<p>"intellectually stimulating, helpful to society, challenging, and not 80/hr week commitments"</p>
<p>My corner-- my career area, enviromental consulting, fits all of those criteria. Possible exception: 80 hrs/week is not the norm, but sometimes a big time commitment is needed, but as with any career you enjoy, such a commitment is not a big deal. What is especially rewarding to me is that the environmental area is (1) fairly unique, none of my investment banker friends have a clue as to what I do (& I like that), (2) its very academically stimulating, and (3) I'm no tree-hugger, but I feel I've done something good by helping industry & government grapple with their environmental responsibilities. Now, the money is generally not as great as some other careers, but most of the people I work with can't believe they are making the money they do for doing what they really enjoy.</p>
<p>1st step in my career selection process was picking a college major...I picked geology because I loved the west & wanted to be outdoors. Although I enjoy neither now in any big way, I don't regret my choice at all. Picking a major you really enjoy is, IMHO, a great first step. The environmental consulting industry did not exist when I was in college, but started up in earnest in the early 80's....I just stumbled into it frankly, its been fantastic. I've augmented my education in engineering & business to match the needs of my career.</p>
<p>My advice is, pick your studies to match your passions & enjoyments, and simply try to apply those skills as you seek out careers. So, its great to be thinking about careers now, but who knows, there may be a career for you that doesn't exist now. Have a good time in college.</p>
<p>Here's the Bur of Labor Stats employment handbook...decent read, but please remember to study what you love now, and figure out how to make a living when the time comes:
<a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm</a></p>