4 answers
Sumedha
Student
Little Elm, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What advice would you give to a high school student wanting to change career paths?
I am a rising 11th grader, who originally wanted to pursue aerospace engineering since elementary school. Due to this, I have taken high school courses that aligned with the STEM path, such as engineering design and physics. However, as I researched more I found out that there aren't many opportunities (non-US Citizen in Texas) for me. Recently, neuroscience has sparked an interest in me and I looked more into becoming a neurologist. I haven't taken chemistry or classes that relate to this field such as anatomy. I am currently in a dilemma choosing between aerospace and neuroscience, and do not know how to address this as I am approaching my last two years of high school.
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4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4578
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Sumeda,
Exploring Career Paths in High School: As a high school student contemplating a career change, it’s important to approach this decision with careful consideration and planning. Here are some steps you can take to navigate this transition effectively:
1. Self-Reflection and Research: Begin by reflecting on your interests, strengths, and values. Consider what aspects of aerospace engineering initially attracted you and what aspects of neuroscience are now intriguing to you. Conduct thorough research on both fields to understand the job prospects, educational requirements, and potential career paths in each.
2. Seek Guidance: Talk to your school counselor, teachers, or mentors about your dilemma. They can provide valuable insights, guidance, and resources to help you explore your options further. Additionally, consider reaching out to professionals in both aerospace engineering and neuroscience for informational interviews to gain firsthand knowledge about these fields.
3. Evaluate Educational Pathways: Review the academic requirements for pursuing a career in neuroscience, such as the need for courses in chemistry and biology. Determine if it’s feasible for you to catch up on these prerequisites during your remaining high school years or if there are alternative pathways into the field through bridging programs or foundation courses at the college level.
4. Consider Extracurricular Activities: Engage in extracurricular activities related to both aerospace engineering and neuroscience to gain practical exposure and insight into these fields. Participating in clubs, competitions, or internships can help you clarify your interests and build relevant skills.
5. Explore Dual Interests: If possible, look for opportunities to integrate both aerospace engineering and neuroscience into your academic pursuits. For instance, consider projects or research topics that bridge the gap between these two disciplines or explore interdisciplinary programs at universities that offer a blend of STEM fields.
6. Plan Ahead: Create a long-term plan outlining how you intend to transition from your current STEM-focused track towards a potential career in neuroscience. This plan should include steps for acquiring necessary prerequisites, exploring college programs that align with your new interest, and seeking out experiences that will enhance your understanding of neuroscience.
7. Stay Flexible: Remember that it’s okay for career interests to evolve over time. Keep an open mind as you explore different paths and be willing to adapt your plans based on new information or experiences.
Ultimately, choosing between aerospace engineering and neuroscience is a personal decision that should align with your passions, goals, and aspirations for the future. By taking proactive steps to explore both fields thoroughly and seeking guidance from trusted sources, you can make an informed choice that sets you on a fulfilling career path.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
National Science Foundation (NSF) - The NSF is a leading federal agency that supports research and education across all fields of science and engineering. Their publications provide valuable insights into trends in STEM education and careers.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) - A professional organization dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery, the AANS offers resources on educational pathways for aspiring neurologists.
Texas Education Agency (TEA) - The TEA oversees public education in Texas and provides information on academic standards, graduation requirements, and career pathways available to high school students in the state.
God Bless You,
JC.
Exploring Career Paths in High School: As a high school student contemplating a career change, it’s important to approach this decision with careful consideration and planning. Here are some steps you can take to navigate this transition effectively:
1. Self-Reflection and Research: Begin by reflecting on your interests, strengths, and values. Consider what aspects of aerospace engineering initially attracted you and what aspects of neuroscience are now intriguing to you. Conduct thorough research on both fields to understand the job prospects, educational requirements, and potential career paths in each.
2. Seek Guidance: Talk to your school counselor, teachers, or mentors about your dilemma. They can provide valuable insights, guidance, and resources to help you explore your options further. Additionally, consider reaching out to professionals in both aerospace engineering and neuroscience for informational interviews to gain firsthand knowledge about these fields.
3. Evaluate Educational Pathways: Review the academic requirements for pursuing a career in neuroscience, such as the need for courses in chemistry and biology. Determine if it’s feasible for you to catch up on these prerequisites during your remaining high school years or if there are alternative pathways into the field through bridging programs or foundation courses at the college level.
4. Consider Extracurricular Activities: Engage in extracurricular activities related to both aerospace engineering and neuroscience to gain practical exposure and insight into these fields. Participating in clubs, competitions, or internships can help you clarify your interests and build relevant skills.
5. Explore Dual Interests: If possible, look for opportunities to integrate both aerospace engineering and neuroscience into your academic pursuits. For instance, consider projects or research topics that bridge the gap between these two disciplines or explore interdisciplinary programs at universities that offer a blend of STEM fields.
6. Plan Ahead: Create a long-term plan outlining how you intend to transition from your current STEM-focused track towards a potential career in neuroscience. This plan should include steps for acquiring necessary prerequisites, exploring college programs that align with your new interest, and seeking out experiences that will enhance your understanding of neuroscience.
7. Stay Flexible: Remember that it’s okay for career interests to evolve over time. Keep an open mind as you explore different paths and be willing to adapt your plans based on new information or experiences.
Ultimately, choosing between aerospace engineering and neuroscience is a personal decision that should align with your passions, goals, and aspirations for the future. By taking proactive steps to explore both fields thoroughly and seeking guidance from trusted sources, you can make an informed choice that sets you on a fulfilling career path.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
National Science Foundation (NSF) - The NSF is a leading federal agency that supports research and education across all fields of science and engineering. Their publications provide valuable insights into trends in STEM education and careers.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) - A professional organization dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery, the AANS offers resources on educational pathways for aspiring neurologists.
Texas Education Agency (TEA) - The TEA oversees public education in Texas and provides information on academic standards, graduation requirements, and career pathways available to high school students in the state.
God Bless You,
JC.
Thank you!
Sumedha
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
146
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
First, it should be appreciated that, with appropriate skills, one can find opportunities in many parts of the United States or even globally. Therefore, you should not let your academic aspiration and passion be limited by the State of Texas.
Locate your dream and passion and go for it. If your passion is in aerospace engineering, take as many AP Math courses as possible (Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC), AP Physics, and AP Statistics to prepare yourself for an academic career in engineering in college. On the other hand, if your passion is in neuroscience, still take as many AP Math courses as possible (Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC), AP Statistics, AP Chemistry, AP Biology. Why Calculus? Well you still need Calculus to get into medical school.
It is interesting that Math and Statistics are the common denominators in both aerospace engineering and neuroscience track. Get yourself well prepared academically for college in the last two years of high school. Once your get into college, you have time to decide on your academic path.
Locate your dream and passion and go for it. If your passion is in aerospace engineering, take as many AP Math courses as possible (Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC), AP Physics, and AP Statistics to prepare yourself for an academic career in engineering in college. On the other hand, if your passion is in neuroscience, still take as many AP Math courses as possible (Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC), AP Statistics, AP Chemistry, AP Biology. Why Calculus? Well you still need Calculus to get into medical school.
It is interesting that Math and Statistics are the common denominators in both aerospace engineering and neuroscience track. Get yourself well prepared academically for college in the last two years of high school. Once your get into college, you have time to decide on your academic path.
Thank you!
Sumedha
Yesenia Salazar
Profesor Primaria
28
Answers
Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador
Updated
Yesenia’s Answer
Greetings, dear Sumedha. I understand that you are at an important crossroads and it is natural to have doubts when considering a career change, especially at such a crucial stage in your education. Here are some tips that could help you make an informed decision: Research both careers: Spend time delving into both aerospace engineering and neuroscience. Consider job opportunities, field growth, educational requirements, and long-term prospects.
Talk to professionals: Try to contact professionals from both fields. They can give you a realistic view of what each career entails and what day-to-day life is like in those professions.
Hands-on experience: If possible, look for volunteer opportunities, internships, or summer programs in neuroscience-related areas to gain hands-on experience.
Online Courses: Consider taking online courses or attending workshops in neuroscience to make up for classes you haven't taken and to test your interest in the field.
Academic Flexibility: Ask your school counselor about taking chemistry and anatomy classes in your later years of high school or even after you graduate.
Long-term planning: Think about your long-term goals and how each career aligns with them. Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years?
Listen to your passion: While it is important to consider feasibility and opportunities, it is also crucial that you are passionate about what you do. If neuroscience excites you more, that could be a sign to explore that path.
Remember that there is no right or wrong answer; It's about finding the path that best suits you. And don't worry if you feel like you've wasted time; All the experiences you have accumulated so far will be useful to you in one way or another in your professional future.
Keep going! Fondly. Yesenia
Talk to professionals: Try to contact professionals from both fields. They can give you a realistic view of what each career entails and what day-to-day life is like in those professions.
Hands-on experience: If possible, look for volunteer opportunities, internships, or summer programs in neuroscience-related areas to gain hands-on experience.
Online Courses: Consider taking online courses or attending workshops in neuroscience to make up for classes you haven't taken and to test your interest in the field.
Academic Flexibility: Ask your school counselor about taking chemistry and anatomy classes in your later years of high school or even after you graduate.
Long-term planning: Think about your long-term goals and how each career aligns with them. Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years?
Listen to your passion: While it is important to consider feasibility and opportunities, it is also crucial that you are passionate about what you do. If neuroscience excites you more, that could be a sign to explore that path.
Remember that there is no right or wrong answer; It's about finding the path that best suits you. And don't worry if you feel like you've wasted time; All the experiences you have accumulated so far will be useful to you in one way or another in your professional future.
Keep going! Fondly. Yesenia
Stephanie Lodman
Radiographic Science
1
Answer
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hello Sumeda,
It's completely normal to explore different interests and career paths, especially during high school! You're wise to consider your options and potential opportunities.
Here are some suggestions to help you navigate this dilemma:
1. Reflect on your motivations: Ask yourself why you're interested in aerospace engineering and neuroscience. What aspects of each field attracts you? Are there specific applications or problems you want to solve?
2. Research, research, research: Delve deeper into both fields, exploring the work of neurologists and aerospace engineers. Look into the educational paths and required skills for each field.
3. Seek guidance: Talk to your school counselor, science teachers, or mentors in both fields. They can offer valuable insights and help you understand the requirements and opportunities in Texas.
4. Keep your options open: You can still take STEM courses and explore aerospace engineering while also introducing yourself to neuroscience. Your last two years of high school are a great time to explore electives and extracurricular activities.
Finally, consider a compromise: You might find your skills and interests align with a field like biomechanical engineering or medical device development, which combines elements of both engineering and neuroscience.
Remember, it's okay to take your time and explore different paths. Your interests and passions can evolve, as they did for me. I actually was an aerospace engineer for 12 years. After staying home with my kids for about 10 years, I went back to school in the health care field. The two fields both have science at their root but have a very different feel. I wouldn't change anything, but I actually felt more satisfaction working with patients. Good luck! I have a feeling you will do well no matter what you choose. - Stephanie
It's completely normal to explore different interests and career paths, especially during high school! You're wise to consider your options and potential opportunities.
Here are some suggestions to help you navigate this dilemma:
1. Reflect on your motivations: Ask yourself why you're interested in aerospace engineering and neuroscience. What aspects of each field attracts you? Are there specific applications or problems you want to solve?
2. Research, research, research: Delve deeper into both fields, exploring the work of neurologists and aerospace engineers. Look into the educational paths and required skills for each field.
3. Seek guidance: Talk to your school counselor, science teachers, or mentors in both fields. They can offer valuable insights and help you understand the requirements and opportunities in Texas.
4. Keep your options open: You can still take STEM courses and explore aerospace engineering while also introducing yourself to neuroscience. Your last two years of high school are a great time to explore electives and extracurricular activities.
Finally, consider a compromise: You might find your skills and interests align with a field like biomechanical engineering or medical device development, which combines elements of both engineering and neuroscience.
Remember, it's okay to take your time and explore different paths. Your interests and passions can evolve, as they did for me. I actually was an aerospace engineer for 12 years. After staying home with my kids for about 10 years, I went back to school in the health care field. The two fields both have science at their root but have a very different feel. I wouldn't change anything, but I actually felt more satisfaction working with patients. Good luck! I have a feeling you will do well no matter what you choose. - Stephanie