Dear Aunt Martha,
I recently shadowed a physician and realized that medicine may not be for me. I love taking classes in biology and health, but as someone who is no longer pre-med, what can I do with this interest?
Sincerely,
Anxious Applicant
Dear Anxious Applicant,
No worries, you are definitely not the only one who has had this experience! Shadowing a doctor can often be the make-or-break factor in whether a student decides to pursue a medical degree. Let’s celebrate the fact that you have discovered something important about yourself!
Now let’s discuss your interest in biology and health. Have you ever considered public health, dietetics or health research? These are only a couple of your options! Many of these fields have blossomed in popularity over the past few years. The public health field, for example, has been increasingly recognized in government and health circles due to an interest in understanding health problems on a macro scale. People in public health identify global, national, or community groups at risk for disease, develop public policy and education initiatives that address health problems, and work to ensure that all individuals receive adequate health care. For more on what a career in public health might be like, stop by MVR 162 to check out our very own public health guide (also linked here)!
As always, the CEC’s Career Assistants are available to talk to you one-on-one to help you find your true calling. As a student of the College of Human Ecology, you also have access to Pre-health advisors who are experts at helping students navigate career opportunities in health. Above all, remember that finding your dream job is a process of career exploration. Very few people find a perfect fit the first time around. Investigate the many opportunities available to you and don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they are outside of the field of biology and health!
Warmest Wishes,
Aunt Martha