3 answers
Emma
Student
Erie, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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Hello, my question is specifically for somebody in the science field. I am currently pursuing a biology degree but I have a lot of interests. So my question is, how did you pick one thing to specialize in ?
I am currently a college freshman, and I cannot decide between a career in Marine Biology, Wildlife Conservation, Marine Conservation, Wildlife Biologist, or something else.
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3 answers
Raj Khurana
30
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Raj’s Answer
Select the area which you are most passionate about, curious about, interests you.
Suggest, do not go with what others tell you, go with your gut feeling.
Suggest, do not go with what others tell you, go with your gut feeling.
Yasmin Mohamed Alamin
Clinical Nutrition Student
63
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Yasmin’s Answer
Hi Emma👋🏻...
It’s completely normal to feel unsure as a freshman most people in science explore multiple areas before deciding. Choosing a specialization often comes down to exploration and experience rather than just interest alone, Here are some steps you can take:
1. Try different classes and labs – Take introductory courses in your areas of interest... Pay attention to which topics excite you most and where you perform well.
2. Get hands-on experience – Internships, volunteering, or research in marine biology, wildlife conservation, or related fields will show you the day-to-day work and help you see what fits your lifestyle and interests.
3. Talk to professionals – Ask people in each field about their experiences, challenges, and what they love most. Shadowing can be especially insightful.
4. Reflect on your strengths and values – Do you enjoy fieldwork, lab work, policy, or education? Which environment feels motivating?
5. Accept that your choice can evolve – Many scientists switch focus as they gain experience... Early exploration doesn’t lock you in forever.
The key is to explore actively, reflect on your experiences, and be patient with your decision.
The more you try, the clearer your path will become.
It’s completely normal to feel unsure as a freshman most people in science explore multiple areas before deciding. Choosing a specialization often comes down to exploration and experience rather than just interest alone, Here are some steps you can take:
1. Try different classes and labs – Take introductory courses in your areas of interest... Pay attention to which topics excite you most and where you perform well.
2. Get hands-on experience – Internships, volunteering, or research in marine biology, wildlife conservation, or related fields will show you the day-to-day work and help you see what fits your lifestyle and interests.
3. Talk to professionals – Ask people in each field about their experiences, challenges, and what they love most. Shadowing can be especially insightful.
4. Reflect on your strengths and values – Do you enjoy fieldwork, lab work, policy, or education? Which environment feels motivating?
5. Accept that your choice can evolve – Many scientists switch focus as they gain experience... Early exploration doesn’t lock you in forever.
The key is to explore actively, reflect on your experiences, and be patient with your decision.
The more you try, the clearer your path will become.
Yuezhe Li, PhD
Scientist
10
Answers
Farmington, Connecticut
Updated
Yuezhe’s Answer
You might want to try to find internship or related experiences with these works. Many academic labs in these fields provides paid/ unpaid internships for students interested in these fields.
1. You can google if there is an internship that is of your interest in your area/ geographic area you are interested in.
2. Check if your university has some collaborations with labs.
3. Reach out to a professor with work that you are interested in and see if his/ her lab has a position that might be right for you.
4. Reach out to a graduate student/ postdoc/industry professional with work that you are interested in and see if there is an opportunity.
1. You can google if there is an internship that is of your interest in your area/ geographic area you are interested in.
2. Check if your university has some collaborations with labs.
3. Reach out to a professor with work that you are interested in and see if his/ her lab has a position that might be right for you.
4. Reach out to a graduate student/ postdoc/industry professional with work that you are interested in and see if there is an opportunity.