This column answers some questions from readers regarding specific career options based on personal situations.**
No Medical School Please
Q) I need some advice/direction regarding a career. I graduated in Jan. 2007 with a bachelors in cell biology and neuroscience and I am trying to figure out what to do now. I don't want to become a doctor, or do my masters in this field. I was looking into a couple of things...like Pharmacy School, Optometry, or patent agent...what would be the best path to choose...I'm not sure what else there is that I can look into. Any advice would be appreciated.
More Education or Into a Career?
A) First of all, it is not clear if you meant you still want to continue with your education or if you feel you want to enter the job market. Either way, you want to try and figure out where you want to end up - in what area. You mentioned Pharmacy and Optometry - More Career Choices in the Health Industry briefly describes some health career options that might help. It seems you still want to be within a more science-oriented choice, so you might consider research assistant or technologist. Yes, you should go for your Master's for any research position, but it does not have to be within medical school.
People or Research?
Do you want to deal more with people or more with research? If with people, then both Optometry or Pharmacy technologist would be excellent choices. If you would prefer to be more within the scientific realm, then being a lens maker or working in a pharmacedical manufacturing company would suit you best.
Consider Your End Result
Only you can decide where you want to be. It is helpful to also see what's out there in your area. Read the college and university websites to get an idea of graduate courses and where they can lead you. By thinking of where you want to end up, you can figure out how to get there.
Looking For More Scope and Money
Q) I did my MBA and Iam working as a business analyst in IT industry.I did my bachelors degree in commerce.
I did specilisation in finance and MIS.
I want to choose a career which has more scope and money.
If you can throw some light on the career options that might suite me, that will be of great help.
Solid Education Within Finance
A) You don't mention your country of residence. If you are in North America though, your first upgrade towards a better career would be to learn English grammar and spelling, as English is the language of choice at the moment.
You have what looks like solid education within the finance and business industry, but you don't mention your experience. Again, the country you are in will also determine which industries are growing. IT in North America offers excellent growth and salary compensation, especially if you move into management and problem solving. As you are already working as a business analyst, perhaps it is the company that is not offering you growth and potential.
Look At E-Commerce
Another area to look at is E-Commerce - you will need programming skills though. But overall you ARE in an excellent industry. Get some experience and perhaps show the company you are ready for more responsibility (and more money). Or consider looking at another company but within the same field.
**Note - all letters are reprinted as received (typos and grammatical) but names and other identifying details are deleted.
