Hello! I’m currently a junior in highschool and I’m struggling to decide what to major in. I have two ideas: the first is to go and get a BA in psychology and then move onto occupational therapy school. My other is to get a BA in graphic design, and become a graphic designer. These two things are completely different and I’m passionate about both. I’m worried if I choose the psychology/ OT option I’ll be in debt for longer than needed. I’m worried if I choose the graphic design path that I won’t make enough/ won’t be creative enough. I’m really struggling, any advice on deciding would help. Thank you!
cog sci?
You’re a junior in college - you have plenty of time to make this decision, and there’s no need to stress about it now. Your choices and decisions may become easier as you develop and learn more about the options you have.
Have you ever shadowed an OT? Most OT programs require some shadowing and volunteering hours and a recommendation from an OT or a PT, so if you are curious about the field it may be a good idea to find an OT or PT that would be willing to let you shadow them and volunteer or work in their office or hospital. That way you can get some exposure to the career and see how much you like it. If you keep your debt low in college, you may go into some debt for your master’s, but you can keep it reasonable and to a level that a professional OT can repay.
Doing some informational interviews with some graphic designers - basically 30 minutes of their time to ask questions about their career, the work they do, whether they like it - might also help you think about your options.
But truly, don’t stress or worry about this. Nobody expects you to have it all figured out junior year of high school, and many people change careers several times during their life.
I agree with the other respondent to look into “job shadowing” OTRs (occupational therapist, registered) in the various therapy settings that employ OTs (with prior staff approval), including a physical rehabilitation hospital that treats patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), spinal cord injury/paralysis, stroke (“brain attack”) - which is a type of brain injury - multiple sclerosis (MS), other neurological disorders, hip/shoulder/knee replacement, amputated limbs or such - pediatric hospital or clinic - nursing home/long-term care facility or such.
Please also be aware that there are certain liabilities (risk for lawsuits) for OTs (and PTs), such as if a patient “falls down” or gets burnt from a heat pack while in therapy.
Your concerns about graphic design is understandable, too, as the field can be very competitive.
I’d heard a great question to ask oneself about a career path:
“What would I do for years and years to come and not have to get paid?”