Army guy looking for educational help, career wise.

Hey there David,

As a business graduate and a student who's originally studied Radiology before switching majors, I can tell you that the world of business is amazing and can be just as rewarding as being in the medical feild. What is important is that you do what you believe is best. You seem to be aware about your level of interest in your current educational career, but don't be discouraged to test the waters in different areas. As what many have said in previous post, you have done a lot of clear thinking and appears you have answered your own question. If business or economics don't pain out you can always go back to the RN track or try a new field all together.

You are still young and have unique experiences the Army gave you, just take it slow and don't rush through a decision if you have doubts.

Thank you for your service David and hope this helped. Good luck.

Hi,

Thank you for serving!

In addition to all the excellent advice above, I'd suggest that you start talking with people about what they do, what a typical day and year is like in that career, and what the most common career paths are within that career. You can also ask them things like what they like and dislike most about it. You can start with people you know and sometimes they will know other people you should talk with. (If you meet in a professional setting, these fall within the broader category of "information interviews.")

Be sure to learn and to factor in things like how social you want each day to be, how you feel about being interrupted, and whether you like a plan to never change versus a plan that is more dynamic and being continuously updated based on new information. These may sound like small things, but they can have a profound impact on personal satisfaction and happiness.

Once you find a particularly interesting path, you might ask if you can shadow someone for a few hours or a day. They may or may not be able to let you, but if you find someone who can, you can gain enormous insight into how you feel about the job.

I hope you find your answers and wish you all the best!

David, it sounds to me that you've already answered your own question from what you've written. If you have no passion for the medical field anymore, you should move on. Perhaps business/finance is something to pursue, IF you have the aptitude.... I would recommend going to the Career Services Office at your school and ask if the Strong Vocational Interest Inventory is available for you to take. Vocational Inventories can help guide you to an occupational area that are suitable to your interests. You might discover something else as a result of feedback from a well validated instrument like the Strong.

In the career counseling field, there's a bromide that goes something like this: do what you love, and the money will follow.

I wish you the best with your future studies and career!

Hi David --

I'd like to echo what Mr. Simmons and Dr. Robinson said above --

1. I would also advise you to take an interest and aptitude inventory to help you begin to determine which direction you’d like your professional career to take.


2. Similarly, I would also be advise you to begin to develop strong networking relationships – as a part of that process, I’d recommend that you seek to establish strong mentor/mentee relationships with a few individuals who you trust and whose opinions carry weight with you.

I was formerly an artillery officer in the U.S. Army. I now work for one of world’s largest technology companies. I had to get through 4 intervening careers (after having left active duty) to find my current professional passion – so I agree with Mr. Simmons’ comment, above, that finding the right profession is a lot like trying on pairs of shoes to find the pair that fits the best. But, having your own understanding of your professional interests and aptitude (which can be uncovered via taking a formal interest and aptitude inventory), and having a solid network of mentors, can help you find “the right pair” quickly, and hopefully avoid a lot of “blisters” along the way.

I hope this helps! Best of luck in your search for the right profession!