4 answers
Emily
Student
Hamburg, New Jersey
1
Question
Updated
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What if I go through college and end up not liking a career in what I chose to pursue as a high school senior?
I am a high school senior that plans to major in biology in college.
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4 answers
Darin Lindig
Materials Scientist / Engineer
3
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Darin’s Answer
Great question, Emily.
You have more control than you think. You don't always have to wait until you get a job to discover if you like the field.
My dad went to school to be a school teacher. I remember him saying the process was upside down. The last six months of his four year degree was student teaching assignment. Finding out at the end of college that working directly with kids is not what you thought it was going to be like is a tough lesson to learn. Some exposure to classroom teaching at the start would help many. (He loved teaching, but saw many student teachers that were rudely awakened).
I loved physics in high school, and I thought for sure I was going to become a physicist. But in college, I didn't like that many aspects of physics became too abstract for me. Luckily, I took an introduction class to Materials Science and I realized that this was the aspect of physical science that I really enjoyed. I am glad I explored adjacent science fields while going to school.
Changing or sliding careers is common and isn't necessarily a bad thing. Many find better opportunities or discover and seek new interests.
Use this platform to ask others about your projected field.
Find people in your projected field. Interview them and ask if you can job shadow for a bit.
Look at summer jobs or internships related to your field.
Take as many different classes as you can in college. Discovering what you don't like is just as important.
You have more control than you think. You don't always have to wait until you get a job to discover if you like the field.
My dad went to school to be a school teacher. I remember him saying the process was upside down. The last six months of his four year degree was student teaching assignment. Finding out at the end of college that working directly with kids is not what you thought it was going to be like is a tough lesson to learn. Some exposure to classroom teaching at the start would help many. (He loved teaching, but saw many student teachers that were rudely awakened).
I loved physics in high school, and I thought for sure I was going to become a physicist. But in college, I didn't like that many aspects of physics became too abstract for me. Luckily, I took an introduction class to Materials Science and I realized that this was the aspect of physical science that I really enjoyed. I am glad I explored adjacent science fields while going to school.
Changing or sliding careers is common and isn't necessarily a bad thing. Many find better opportunities or discover and seek new interests.
Darin recommends the following next steps:
LaTausha Myers
Medical Laboratory scientist
59
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
LaTausha’s Answer
Explore several careers within the biology field as well as other interest you have. Internships and shadowing a professional is a good way to get a quick glimpse.
Several people earn a degree in one field and pivot. It usually requires going back to school maybe 2years for a another degree or certification.
Some student know while in college and change majors. Be honest with yourself and your academic advisors so they can help place you in a better position for success.
Best of luck
Several people earn a degree in one field and pivot. It usually requires going back to school maybe 2years for a another degree or certification.
Some student know while in college and change majors. Be honest with yourself and your academic advisors so they can help place you in a better position for success.
Best of luck
Joseph Neilson
Radiation Detection Physicist
273
Answers
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Most courses of study lead to a number of possible career paths - if you discover one of them isn't for you, there's often other subdisciplines within the subject you'll enjoy. I studied physics with a specialisation in astrophysics, but I gradually discovered astrophysics at higher levels got a bit too abstract for me; so I pivoted into nuclear physics.
Even if you find every possible career in your field somehow isn't for you, a college/university degree is still a qualification that is valued in less-specialised fields too. Especially STEM (sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects - there's a lot of alternate career paths in finance, IT, etc - where the mathematical and technical skills of STEM graduates can find uses.
Even if you find every possible career in your field somehow isn't for you, a college/university degree is still a qualification that is valued in less-specialised fields too. Especially STEM (sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects - there's a lot of alternate career paths in finance, IT, etc - where the mathematical and technical skills of STEM graduates can find uses.
Liam Rielly
Data Center Technician
195
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Liam’s Answer
You can change your career.
Employers really like to see a degree for only one reason really. They like seeing that you made a commitment and accomplished a set goal. That's really it. Obviously something like a doctor or lawyer you need a degree to have that position. Other than that a degree in one field is not a disqualifying reason to start another field.
Employers really like to see a degree for only one reason really. They like seeing that you made a commitment and accomplished a set goal. That's really it. Obviously something like a doctor or lawyer you need a degree to have that position. Other than that a degree in one field is not a disqualifying reason to start another field.