<p>I am going to be a freshman in the fall at an undergraduate college with the hopes of one day making almost $200,000 per year, but at least $100,000 a year. The problem is, I am not really sure what I would be best at, or what I want to do. I am completely sure that I have/want to go to school for at least 6 years and major in mathematics, a chemistry, or a biological science.
My strengths in high school were my hard work and dedication (I will do whatever it takes to achieve), my knowing of what to do and what not to do (I always seem to know how to take good shortcuts, I seem to work smart and efficiently, keeping me ahead of others in tasks), my ability to schedule and prioritize, my ability to quickly grasp concepts, and my memory (I can remember things, especially numbers, very well).
My strong subjects (in order) were chemistry, calculus, trig, physics, biology, geometry, writing (I am a pretty solid writer, but I do not enjoy it as much as some of the other subjects)
My weaknesses (when I say weaknesses, I mean I was average) in high school were reading, public speaking (probably my worst attribute), computer skills (I can operate a computer decently, like most, but can't operate it that well) and my mechanical skills (working with tools/parts)
Math has always came easy to me, and I have always really enjoyed it. Then, when I took chemistry my junior year I absolutely loved it. And, I have always been intrigued by the human body. When I understood that these areas are closely related, I knew that that I wanted to study these someday.
Things I love, could possibly want to do, and could possibly want are: study math or chemistry, study the human body, help people, give people meaningful advice, have a 40 hour or less per week job, and have a job with a good career outlook, be able to work when/where I want, school/residency for no more than 8 years
So, as of right now, I plan to major in chemistry and align my schedule to get into dental school. I do have qualms about this plan, though. For one, I love chemistry, but it might not be what I want. I was great at quickly grasping concepts and understanding what's going on, but I was average at labs. I am a little slow to get labs going because I cannot visualize the lab directions when when read them. However, once I get situated I completely understand what is going on (I was still one of the best at labs in high school, though. I'm just better at chemistry on tests than I am in labs, I was by far the best chemistry student on tests). As for dentistry I have qualms as well. I am curious about how much speaking skills and hand skills I need to be a dentist. I am pretty easy to get along with and have a great sense of humor but I do struggle with public speaking. As for hand skills, I am not a great artist (as I stated above, I have a problem visualizing things), I have average handwriting, and do not play any instruments. However, I am a pretty good athlete and have good hand-eye coordination so I don't know if I would have good hand skills or not. The reason I am picking dentistry right now is because it is a perfect amount of schooling, I get to use chemistry, it is not too stressful, it has a great career outlook, I get to have good hours, I get to help people, I get to meet people, and I get great pay.
Other majors I am considering (in order of possibility): biochemistry (there is almost too many classes required for this major), microbiology, mathematics, biological sciences
Other careers I am considering (in order of possibility): Chemistry professor (cons- difficulty of getting position,public speaking, pay), biochemist (cons- pay, difficulty of getting position, high stress), biophysicist (cons- pay, difficulty of getting position, high stress), pharmacist (cons- pay, career outlook), optometrist (cons- pay, career outlook), general physician (cons- a lot of schooling, high stress), physical assistant (cons- don't get to be my own boss, pay), math professor (cons- pay, difficulty of getting position, public speaking), mathematician (cons- pay, high stress, difficulty of getting position), statistician (cons- pay, high stress, difficulty of getting position)
So, are there any suggestions on what a good plan of action would be for me?
What major/career would best fit me?
What can I do to strengthen my weaknesses?
I plan on observing a dentist, and possibly becoming a dental assistant, in the next year or two to gain experience and knowledge about dentistry. Plus, I will soon see what I am best at in college. But, any suggestions or help with my situation would be so great at this point in my life. Thank you.</p>
<p>I see a conflict in logic. You state that some jobs have high stress, but dentists can be a high stress position as well, especially if you are starting your own practice. The critical period of a a business is 5 years, which I presume to be more stressful than the other majors, since you would have to figure out everything. Considering your avoidance to stressful situations, would you be able to handle that?</p>
<p>I understand dentistry can be stressful, but some of these other jobs I listed as “high stress” are more performance-based (having to come up with new ideas and theories) or they require more hours per week of work. And I don’t plan on starting my own practice, as of right now that’s my plan at least. I’m more worried about if I would make a good dentist or chemistry student, from my strengths and weaknesses above.</p>
<p>Okay, to you question. As a dentist, you should have good manual dexterity. Given what you wrote, I’m not sure if you have it. On show signs of it with good eye-hand coordination, but it conflicts with poor handwriting. However, I’m sure you can obtain the dexterity if you practiced enough, if you don’t already have it. </p>
<p>As for the chemistry I am also unsure. Highschool chem and college chem are completely beast and the skill sets don’t always translate well. Not sure how it will go for you. You just have to take it. As for labs, you will get better at them as you practice. Fyi, prelabs are generally available before you do the lab, so you’ll be able to read them and comprehend them before the lab. </p>
<p>Given your passion for it though, it might be a good fit.</p>
<p>Regarding your weaknesses, you get better by practicing, typically. </p>