5 answers
Amy
Student
Berkeley, California
2
Questions
Asked
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What are some careers that combine math/science, art and helping people, but preferably don't involve a lot of programming?
Ex-premed student here. (2nd year in college.) I am passionate about helping others but am no longer interested in biology or medicine, so I am looking for another career path that combines my interest in math/physics, art and helping people. I prefer a career path that involves lifelong learning (although that is certainly an element of all careers). #science #technology #art #math #career
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5 answers
Vern Novstrup
Environmental Engineer
30
Answers
Ventura, California
Updated
Vern’s Answer
Math, science, art, and helping people - Let me take the last one first.
Helping people. I would argue that if you are honest, passionate, and work hard, you are by definition helping people. I'm guessing that you really are looking for a job that allows you the gratification of seeing how what you do helps people. Most careers in math, science, and engineering require interaction with people so I would not worry much about finding a career that helps people. Helping people is more about the job you select within the career than the career you select.
Art. Careers such as architecture, design and interior design are most typically associated with art. On the other hand, a friend of mine was a tile setter that did very high end work which could only be described art on the wall, floor and ceiling. I believe that if you are talented in many of the construction trades and you highly develop your skill you can properly claim to be producing art.
Math and Science. These suggest careers such as engineering, architecture, and education. Less obvious are careers in movie and theater industry related to set-making, lighting, and sound.
Taken together perhaps something that takes concepts math and science and presents them to the public suggests something like museum curator or educational writer/artist.
Try to find an internship or entry level job at a museum or kids science center.
Helping people. I would argue that if you are honest, passionate, and work hard, you are by definition helping people. I'm guessing that you really are looking for a job that allows you the gratification of seeing how what you do helps people. Most careers in math, science, and engineering require interaction with people so I would not worry much about finding a career that helps people. Helping people is more about the job you select within the career than the career you select.
Art. Careers such as architecture, design and interior design are most typically associated with art. On the other hand, a friend of mine was a tile setter that did very high end work which could only be described art on the wall, floor and ceiling. I believe that if you are talented in many of the construction trades and you highly develop your skill you can properly claim to be producing art.
Math and Science. These suggest careers such as engineering, architecture, and education. Less obvious are careers in movie and theater industry related to set-making, lighting, and sound.
Taken together perhaps something that takes concepts math and science and presents them to the public suggests something like museum curator or educational writer/artist.
Vern recommends the following next steps:
Kumi Takasumi
Marketing
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Kumi’s Answer
It's great that you are thinking about what you like and don't like, and have ruled out medicine.
When it comes to careers that involve helping people, I would ask a couple more questions 1) how directly do you need to be helping to feel you are meeting your passion and 2) what standard of living will satisfy your needs and wants?
These are tied because it is possible to have a good, well-paying career helping others, using skills you enjoy , but the help may be more abstract rather than direct (e.g, principal rather than teacher) . Ditto with careers involving art/ creativity. I know several ex-architects who found that the path was long, hard and underpaid. Luckily, they all found careers that uses their talents but offer a steadier and higher paying path (e.g., marketing)
I lean towards agreeing with Vern and Michael .. some parts of your passion can be met as an avocation. Rather than searching for a perfect job and career that meets all aspects, look for a role that meets the most important aspects, and develops skills that you can take along and be flexible. It's possible that what you think is important now may not be as important later and visa versa. Good luck!
When it comes to careers that involve helping people, I would ask a couple more questions 1) how directly do you need to be helping to feel you are meeting your passion and 2) what standard of living will satisfy your needs and wants?
These are tied because it is possible to have a good, well-paying career helping others, using skills you enjoy , but the help may be more abstract rather than direct (e.g, principal rather than teacher) . Ditto with careers involving art/ creativity. I know several ex-architects who found that the path was long, hard and underpaid. Luckily, they all found careers that uses their talents but offer a steadier and higher paying path (e.g., marketing)
I lean towards agreeing with Vern and Michael .. some parts of your passion can be met as an avocation. Rather than searching for a perfect job and career that meets all aspects, look for a role that meets the most important aspects, and develops skills that you can take along and be flexible. It's possible that what you think is important now may not be as important later and visa versa. Good luck!
Judith Quitoriano
Tutoring, mentoring, adjunct prof, pastoral counseling
53
Answers
Pacifica, California
Updated
Judith’s Answer
Helping others can take a lot of paths. There are careers in psychology, art therapy, ministry to name a few. All of these channels can be productive lives. These paths can serve vets at the VA to adapt to life in peace time, they can counsel those with disorders, and they can root those in loss, to a faith tradition.
Teaching and mentoring can also be a career path. Taking the time to investigate pros and cons about helping professions can provide focus. Social work with an opioid counseling emphasis is a much needed field today. In this way, you are on the front lines saving lives.
There is also service to non profits. Many of these organizations provide funding for all these services. It would be great to speak with a mentor that can assist you and your particular gifts while helping you identify them within yourself.
Public Policy is also a much needed profession. Serving with integrity in public service like Fiona Hill is a focus which is so necessary. Take some time to speak with a career counselor, so that you can focus on your particular interest. This could be money well spent.
Teaching and mentoring can also be a career path. Taking the time to investigate pros and cons about helping professions can provide focus. Social work with an opioid counseling emphasis is a much needed field today. In this way, you are on the front lines saving lives.
There is also service to non profits. Many of these organizations provide funding for all these services. It would be great to speak with a mentor that can assist you and your particular gifts while helping you identify them within yourself.
Public Policy is also a much needed profession. Serving with integrity in public service like Fiona Hill is a focus which is so necessary. Take some time to speak with a career counselor, so that you can focus on your particular interest. This could be money well spent.
Michael Brinda
California
2
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
1. View and satisfy your interest in art as a hobby.
2. Your interest in charity is a volunteer vocation. I would not try to incorporate this interest into how you make a career and make a living.
3. Your career job will be based on your interest in math and physics. If you also want lifelong learning, become a Professor and teach in those subjects.
2. Your interest in charity is a volunteer vocation. I would not try to incorporate this interest into how you make a career and make a living.
3. Your career job will be based on your interest in math and physics. If you also want lifelong learning, become a Professor and teach in those subjects.
Sandi Besen
Consulting
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Sandi’s Answer
There are many opportunities in social sciences with the application of data science. If you have a background in statistics, look into careers that can utilize your skills to create a social impact. Many behavioral economists have uncovered pretty cool statistically backed findings.
Check out some of Richard Thaler and Daniel Kahneman's work!
Sandi recommends the following next steps: