<p>So we took career tests in one of my classes today, and I curiously asked my teacher what he thought I would become one day, and he said, "Well, you've got the brains to become a doctor, but not the personality. You're not exactly a people-person." Somewhat true, and a little disappointing. Anyways, what IS the personality should you 'have', then, regardless of what your job is?</p>
<p>explain Doctor House haha. Don’t worry about it, it’s possible to work on your social skills if you genuinely enjoy people but don’t know how to interact with them. It’s still possible even if you don’t, then you just have learn how to fake it. You don’t have to interact with people as a doctor, you could always be a research doctor.</p>
<p>You do truly have to have both the brains and personality. Would you want to go to a doctor who was shy (possibly making you feel that they are unconfident) or socially awkward? Personally I think you need to truly like people, but of course you could become a doctor even if you are not a “people person.”</p>
<p>Well, OP, you should always be optimistic. Now, let us set idealism aside because the sun never constantly shines during any job. There will be ups and downs, but you have to be able to ride through them and deal with change in a less than dramatic way. Specifically, different jobs suit different types of people. The more introverted, science-oriented people will find themselves a lot more comfortable in a laboratory setting, where they can do what they like with reduced human interaction. In comparison, a person who loves to organize and micro-manage may enjoy being a supervisor or event-coordinator.</p>
<p>Depends what you want to do. Personally, while I’m a fairly outgoing person, I can only be in a social situation for so long until I get frustrated and want to leave, so I know I could never be a doctor. And that’s fine with me; now I know I’ll be happier with a more solitary profession like research, and that’s what I look into. Don’t try to change your personality; instead, look for jobs, careers, and colleges that fit what you are. I’m sure adcoms have said this a couple thousand times, but there is no ideal student, or job applicant or w.e. Just choose what fits you, and it should work.</p>
<p>There’s no “set” personality that people should have. Generally, some personalities don’t get people very far. Example: pretentious, smart alecks usually don’t have a whole lot of true friends, and people don’t respect them. But you not being a people person doesn’t mean you’re barred from becoming a doctor now; you could just be somewhat shy, and that usually changes over time (Example: Me. Seriously, Pre-school -7th grade? Shy as heck. 8th-now? Definitely NOT like I once was.) But there are a lot of personalities, no “right” one.</p>
<p>What an odd question. </p>
<p>Of course there is no personality that people “should” have (except, IMO, non-violent). Different people are needed to make the world go round. </p>
<p>Someone like you, that I do not know so I’m going off the OP, would be great in a lab or something where you don’t have to deal with quite as many strangers. Someone more outgoing and into advocacy would do better in a public health sphere. I would die in a lab though. </p>
<p>Don’t try to change yourself. Just be who you are.</p>
<p>Well, thanks for the advice. I’ve come to the realization that as long as I’m not violent, I’ll be fine (don’t get me wrong, I’m not violent :)). But I don’t exactly ‘see’ myself as a researcher. I love it, but it’s a little too solitary for me. Plus, I’ve heard it pretty hard to find a good job strictly as a researcher. I try to not overly criticize myself for having my personality, but I’ve changed a lot since 7th grade (for the better, of course).</p>
<p>You don’t have to be anywhere near smart to become a doctor, you just have to be good at memorizing a lot of information. There’s a huge difference.</p>
<p>You need the brains, personality AND interest to be a good doctor. I don’t have the last, which is why I decided against it. </p>
<p>You could always be a surgeon if you’re not good with patient interaction :)</p>