Can anyone suggest potential careers for a creative, scientifically inclined student who excels at designing and building things / prototypes. Student is “ok” in math (but not fond of it), and gets bored easily with repetitive type tasks and calculations. Also very analytic. Is currently in college and doing well but doesn’t love being a student or classes that are not “applied” or judged to be relevant. Likes and does extremely well on projects and real work experiences.
So far the student has not been interested in Engineering.
What careers might be a good fit? What degree(s) would be necessary?
A Computer Science degree could open up many doors, such as graphic design, video game design, etc. You could also probably work your way into some team projects that deal with engineering, especially biomedical engineering. Or maybe architecture?
IDK, something I’m learning from being in college is that all your classes aren’t going to be extremely captivating and cohesive with your passions. And also that the path to becoming an expert or just a general professional is paved with many, many mundane tasks and repetition.
@katliamom Thanks for the suggestion; I’m thinking about designing and hands on building of devices/ machines/tools. @OnMyWay 2013 Although computer science is used in many careers, I don’t think it’s a good fit. Looking for a more hands on active field for someone who likes using brain and hands.
Are you a rising senior now? If so, what are your stats, what state do you live in, and how much financial assistance do you hope to receive. The College of Creative Studies at UCSB sounds perfect, if you qualify academically, or can pay out-of-state tuition if not a CA resident. Some small, liberal arts colleges have flexible, “build-your-own” curricula.
If you are strong in Math and Science, you might want to take a look at Olin. They have an unusual approach to hands-on, collaborative engineering and applied sciences. Warren Wilson, near Asheville, NC, is a different sort of hands-on community.
Being bored is never going away for courses where much of the material is already known. Some material has to be mastered so as to become second nature so you can use it as tools for the fun stuff. If math is difficult and the student wants more hands on than theory perhaps not getting the four year degree is the path to follow.
Colleges have career advising centers. S/he can get aptitude and interest tests done to help see what matches his/her profile. This is a much better source than picking our brains. May have to wait until the new semester begins.
btw- I understand being a hands on person. Liked chemistry, my undergrad major, but not the math/physics aspects (did well compared to the average college student, but not compared to stellar peers in those). Went to medical school and chose to be an anesthesiologist, very different than the internal medicine world some prefer (such as my H).
It takes more creativity to be a scientist than a physician/dentist.
Yeah, it’s hard to see you getting an engineering-type job that will give you the skills to build devices without some sort of technical training, engineering knowledge, or programming skills. You could thus either focus on designing, and pursue some sort of design-related major, or bite the bullet in the short term to get a relevant degree that will help you in the long term. I like granny2’s suggestion also. Maybe you should forgo building devices and look for other ways to use your skills.
@needhelp111, Has your son considered architecture? Architecture at the intersection of science (structures) and creativity (design). Some artistic skill is useful in studying architecture, but as more design work is done by computer the ability to draw has become less significant. Since your son already has two years of college if he’s interested in architecture he’d be better off finishing his current degree and then getting a Master of Architecture. Or, if his college offers a BS or BD in architecture he could see about transferring in now. With a BS he would most likely want to get a Master’s as well.
Another idea would be to look at a Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Environmental Design. Again, it really depends on what his current college offers in this area. Here’s an example of a terrific program: http://www.designcenter.colorado.edu/
If he’s drawn toward tech-y solutions to design, many colleges offer integrated programs that combine computer science and design, both digital design and real life design. CMU is a pioneer in this area but many others are developing their own programs.
These ideas are helpful in clarifying what really is desired.
Definitely not dental school or architecture but they are interesting ideas. @momrath designcenter and CMU looks promising. It would be for the grad program. Not terribly into aesthetics; more into invention and prototyping or creating something for use in a small company or research lab.
I’d like to second katliamom’s suggestion of industrial design. Fits your description to a T … creating, inventing, hands on and does not require the superior math skills that something like engineering would call for. http://www.idsa.org/education/what-is-industrial-design
You can major in Orthotics and Prosthetics at either the AA or BS level. It is very applied – fitting braces and artificial limbs - and there is growing demand.