3 Career Options To Explore as a New College Student
Many new college students don’t know what they want to be when they get out of college and need to start a career. They may have narrowed down some of their interests or careers they don’t want to pursue, but they have trouble making a final decision. There are endless career opportunities for people fresh out of college. Some careers require specific college degrees while others can be pursued with any degree. Simply obtaining any degree demonstrates that you have the intelligence and stamina needed for some positions.
When struggling to narrow down career options, you can get insight working with a college consultant. While traditionally thought of as someone to help you get into college, a college consultant can also help with college and career decisions, including what you can pursue with different degree programs. Google “college essay consultant near me” to find educational consultants who can help you decide based on your strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
1. Doctor
Saying you want to be a doctor is very broad because there are so many different types of doctors and fields of medicine. You may decide to become a cardiologist in Beverly Hills or a pulmonary specialist in Houston. There is a significant difference between a heart doctor and a lung doctor, even though they are both doctors. If you decide to explore the doctor path, start by thinking about what areas of medicine interest you the most and then shadow someone already in that field. You may decide that internal medicine is what you’re interested in, or perhaps you wish to specialize in diseases of the heart. Once you get your bachelor’s degree, you’ll go through more schooling, a residency, a fellowship, and board certification before becoming a doctor.
2. Researcher
Learning the art of research can allow you to pursue jobs in nearly any industry. Research is the foundation of all industries, whether it’s medical research, technological research, marketing research, or academic research. Everything the experts know in any given field started in research. Even randomly discovered things are then researched for the experts to gain a complete understanding. Research requires you to think analytically and see the bigger picture. Research is often solo work, so you need to be comfortable working alone. However, you can also be part of a research team for more prominent topics and discoveries. You can pursue scientific research if you’re scientifically minded, or you can follow social or anthropological research. The research options are as diverse as the different industries and topics of interest.
3. Business Consultant
You might want to get a degree in business or a degree program adjacent to the business field. You can focus on becoming an expert in a specific business area and then utilize your expertise to work as a consultant. For example, you may focus all of your education and energy on becoming a marketing expert or a business expansion expert. Instead of relying on general business knowledge to pursue a career in management or operations, you can take your specific expertise and work for various companies as a consultant. Consultants are typically paid better than employees because they are considered experts. They can also move more freely, as they essentially run their own business.
Choosing a career can feel overwhelming because you are making a decision that will guide you through the next couple of decades of your life. However, while choosing a career is a significant decision, you can always change your mind. It will never be too late to decide you chose the wrong path and start a new path. Choose a path that you will enjoy, and let that lead you to a career.