I wanted to go into academia but I don't have the balls. Now I'm at the cusp of graduation and unsure of what my options are.
I'll be finishing up my undergrad at the end of the month barring any unfortunate surprises. I will graduate with a fairly high GPA (although nothing too special) from McGill with a bachelors in Biology. I've always loved the idea of academia, but for the last year I've been reading articles that practically plead for me to stay away. My past considerations have focused around research, but med school and bio/biotech industry have also crossed my mind. There's also a whole world outside of science that I've never really considered. I've dabbled in graphic design in high school. It was really fun, but I always figured that I would make a better academic. I'd imagine most jobs I'd be interested in would involve reading/learning, information analysis, and stuff like that. I think I'm fairly well versed at communication, both written and spoken, but probably rusty in both in non-academic contexts. Honestly I do care about money. I expect to work hard, and I expect to be paid well for what I do. I'd also like to be paid for my expertise, not just for 'doing things.'
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posted by Strass
on Apr 6, 2013 -
14 answers
I know where I want to live. I'm trying to decide what career I want to pursue. And I want to bring my boyfriend along with me. Nothing is certain and I want to know whether I should be taking big risks at this point. And I need to pick a focus.
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posted by winterportage
on Mar 29, 2013 -
24 answers
I need some advice about career plans, graduate studies and whether to rent or to own. Mostly in the financial context but also, of the bigger picture view -- am I being overly optimistic, am I too focused on career?
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posted by table
on Dec 31, 2012 -
8 answers
So after quite a few years in my PhD program in computational biology, I'm dropping out with a Masters. Where do I go from here?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 21, 2012 -
14 answers
How do I become a business analyst, after years running a small business.
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posted by molloy
on Nov 18, 2012 -
4 answers
Is there some sort of 'career/life counselor' out there that can help me navigate college/university programs and requirements after dropping out last year?
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posted by Huck
on Nov 16, 2012 -
11 answers
Advice wanted: I'm moving from being the "IT guy" in 4 man company to IT managment in a large ogranisation (60k+ employees).
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posted by contentedweb
on Oct 1, 2012 -
10 answers
What's the best way to move into a career in UX/interaction design without professional experience or the degree to match? I'm moving to Chicago and looking to start a career change, and I don't know where to start.
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posted by summerteeth
on Aug 26, 2012 -
7 answers
I just graduated college and have been working full-time for one month. I really don't like my job because I think I ended up in the wrong industry/type of business. I'm hoping for any suggestions, advice, or thoughts about how I can go about figuring out what industry/type of business/job would be a better fit for me. I am talented, smart, and hard working, but I feel like I am wasting my life because I'm not interested in my company or the work we do.
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posted by laffytaffy9000
on Aug 12, 2012 -
24 answers
I am a possible budding industrial engineer with a background as a programmer. Help me decide what to do with myself.
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posted by Folk
on Jun 28, 2012 -
11 answers
I'm looking for career path suggestions for a family member. From debt adviser in the charity sector to ???
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 23, 2012 -
5 answers
How should I handle this tricky situation at work? My boss has taken me under her wing to guide me on the path of success. I feel she did this because I was open to her assistance. We have now developed a friendly "quid pro quo" type of agreement. She assists me by sharing her expertise on certain work-related items and vice-versa. I will in turn share with my colleagues when I feel capable of doing so. Some of my closest colleagues are feeling insecure about my friendly and close relationship with our boss. It seems like they feel threatened by it...like they think I am privy to all this "important information" that I won't share with them.
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posted by thatgirl1985
on Mar 19, 2012 -
15 answers
Please help me narrow down my place in (international) women's health, and help me map a path to get to that place.
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posted by c'mon sea legs
on Mar 12, 2012 -
4 answers
I have quite a bitty CV and I want to settle down with a job I love soon (I just turned 30). Could you help me find my career sweetheart? Or to put it another way, is there any job that will pay me to sit around and read?
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posted by Encipher
on Mar 6, 2012 -
10 answers
Which University/College should I go to if I plan to become a forensic pathologist? Specifics inside; looking for advice.
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posted by Angel of Khaos
on Feb 18, 2012 -
12 answers
I finished my associates two years ago and I believe it is time to begin taking classes again in order to improve myself. As an IT professional, should I aim for useful certificates or a bachelor's degree?
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posted by charred husk
on Dec 29, 2011 -
9 answers
I was just fired from my job because I didn't meet performance expectations. It's a terrible feeling. How can I best learn from this experience and attack the future?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 26, 2011 -
19 answers
I'm a creative/analytical individual who thrives in an environment where I can tweak and testdrive many variables/things/ideas/etc in a creative way and put them to use for profit/critique/judgement/etc.
I have all the time in the world to figure this out, but I want to get it right and I want to find a career I will love the rest of my life.
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posted by sawyerrrr
on Dec 19, 2011 -
15 answers
I used to have clear goals. Now I don't. Have you been through a foggy period in which you had no clue what you wanted to do with your life while everyone around you spoke with confidence about moving abroad, writing the book or saving the world? What can I do to shake myself out of limbo before 10 or 15 years fly by?
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posted by jessca84
on Nov 26, 2011 -
25 answers
I cannot concentrate on one single career to follow. Is this a by-product of too much information, or not knowing who I am and what my abilities are?
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posted by raintree
on Aug 25, 2011 -
13 answers
New career sought: designing and analyzing complicated systems; designs that will get made (but not by me) and aren't just in computer-land -- with variety and some independence while working. I'm essentially an ex-academic looking for something "alternative", as they say. I just don't know what jobs are out there.
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posted by JLMC
on Jul 30, 2011 -
4 answers
I am 24 years old and am just having a tough time with life in general. One of my most specific problems is that I am currently in my second year of law school (the school is ranked right around 100) and I hate it. I don't know whether it would be best to finish my law degree, apply to a MBA program, or just drop out completely and get whatever job I can find and start working my way up.
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posted by mephesta
on Jan 27, 2011 -
23 answers
[Life Path/Career Advice Filter]: How can someone a person with diagnosed depression work in the field of human rights and social justice?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 12, 2011 -
5 answers
Nonprofit career professionals: Is it advised to focus within one sector of the industry, like the arts, or is it okay to move into different sectors through out your career?
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posted by elegance
on Dec 3, 2010 -
8 answers
I have a self sustaining internet business that easily supports my lifestyle, but is very isolating. I am in the fortunate position of only having to work 4 hours a week for the next couple of years. I am however going out of my mind with boredom. I want to find an interesting and social job in the UK. Pay isn’t an issue, but I don’t want to work for free. Any suggestions? If it leads to career outside the digital solo realm, all the better, but this is not essential. I am 30, male, and live in Brighton.
posted by choppyes
on Feb 15, 2010 -
8 answers
Requesting advice with my career in computer science. Briefly, should I stay or should I go?
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posted by gadha
on Nov 22, 2009 -
6 answers
What are some decent-paying jobs for someone who has B.A. degrees in English and in Psychology, and a lot of unofficial and very specialized technical knowledge but no "official" (i.e. paid) experience with such?
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posted by Lakmir
on Nov 20, 2009 -
11 answers
Dyslexic friend + change of career x (What options are available + how can I help) = happier friend!
How can I help a friend find and get a new job and career?
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posted by Mrevilbreakfast
on Sep 23, 2009 -
10 answers
Considering a career path. Nursing school or surgical tech school? All your answers would be greatly appreciated.
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posted by Chele66
on Feb 19, 2009 -
9 answers
I have advanced audio production skills, but am mystified as to how to make it pay in my situation. Ideas?
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posted by skypieces
on Dec 1, 2008 -
4 answers
Lawyer type looking for possible non-lawyer work needs advice.
Okay, you-are-not-my-career-counselor, but I am appealing to the hive mind for advice. I am looking for a job and I need a fresh set of ideas. My fact pattern is a bit odd, and I feel like I’m treading the same ground over and over again in my current search, I want to expand it and don’t know which way to go.
Lengthy fact pattern to follow:
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 12, 2008 -
7 answers
If you could recommend any career within the computer/IT field, what would it be? The primary factors I'm considering are salary and job security.
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posted by iamisaid
on Dec 3, 2007 -
23 answers
Career/Financial Advice: Safety vs. Fulfillment - Can I afford to quit my job? Great salary, massive stock options, utter boredom/disappointment.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 12, 2007 -
21 answers
What is the (probably software related) job that I want called, and how can I get that job now rather than later? Obscenely lengthy explanation inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 31, 2007 -
24 answers
