3 answers
haya
Student
Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
1
Question
Asked
558 views
How can I choose high-paying A-Level subjects if I don’t want to go into medicine?
Hi! I’m currently an O-Level student studying in Riyadh at PISES, and I’ll be starting A-Levels soon. I took Biology as my main subject in O-Levels, but I’m sure that I don’t want to go into the medical field.
I’m honestly very confused about what to choose next. I’m mainly interested in a career that has strong earning potential, and I’m open to learning new skills because I adapt easily. However, I don’t have any background or experience in IT, computer science, or business, so I’m not sure if those fields would be suitable for me or how hard it would be to transition into them.
Since I live in Riyadh, I’d also like advice that considers job opportunities and demand in Saudi Arabia. My parents are also encouraging me to choose a career path that is financially stable and has good future prospects.
What A-Level subject combinations and career paths would you recommend for someone like me who wants a high-income career, doesn’t want medicine, and is willing to learn from scratch?
Thank you so much for your time and guidance!
3 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
66
Answers
Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Fahad Elahi’s Answer
It's wonderful to hear that you're planning for your future as an O-Level student at PISES in Riyadh. Your willingness to learn new skills and focus on financial stability is a great start. Let's explore some high-income career paths in Saudi Arabia that align with Vision 2030. This vision highlights growth in tech, finance, energy, tourism, and logistics, all of which have high job demand and offer good salaries. I'll suggest A-Level subjects that can help you, even if you're new to fields like IT or business. These subjects are designed to teach you step-by-step.
Saudi Job Market: There is a high demand in sectors like finance, IT, engineering, and business management. Local qualifications can improve your job prospects, especially as more jobs are being filled by Saudis. Areas like renewable energy, cybersecurity, and finance are rapidly growing.
No Prior Background: Don't worry if you're new to these areas. Many students successfully transition by focusing on subjects that develop problem-solving and analytical skills.
Earning Potential: Look for careers where starting salaries are around SAR 10,000–20,000 per month, with the potential to earn more as you gain experience and certifications.
A-Level Choices: You typically choose 3–4 subjects. Pick ones that meet university requirements in Saudi Arabia or abroad. Math is often essential for high-paying careers because it opens up many opportunities.
Recommended A-Level Subject Combinations and Career Paths
Math, Physics, and Computer Science (or IT if available)
This combination is great because Math and Physics develop analytical skills, and Computer Science teaches programming from the ground up. Tech jobs are booming in Saudi Arabia, especially with projects like NEOM.
Career Paths:
- Software Engineering/Developer: High demand in tech hubs. Mid-career salaries can exceed SAR 300,000 per year.
- Data Analysis/AI: Start with a bachelor's in Computer Science. Entry salaries range from SAR 15,000–25,000 per month.
- Cybersecurity: Growing field due to digital transformation. Certifications make it accessible.
Transition Tips: Use online resources like Khan Academy to start learning. Universities offer bridging programs to help you catch up.
Math, Economics, and Business Studies
Economics helps you understand markets, Business Studies covers management and finance, and Math gives you a quantitative edge. This is ideal for Saudi's finance sector.
Career Paths:
- Finance/Investment Banking: Work at banks with salaries around SAR 400,000 per year.
- Business Management/Entrepreneurship: Opportunities in logistics and tourism.
- Accounting/Auditing: Stable jobs with entry salaries of SAR 12,000–18,000 per month.
Transition Tips: Use free online courses to get started. Consider a bachelor's in Business Administration for stable career options.
Math, Chemistry, and Physics
This combination is great for engineering roles in Saudi's energy sector, without focusing on medicine.
Career Paths:
- Petroleum/Chemical Engineering: High-paying roles at companies like Aramco.
- Renewable Energy Engineering: Supports Vision 2030's green initiatives.
- Environmental Consulting: High demand in urban development.
Transition Tips: A-Levels provide the necessary foundation. Internships can offer valuable experience.
General Advice
University and Beyond: These subject combinations can lead to top universities in Saudi Arabia or abroad. Look for scholarships and certifications to enhance your skills.
Financial Stability: These career paths offer quick employability. Networking and career fairs can help you find opportunities.
Talk to your school counselor about available subjects. Try short online courses to see what interests you. Remember, being adaptable is your strength, and many people successfully change fields.
Saudi Job Market: There is a high demand in sectors like finance, IT, engineering, and business management. Local qualifications can improve your job prospects, especially as more jobs are being filled by Saudis. Areas like renewable energy, cybersecurity, and finance are rapidly growing.
No Prior Background: Don't worry if you're new to these areas. Many students successfully transition by focusing on subjects that develop problem-solving and analytical skills.
Earning Potential: Look for careers where starting salaries are around SAR 10,000–20,000 per month, with the potential to earn more as you gain experience and certifications.
A-Level Choices: You typically choose 3–4 subjects. Pick ones that meet university requirements in Saudi Arabia or abroad. Math is often essential for high-paying careers because it opens up many opportunities.
Recommended A-Level Subject Combinations and Career Paths
Math, Physics, and Computer Science (or IT if available)
This combination is great because Math and Physics develop analytical skills, and Computer Science teaches programming from the ground up. Tech jobs are booming in Saudi Arabia, especially with projects like NEOM.
Career Paths:
- Software Engineering/Developer: High demand in tech hubs. Mid-career salaries can exceed SAR 300,000 per year.
- Data Analysis/AI: Start with a bachelor's in Computer Science. Entry salaries range from SAR 15,000–25,000 per month.
- Cybersecurity: Growing field due to digital transformation. Certifications make it accessible.
Transition Tips: Use online resources like Khan Academy to start learning. Universities offer bridging programs to help you catch up.
Math, Economics, and Business Studies
Economics helps you understand markets, Business Studies covers management and finance, and Math gives you a quantitative edge. This is ideal for Saudi's finance sector.
Career Paths:
- Finance/Investment Banking: Work at banks with salaries around SAR 400,000 per year.
- Business Management/Entrepreneurship: Opportunities in logistics and tourism.
- Accounting/Auditing: Stable jobs with entry salaries of SAR 12,000–18,000 per month.
Transition Tips: Use free online courses to get started. Consider a bachelor's in Business Administration for stable career options.
Math, Chemistry, and Physics
This combination is great for engineering roles in Saudi's energy sector, without focusing on medicine.
Career Paths:
- Petroleum/Chemical Engineering: High-paying roles at companies like Aramco.
- Renewable Energy Engineering: Supports Vision 2030's green initiatives.
- Environmental Consulting: High demand in urban development.
Transition Tips: A-Levels provide the necessary foundation. Internships can offer valuable experience.
General Advice
University and Beyond: These subject combinations can lead to top universities in Saudi Arabia or abroad. Look for scholarships and certifications to enhance your skills.
Financial Stability: These career paths offer quick employability. Networking and career fairs can help you find opportunities.
Talk to your school counselor about available subjects. Try short online courses to see what interests you. Remember, being adaptable is your strength, and many people successfully change fields.
Brian Gorney
Sales Leadership
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi, if your primary focus in earning potential, a great way to start your career is in professional sales - this function exists across nearly all industries, and is also known as enterprise sales and/or B2B sales. Outside of the executive team of a given company, your sales teams are generally the highest earners. For entry level roles, you can find Business Development Rep or Sales Development Rep, or inside sales roles. I started in this type of role 20 years ago, and have loved every minutes of it!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
316
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
If you're thinking about A-Levels and want to keep doors open for high-paying jobs, consider taking Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. If you're good at Maths, adding Further Maths is a great idea. This combination is especially useful in Saudi Arabia, where it leads to careers in engineering, tech, and energy, all supported by Vision 2030. Even if you're unsure about your future job, these subjects offer flexibility and show you have strong analytical skills.
Don't worry if you don't have an IT or business background yet. Many people start degrees in computer science, data, engineering, or finance without any prior experience and learn everything at university. A-Levels in Maths and Physics are more important than having coded before.
For a practical suggestion, definitely choose Maths and Physics. Then, add either Chemistry or Economics based on what you like more. Chemistry is great for engineering and industrial careers, while Economics fits well with finance, consulting, and business roles. You don't need to decide on a career now. Focus on subjects that develop problem-solving skills and keep your options open. During A-Levels, explore careers through online courses, internships, or certifications. This approach usually satisfies both you and your parents.
Don't worry if you don't have an IT or business background yet. Many people start degrees in computer science, data, engineering, or finance without any prior experience and learn everything at university. A-Levels in Maths and Physics are more important than having coded before.
For a practical suggestion, definitely choose Maths and Physics. Then, add either Chemistry or Economics based on what you like more. Chemistry is great for engineering and industrial careers, while Economics fits well with finance, consulting, and business roles. You don't need to decide on a career now. Focus on subjects that develop problem-solving skills and keep your options open. During A-Levels, explore careers through online courses, internships, or certifications. This approach usually satisfies both you and your parents.
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