Looking into the Future

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

<p>I am a freshman student at the University of Texas at Austin. Currently, I am majoring in Biochemistry, mostly because it looks better to Medical and Pharmacy schools. Before I get too deep into my schooling, I just wanted a little bit of perspective...</p>

<p>I mostly decided to aim to be in the medical field because of my strong abilities in science and capability to do math (although I hate it and must work harder than my mathematical-minded friends to earn high grades in it). I understand that Biochemistry is one of the more difficult majors and have accepted the work load because I believe I can handle it. However, after I get a bachelor's degree, I am very fuzzy on what to do next. </p>

<p>I am strongly considering Pharmacy because of the lifestyle it allows. Also, I am a very hard worker and determined to achieve and succeed, so I feel like I have the necessary tools to "survive" the medical path. However, there are so many career choices and there are so many people who are much more intelligent than I am who I would be competing with for any position involving anything medical. </p>

<p>I guess what I'm trying to ask is, what are some alternatives? </p>

<p>I lack any strong passion for much because of my pragmatic qualities, but I do love work that allows me to help others in any way possible. If it does not interfere with my studies, I actively seek out charity/volunteer opportunities. I find psychology interesting, but am pretty frank when I speak to my friends, which I don't consider a good quality for someone who is supposed to be supremely sensitive. I can be considered an introvert, although if I am placed in a highly social and friendly environment, I can hold my own. Another huge aspect of my personality is my creativity. I enjoy breaks from routine. Blah blah blah, I could go on. </p>

<p>I apologize for the long post, but am really trying to explore possibilities before its too late.</p>

2

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>Majoring in biochemistry does not necessarily mean you “look better” to medical schools. Medical schools will accept any student from any major. From my research (when I was looking into med school and vet school), is that some prefer you to major in something else because it is diverse and it stands out from the typical bio/biochem/chem majors that apply. It just is easier because med school requires certain classes (ex: x bio, x chemistry classes), and it’ll be easier/faster to just major in a science field.</p>

<p>With that said, maybe you can take a couple of psychology classes and see how you feel. You can major in something you find much more interesting, but taking the med school requirements as electives. </p>

<p>Despite being a hard worker or not, you have to like what you do – at least a bit. If you lack any kind of enjoyment when it comes your future career, you will struggle to succeed.</p>

<p>Since you like helping people, you should consider going the non-profit route. There are a lot of jobs that go within building a NPO so your plate is pretty open here.</p>