3 answers
Madison
Student
Jeannette, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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What career path do I fallow?
I am about to start college and am still between career paths. I’ve always wanted to be a Veterinarian but Pre-Med or nursing may be a more stable path. I am completely torn on the decision and some advice from people in the fields may be beneficial.
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There are several things that you can do in order to determine what you want in regards to a future major or career path.
Remember, you will have two years (until you declare a major at the beginning of your junior year in college), to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a major or a future occupation related to that major. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Remember, you will have two years (until you declare a major at the beginning of your junior year in college), to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a major or a future occupation related to that major. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Madison,
I am glad you are interested in a career in the medical field! Now, which one to pick?
First, pre-med is not a suitable degree by itself. It's taken by students aiming for medical school, hence pre-med. It satisfies the required pre-requisites for medical school, but if you are not going to medical school (or even if you are), you are better off majoring in something that you enjoy and that can also lead to a career other than medicine.
Now, there are advantages to doing e.g. biology or chemistry on a pre-med track, but make sure you get a proper degree that is suitable for different careers that you don't mind doing.
For many non-medical careers in the biology-chemistry sphere, you would need a graduate degree as well. Or you can take it as a foundation for other healthcare professions.
A veterinary degree is a graduate degree. You would get a bachelors before you apply to veterinary school. Similar to the medical school situation, pick something that you would be happy to do as a career if veterinary school doesn't pan out (for whatever reason). And make sure to cover the pre-requisites for vet schools you would consider.
If you want to go to nursing school, you need to check which pre-requisites you need for each school you would consider as well. You can become a registered nurse with just an associates degree or preferably a bachelors degree for better employability. So, this would be the shortest, most direct path into employment.
I am not sure why you think veterinary medicine is not a stable career? It is true that many vet clinics are being bought up by large chains. But that's also the case for clinics or pharmacies.
It's also true that veterinarians don't make quite as much money as physicians for a similar education level. But, personally, I would take furry patients over people any day.
I think veterinary and nursing are good stable careers. I don't see either one being easily replaced by AI. People are getting older and need more medical care. And new research in veterinary medicine plus the fact that people are willing to spend more money on pets make veterinary medicine look very stable to me.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I am glad you are interested in a career in the medical field! Now, which one to pick?
First, pre-med is not a suitable degree by itself. It's taken by students aiming for medical school, hence pre-med. It satisfies the required pre-requisites for medical school, but if you are not going to medical school (or even if you are), you are better off majoring in something that you enjoy and that can also lead to a career other than medicine.
Now, there are advantages to doing e.g. biology or chemistry on a pre-med track, but make sure you get a proper degree that is suitable for different careers that you don't mind doing.
For many non-medical careers in the biology-chemistry sphere, you would need a graduate degree as well. Or you can take it as a foundation for other healthcare professions.
A veterinary degree is a graduate degree. You would get a bachelors before you apply to veterinary school. Similar to the medical school situation, pick something that you would be happy to do as a career if veterinary school doesn't pan out (for whatever reason). And make sure to cover the pre-requisites for vet schools you would consider.
If you want to go to nursing school, you need to check which pre-requisites you need for each school you would consider as well. You can become a registered nurse with just an associates degree or preferably a bachelors degree for better employability. So, this would be the shortest, most direct path into employment.
I am not sure why you think veterinary medicine is not a stable career? It is true that many vet clinics are being bought up by large chains. But that's also the case for clinics or pharmacies.
It's also true that veterinarians don't make quite as much money as physicians for a similar education level. But, personally, I would take furry patients over people any day.
I think veterinary and nursing are good stable careers. I don't see either one being easily replaced by AI. People are getting older and need more medical care. And new research in veterinary medicine plus the fact that people are willing to spend more money on pets make veterinary medicine look very stable to me.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Haylee Chaviano
Office Manager
2
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Haylee’s Answer
Hi Madison,
It's normal to worry about the future. Remember, nothing is set in stone. You can start on one path and change if it doesn't feel right.
Try to find a school that suits you and begin with general classes. Take one or two courses in different fields to explore your interests. This will help you see what you enjoy more.
For example, I thought I wanted to be a nurse until I struggled with anatomy in college. However, I did well in math, which led me to explore math-related careers that I enjoyed more.
It's normal to worry about the future. Remember, nothing is set in stone. You can start on one path and change if it doesn't feel right.
Try to find a school that suits you and begin with general classes. Take one or two courses in different fields to explore your interests. This will help you see what you enjoy more.
For example, I thought I wanted to be a nurse until I struggled with anatomy in college. However, I did well in math, which led me to explore math-related careers that I enjoyed more.