14 answers
Tina
Student
New Delhi, Delhi, India
2
Questions
Asked
1406 views
How to select which career path is best for me financially and interest wise?
I'm a student of class 12, I'm interested in psychology but I've heard the career in it is slow and not very high paying . Other commerce related careers I'm confused about, that what's best for me and provides good return. My stream is commerce with maths. And I'm an acadmeicall smart kid, mostly, my percentage hovers around 80-90%
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13 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Dean; Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
765
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
The best career is usually one that balances what you enjoy with good job opportunities and long-term growth. Since you are interested in psychology, you do not have to give it up completely. Psychology can be combined with business in areas such as human resources, marketing, consumer behavior, organizational psychology, and user experience (UX) research. These careers often offer better earning potential than traditional psychology roles.
Since you are studying commerce with mathematics, you also have many career options, including finance, accounting, business analytics, economics, actuarial science, and data analytics. These fields generally have strong job demand and good salary growth.
Before choosing a degree, spend some time exploring different careers. You can talk to professionals, attend university open days, watch videos about their day-to-day work, and take introductory online courses. This will help you understand what each career is really like.
Since you are studying commerce with mathematics, you also have many career options, including finance, accounting, business analytics, economics, actuarial science, and data analytics. These fields generally have strong job demand and good salary growth.
Before choosing a degree, spend some time exploring different careers. You can talk to professionals, attend university open days, watch videos about their day-to-day work, and take introductory online courses. This will help you understand what each career is really like.
Tysm for spending your precious time to answer my queries!
Tina
You're very welcome
Wong Loke Yuen
Marty Meyer
General Manager
93
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
The job that works today can be the job that fails tomorrow. Choose where your interests and skills align. The future is tough to predict.
Thank you so much, Marty!
Tina
Allen Beckwith
4
Answers
Updated
Allen’s Answer
There are several careers that lay at the intersection of psychology and quantitative fields. For instance, consider behavioral economics & finance. This is the study of why people make irrational financial decisions, combining psychological insights with economics modeling and data. Or consumer behavior & market research, analyzing consumer psychology to figure out why people buy certain products, how they react to pricing, and what drives brand loyalty. Industrial/organizational psychology, or HR analytics may be other interesting paths. Best of luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2697
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are plenty careers you can utilize your knowledge of both psychology and commerce , e.g. Marketing, Human Resources, Management Consultant, Executive Coach, Media Content Creator, etc. You can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, 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. There are plenty careers you can utilize your knowledge of both psychology and commerce , e.g. Marketing, Human Resources, Management Consultant, Executive Coach, Media Content Creator, etc. You can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, 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!
Tysm for spending your precious time to answer my queries!
Tina
SHAYNE MARCELLINE
Surgical Technologist
1
Answer
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
SHAYNE’s Answer
Try taking assessments like on 'www.careeronestop.org' to help you explore careers and what training and certifications are needed to work on those fields. With business you can work anywhere. So, try to narrow down who you want to work for like in health, transportation, marketing.
Getting a business degree is a good start and then doing certification in the fields you want to work in helps you tailor toward the specific field. For example, someone can get a degree in Healthcare Management and may still need follow on certification like to work in specific fields like, Quality & Risk Management, Finance & Revenue, Informatics & Compliance. Figure out the environment you want to work in and tailor your degree to get yourself area.
Getting a business degree is a good start and then doing certification in the fields you want to work in helps you tailor toward the specific field. For example, someone can get a degree in Healthcare Management and may still need follow on certification like to work in specific fields like, Quality & Risk Management, Finance & Revenue, Informatics & Compliance. Figure out the environment you want to work in and tailor your degree to get yourself area.
Tysm for spending your precious time to answer my queries!
Tina
Josh Overton
Telecom
6
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Please take this advice with a grain of salt. There are a lot of careers that will make you money. However, money is not necessarily happiness or fulfillment. If there is something you're passionate about, then do it and adjust your lifestyle based on the income it brings you. The joy will come from the satisfaction of what you're doing and or helping people. Don't worry about the money. Life is more enjoyable living it rather than working for it.
Tysm for spending your precious time to answer my queries! I'll surely think about what you said.
Tina
John Woollard
General Manager
58
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
John’s Answer
You do not actually have to choose between "makes money" and "interests me." While it is true that psychology might not universally be the highest paying path by default, there is a way to find the sweet spot where money and interest overlap. Not to mention when your work genuinely interests you, you push harder and stick with it longer, and that is usually what drives income in the long run anyway.
On psychology, you have heard right that some paths start slower, but it really depends on the direction. Clinical and counseling work looks different than applied fields like industrial-organizational psychology, user research, or behavioral data roles, which sit much closer to the business and numbers side you are already good at. Commerce, math, and an interest in psychology can be a valuable combo, since it points toward fields that need people who get both people and data.
Here is a simple way to get unstuck. List three or four careers you are curious about, and for each one do a little homework on what the daily work actually looks like and the realistic pay a few years in, not just at the start. You have got strong marks and real options here, so do not stress about finding the one perfect answer at 17. Just pick a direction that fits both your interests and a solid future, and know you can adjust as you go.
On psychology, you have heard right that some paths start slower, but it really depends on the direction. Clinical and counseling work looks different than applied fields like industrial-organizational psychology, user research, or behavioral data roles, which sit much closer to the business and numbers side you are already good at. Commerce, math, and an interest in psychology can be a valuable combo, since it points toward fields that need people who get both people and data.
Here is a simple way to get unstuck. List three or four careers you are curious about, and for each one do a little homework on what the daily work actually looks like and the realistic pay a few years in, not just at the start. You have got strong marks and real options here, so do not stress about finding the one perfect answer at 17. Just pick a direction that fits both your interests and a solid future, and know you can adjust as you go.
Tysm for spending your precious time to answer my queries!
Tina
Rajalakshmi Kamath
Project Management
4
Answers
United States
Updated
Rajalakshmi’s Answer
Hi Tina, in India, to be in the medical field of psychology, you would need to be in the science (PCMB) stream in PUC (pre-university certificate, also known as junior and senior in high school here in the United States). Commerce takes you more towards the finance and business side of things. Consider completing your education in the stream you chose for your PUC -- get your B. Com. and use those three years to understand what you like (and don't like) to do. While I cannot tell you what options are ahead of you in today's India, I can tell you to talk to your favourite teacher in your PUC college and ask their advice. They might be able to connect you to the right people who can help you navigate a path towards your dream career. Degrees in social work, for example, can help you be close to the world of psychology without becoming a psychologist. Degrees in hospital administration are another option.
Continue to study hard and work smart. The scale of the Indian student population is beyond the comprehension of almost everyone except maybe someone from China. You are dealing with lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of people graduating at the same time as you. So, competition will be fierce. While your marks are high, what will set you apart from the crowd is how you present yourself on a resume when you graduate -- your ability to understand the problem at hand and articulate your thoughts clearly will matter more. Aim for a niche (rare/unique skill) and become good at it. Work to build a reputation for honesty, integrity, and highest quality work -- that will set you up for sustainable success. As my parents always told me, you are not in competition with anyone but yourself, so do better today than you did yesterday.
Money should not be your motivating factor beyond a certain point (e.g., paying off loans, supporting family, etc.). But not every lakhpati/crorepati began their career as a lakhpati/crorepati -- most began at the lowest rung of the career ladder and climbed up, one rung at a time, keeping an eye out for opportunities to do what they love while doing the best possible work at each level of their current job.
All the best!
Talk to your favourite teacher about your career path options.
Focus on getting your degree in your chosen stream (commerce) but keep an eye on which subjects make you happy to go to that class.
Consider volunteering in different industries to see what might be interesting to you that you did not think about.
Give yourself the time to learn more about yourself before you have to be in the workforce.
Continue to study hard and work smart. The scale of the Indian student population is beyond the comprehension of almost everyone except maybe someone from China. You are dealing with lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of people graduating at the same time as you. So, competition will be fierce. While your marks are high, what will set you apart from the crowd is how you present yourself on a resume when you graduate -- your ability to understand the problem at hand and articulate your thoughts clearly will matter more. Aim for a niche (rare/unique skill) and become good at it. Work to build a reputation for honesty, integrity, and highest quality work -- that will set you up for sustainable success. As my parents always told me, you are not in competition with anyone but yourself, so do better today than you did yesterday.
Money should not be your motivating factor beyond a certain point (e.g., paying off loans, supporting family, etc.). But not every lakhpati/crorepati began their career as a lakhpati/crorepati -- most began at the lowest rung of the career ladder and climbed up, one rung at a time, keeping an eye out for opportunities to do what they love while doing the best possible work at each level of their current job.
All the best!
Rajalakshmi recommends the following next steps:
Liz Gardner Howe
IT QA
5
Answers
New Hartford, Connecticut
Updated
Liz’s Answer
Ask what career you would be good at and stay motivated in, as well as has a strong market demand. I wouldn't rule out psychology too quickly. The skills can be applied and useful in many roles. Your degree would help you stand out in Human Resources, Industrial/Organization Psychology, Consumer Behavior, Marketing, User Experience (UX) Research, Behavioral Economics, Counseling and Coaching, Managing People in any industry, and People Analytics. Combining with business and/or tech skills can be a lucrative job.
Mathematics helps you stand out and you could consider pursuing Accounting, Investment Banking, Financial Analysis, Business Analytics, Operation Management, Consulting, Data Analytics, Financial Technology, and Product Management.
Consider your strengths, too - do you enjoy working with numbers, analyzing problems, understanding people and behaviors, creative work or structured work, leading and communicating to others?
Explore by talking to professionals in a few of the areas that interest you. That could help narrow it down for you. My son did an internship to confirm what type of career and company he wanted to work for or rule it out. In fact, this week he started his dream job out of university, and the internship guided him in this direction.
Look up job postings and salaries to give you an idea of what may be realistic and available. Volunteer for projects in school or outside (clubs in the discipline) to help determine your next steps.
My daughtered majored in psychology and also found she enjoyed working with children with behavioral challenges and learning difficulties. Her psychology degree helped her stand out when applying, as well as in her daily role as a Special Needs Teacher. She loves her job and it pays the bills.
Final message: you do not have to plan out your entire life at this stage. Just make a step, it can be small and watch other doors open. Some may be ones you never thought of. Have fun exploring and being curious!
Mathematics helps you stand out and you could consider pursuing Accounting, Investment Banking, Financial Analysis, Business Analytics, Operation Management, Consulting, Data Analytics, Financial Technology, and Product Management.
Consider your strengths, too - do you enjoy working with numbers, analyzing problems, understanding people and behaviors, creative work or structured work, leading and communicating to others?
Explore by talking to professionals in a few of the areas that interest you. That could help narrow it down for you. My son did an internship to confirm what type of career and company he wanted to work for or rule it out. In fact, this week he started his dream job out of university, and the internship guided him in this direction.
Look up job postings and salaries to give you an idea of what may be realistic and available. Volunteer for projects in school or outside (clubs in the discipline) to help determine your next steps.
My daughtered majored in psychology and also found she enjoyed working with children with behavioral challenges and learning difficulties. Her psychology degree helped her stand out when applying, as well as in her daily role as a Special Needs Teacher. She loves her job and it pays the bills.
Final message: you do not have to plan out your entire life at this stage. Just make a step, it can be small and watch other doors open. Some may be ones you never thought of. Have fun exploring and being curious!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1425
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Tina,
It's great that you're thinking about both your interests and your financial goals. The best career choice is usually one that balances the two, rather than focusing on only one.
Psychology can be a rewarding career, but it's true that it often requires postgraduate study before you can access higher-paying roles, especially in clinical psychology. If your main motivation is financial stability, it's important to understand that becoming a psychologist is a long-term investment rather than a quick path to a high salary.
Since you're studying commerce with mathematics, you also have access to many other options, including Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Corporate Law, and Business Analytics. These fields can lead to strong career opportunities and may offer higher earning potential earlier in your career.
Before deciding, ask yourself a few questions:
- Do you enjoy understanding people and helping them solve personal or emotional challenges?
- Or do you enjoy solving business problems, working with numbers, making strategic decisions, or analyzing markets?
Your answers will help you narrow your choices.
If you're really interested in psychology but also want strong career prospects, remember that psychology isn't limited to clinical practice. There are careers in organizational psychology, human resources, user experience (UX) research, market research, behavioral science, and employee well-being, where psychology is applied in business settings.
My advice is not to choose a career solely because it pays well or solely because you enjoy the subject. Look for the overlap between your interests, your strengths, and the opportunities available. Since you're academically strong, you have the flexibility to explore several paths before making a final decision.
You're asking this question at the right time. Spend the next few months researching careers, speaking with professionals, and learning what day-to-day work actually looks like. The more informed your decision is, the more confident you'll feel about your future.
Best wishes!
It's great that you're thinking about both your interests and your financial goals. The best career choice is usually one that balances the two, rather than focusing on only one.
Psychology can be a rewarding career, but it's true that it often requires postgraduate study before you can access higher-paying roles, especially in clinical psychology. If your main motivation is financial stability, it's important to understand that becoming a psychologist is a long-term investment rather than a quick path to a high salary.
Since you're studying commerce with mathematics, you also have access to many other options, including Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Corporate Law, and Business Analytics. These fields can lead to strong career opportunities and may offer higher earning potential earlier in your career.
Before deciding, ask yourself a few questions:
- Do you enjoy understanding people and helping them solve personal or emotional challenges?
- Or do you enjoy solving business problems, working with numbers, making strategic decisions, or analyzing markets?
Your answers will help you narrow your choices.
If you're really interested in psychology but also want strong career prospects, remember that psychology isn't limited to clinical practice. There are careers in organizational psychology, human resources, user experience (UX) research, market research, behavioral science, and employee well-being, where psychology is applied in business settings.
My advice is not to choose a career solely because it pays well or solely because you enjoy the subject. Look for the overlap between your interests, your strengths, and the opportunities available. Since you're academically strong, you have the flexibility to explore several paths before making a final decision.
You're asking this question at the right time. Spend the next few months researching careers, speaking with professionals, and learning what day-to-day work actually looks like. The more informed your decision is, the more confident you'll feel about your future.
Best wishes!
Tysm for spending your precious time to answer my queries
Tina
You're welcome.
Chinyere Okafor
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
157
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It's completely normal to feel torn between a subject you love and the practical reality of wanting a financially secure future, especially when you're already doing so well academically. Since you have a strong background in commerce and math alongside your interest in psychology, you don't actually have to choose one over the other. You can merge these passions beautifully through fields like behavioral economics, consumer psychology, or marketing analytics, which study how people make financial decisions and are highly valued, lucrative paths in today's market. Your strong math and analytical skills mean you're in a perfect position to thrive in these hybrid areas where data meets human behavior. Trust your instincts and keep exploring these intersections because you have the brains and the drive to build a career that's both highly rewarding and financially stable. You have got a very bright future ahead of you, so take a deep breath and give yourself some credit for asking the right questions at this stage of your life. I'm rooting for you and wish you the absolute best of luck as you take these next steps.
Tysm for spending your precious time to answer my queries!
Tina
AnnMaria Hassan
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
AnnMaria’s Answer
One piece of advice is to go with your passion even if others have doubts. When you do something you love and are passionate about you wont get bored frustrated or keep hunting for the next gig. You will be determined to succeed and climb the ladder and only with that power and determination can you climb ladders, get promoted, even open your own business and make more money. Also with AI slowly taking over many industry redundant jobs psychology has a human touch that AI could never replace. I would suggest sticking with this passion as it can take you further than you expect.
Omowunmi Osholeye
Financial Advisory Consultant
14
Answers
Lanham, Maryland
Updated
Omowunmi’s Answer
I always advise that a career is built through the fusion of 2 or more interests.! A student of mass communication who loves soccer can become a soccer commentator or sports analysts, a student of finance who loves biology or caring for others can become a Medical Billing Administrator or an Accountant focused on Medical Field etc. You have identified your core strengths in Maths/Commerce and an interest in Psychology...... Find a space that weaves these 3 interests into one. Psychologists are needed as Human Resource Managers in most companies . With your interest in commerce and maths, you can focus on Payroll Administration or any other area that involves numbers. The list is inexhaustive. You can equally use the help of AI to suggest fusions of the 3 interests and i am sure you will be able to figure out which one really clicks for you. All the best!