depend on your specialty and if you can get dual-certified. It's not uncommon to find sonographers making even $75 an hour in big cities with high demand (after about 10 years). Travel sonography is another option that pays really well. These are typically 13-week-long assignments that will pay 2,500 a WEEK.
Specialties: There are different kinds of specialists. It's not just babies. If that's not your thing, you can also scan the abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, spleen, etc). Or you could scan vascular, which is the arteries and veins; typically, you will check for plaque in the vessels. This requires a very steady hand. Then of course there's OB which is scanning pregnant women. There are other specialties like musculoskeletal, echo (the heart), and pediatrics (children), as well as countless others.
Finding a job: Location is everything for this job. I'm from southern California, and it's a really competitive area, so I will most likely go out of state to find my first job and move back once I get 1-2 years of experience. Being registered can also help you find a job faster, in fact some places will not hire you unless you are certified by at least one specialty.
Getting certified: Like I said, certification is critical for finding a job after graduating. The certification is done by the ARDMS or American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. This means you can get a job in almost any state. (some states have extra state exams). There are a few routes for qualifying to take your ARDMS. 1 Get a bachelor's degree in something (healthcare or sonography). If you get a bachelor's in something other than sonography, you will also need an associate's in sonography. 2 Go to a CAAHEP-accredited school and get an associate's degree. 3 Get an associate's and work in the field for a year. This can be a little hard because most places will not hire you without certification, BUT it is possible. If you do an internship through your school, sometimes they will offer you a job after if they like you. 4 Take the ARRT. ARRT stands for AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS. This is an exam that covers abdomen procedures and pathology, OB questions, and ultrasound physics. If you pass you can sit for your ARDMS. YES the ARDSM is an exam. you have to meet the requirements before you can apply to take the exam, which is $275. You also have to take the SPI which is an ultrasound physics exam done by ARDMS before you can take the ARDMS for a specialty.
Work-life balance: This depends greatly on where you work. If it's an outpatient clinic, it will probably be a 9-5, but some places will hire part-time. Hospitals can be a little tricky. I've heard of sonographers who work 3 12 hour shifts and have 4 days out of the week off. I've also heard of sonographers being "on-call" overnight and having to leave at a moment's notice when a hospital has too many patients coming in and need extra help. Travel sonography is great if you want to travel as they have jobs everywhere, and many people will take an assignment and then take some time not working at all since they have enough saved up to maintain their style of living. It really depends on you and what would work best, but there are so many options.
Risks: Sonographers are at high risk for workplace injury. Performing an ultrasound exam puts a lot of strain on your wrist, arms, and shoulder. Many sonographers will end their career or transition into teaching sonography (this still pays really well) after a few years due to these injuries. Some people will experience pain after performing exams back to back all day, but most companies have mandated breaks for sonographers in between exams or hire two sonographers who switch off. Some patients are harder to scan than others. For example, a larger patient may require you to use more force to get a good image which could hurt more. I know for myself I've been scanning daily for over a year now and there are days where my arm gets sore. Your specialty can also affect this.
I think this covers most of the information you need to know about sonography schooling and entering this field, but if you have any other questions don't hesitate to reach out. Even if you don't go this route, I wish you luck in whatever you choose to do! Follow your heart
Schooling: I can only answer from a sonographer's point of view, but for me, I chose to go to a private school that offered courses at an accelerated rate. (40 credits a semester) My program was 18 months--- 12 of classes and 6 months of a clinical internship. We did not get a summer break or anything like that. I took the prerequisites at school, which was included in the 12 months. I took on about 25k of student loans, but I got a grant from FASFA which covered about half of it. There are also local community colleges that I found, but those would have taken 3 years to finish for just an associate's degree and there was a waiting list for the program. A little later, I looked into it and most students only paid 6k for the same degree I'm getting at my private school by choosing to go to a community college. If I could do it again, I would have taken my prerequisites at a community college and transferred the credits to save money. Different schools can only offer a certain kind of accreditation and you have to be careful because there are some schools that will only give you a certificate (NOT a degree). Most places will not hire you without an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Pay: The starting pay for a sonographer is anywhere from $25-35 an hour depending on whether you work at a clinic or hospital and what you specialize in (hospitals typically pay more.) After a few years of experience, it is not uncommon to find sonographers making 88k or even 6 figures a year. ($40-55 an hour) This will also depend on your specialty and if you can get dual-certified. It's not uncommon to find sonographers making even $75 an hour in big cities with high demand (after about 10 years). Travel sonography is another option that pays really well. These are typically 13-week-long assignments that will pay 2,500 a WEEK.
Specialties: There are different kinds of specialists. It's not just babies. If that's not your thing, you can also scan the abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, spleen, etc). Or you could scan vascular, which is the arteries and veins; typically, you will check for plaque in the vessels. This requires a very steady hand. Then of course there's OB which is scanning pregnant women. There are other specialties like musculoskeletal, echo (the heart), and pediatrics (children), as well as countless others.
Finding a job: Location is everything for this job. I'm from southern California, and it's a really competitive area, so I will most likely go out of state to find my first job and move back once I get 1-2 years of experience. Being registered can also help you find a job faster, in fact some places will not hire you unless you are certified by at least one specialty.
Getting certified: Like I said, certification is critical for finding a job after graduating. The certification is done by the ARDMS or American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. This means you can get a job in almost any state. (some states have extra state exams). There are a few routes for qualifying to take your ARDMS. 1 Get a bachelor's degree in something (healthcare or sonography). If you get a bachelor's in something other than sonography, you will also need an associate's in sonography. 2 Go to a CAAHEP-accredited school and get an associate's degree. 3 Get an associate's and work in the field for a year. This can be a little hard because most places will not hire you without certification, BUT it is possible. If you do an internship through your school, sometimes they will offer you a job after if they like you. 4 Take the ARRT. ARRT stands for AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS. This is an exam that covers abdomen procedures and pathology, OB questions, and ultrasound physics. If you pass you can sit for your ARDMS. YES the ARDSM is an exam. you have to meet the requirements before you can apply to take the exam, which is $275. You also have to take the SPI which is an ultrasound physics exam done by ARDMS before you can take the ARDMS for a specialty.
Work-life balance: This depends greatly on where you work. If it's an outpatient clinic, it will probably be a 9-5, but some places will hire part-time. Hospitals can be a little tricky. I've heard of sonographers who work 3 12 hour shifts and have 4 days out of the week off. I've also heard of sonographers being "on-call" overnight and having to leave at a moment's notice when a hospital has too many patients coming in and need extra help. Travel sonography is great if you want to travel as they have jobs everywhere, and many people will take an assignment and then take some time not working at all since they have enough saved up to maintain their style of living. It really depends on you and what would work best, but there are so many options.
Risks: Sonographers are at high risk for workplace injury. Performing an ultrasound exam puts a lot of strain on your wrist, arms, and shoulder. Many sonographers will end their career or transition into teaching sonography (this still pays really well) after a few years due to these injuries. Some people will experience pain after performing exams back to back all day, but most companies have mandated breaks for sonographers in between exams or hire two sonographers who switch off. Some patients are harder to scan than others. For example, a larger patient may require you to use more force to get a good image which could hurt more. I know for myself I've been scanning daily for over a year now and there are days where my arm gets sore. Your specialty can also affect this.
I think this covers most of the information you need to know about sonography schooling and entering this field, but if you have any other questions don't hesitate to reach out. Even if you don't go this route, I wish you luck in whatever you choose to do! Follow your heart