<p>I'm just curious about all your opinions, so please let me know. I had decided to become a doctor because I want to have a career where I can help many people. The idea of a buisnessman, who works just to put money in his pocket, is highly unappealing to me. What career would you say helps the most people?</p>
<p>Wow. Your reasoning for becoming a doctor and not a businessman is exactly the same as mine.</p>
<p>I used to think this way but it is definitely a misconception. The world needs businessmen just as much as it needs doctors. Keep in mind both my parents are physicians.</p>
<p>There are lots of careers that involve helping people. And more to the point, you can do good for the community through any career path. For example, not all business and finance majors become money-obsessed sharks. Some use their business degrees to start organizations that help people. Some become financial advisors for the elderly, and other such people who genuinely need help. </p>
<p>You can help society through almost anything. Public policy, education, social work, psychology, law, engineering....</p>
<p>Or if you're dead-set on a health-oriented career, those in the highest demand will include pharmacists, PAs, nutritionists, and public health advocates. </p>
<p>But really, my best advice is not to focus too much on career now. Go to college, take a variety of classes, and you'll find your passion. Rushing yourself to make a decision now just limits you.</p>
<p>I know what I want to do, work with autistic kids, I just don't know which career this relates to. I was thinking neurology or psychiatry. Advice?</p>
<p>And to hit on hpandu's point - there are going to be selfish, money obsessed people in every profession. Do you honestly think that there aren't people who go into medicine just for the salary?</p>
<p>Find your passion. If it's something you love, you can make a difference doing it. Maybe medicine is the career for you, maybe it isn't. Don't stress.</p>
<p>Oh, you already know? At first I thought you wanted us to pick out a career for you...</p>
<p>Autistism work. Hmm...I just did a search. It turns out that physical therapy, speech pathology, and various forms of communication and behavioral therapy are the most common treatments. From what I gather, the doctors will diagnose and prescribe medication, but refer the child to some sort of a therapy center. </p>
<p>Then there are always research careers...</p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>
<p>Thanks for the career advice. I though that doctors involved in autism had a much larger role in their paients lives, beyond prescribing medicine. While money is not my main motive, I have seen from experience that the professions you mentioned are extremely competitive, and hours are very hard to come by. It's a good supplementary income for a household, but not for the main breadwinner. Once again, I AM NOT MONEY MOTIVATED, I just am looking at the world realistically. Continue the advice :)</p>
<p>Actually, from what I've heard, world changer, there aren't a whole lot of people who go into medicine for the money. As my uncle, who is a doctor, told me, "There's easier ways to make money...make sure medicine is wha tyou want". I've never actually met anybody who has gone into medicine for the money.</p>
<p>phonyreal98, that is totaly true. If I wanted money, I'd go into foreign exchange trading(retire by 35:)).</p>
<p>These are some of the sites I looked at. They may be of some help.</p>
<p>Yeah, phonyreal, I don't know many (most are genuinely interested in the topic), but as with any profession, there are going to be some exceptions.</p>
<p>world changer, very interesting links. These careers I was looking into. However, one of my bosses at the camp I work at(for children with autism, down syndrome, etc.) told me that these careers are not bery reliable(probably excluding OT and PT). I don't know if I want to do research, I want to have a more hands-on approach with these children.</p>