Career Advice: Problem Solving, Strategy, Analysis

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The discussion centers on career options for someone interested in problem-solving, strategy, and analysis, particularly in fields that involve math and science while also having a life-saving impact. Neurosurgery and various engineering disciplines are highlighted as potential paths. While engineering is recommended for its mathematical and scientific rigor, it is noted that roles like paramedics, anesthesiologists, or surgeons directly save lives, albeit with less emphasis on advanced math. The conversation also touches on the broader concept of improving lives through engineering projects, suggesting that the impact of engineering can be seen as life-saving in a different context. Neuroscience is mentioned, but it is suggested that it may not involve extensive math compared to engineering. Overall, engineering is favored as a suitable career choice for those wanting to combine intellect with a meaningful impact on lives.
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Hello All,

To start with, I have a penchant for problem solving, strategy, and analysis. I've usually approached my high school scholastics as a kind of chess game. Therefore, I've always wanted a profession which would be intellectually challenging, use knowledge of multiple maths and sciences, and I've also wanted a profession which would permit me to save lives by using that intellect.

What are your thoughts? Neurosurgery? A type of Engineering?
 
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Hey manofslate and welcome to the forums.

I would look at all kinds of engineering. There are lots of jobs where you can prevent people from dying, but if you really want to "save lives", I guess you should become a paramedic, anesthesiologist, or some kind of surgeon. These won't use a lot of mathematics though.

As for prevention, there are many kinds of jobs that prevent harm from happening and they span all kinds of careers.
 
Yes, consider engineering since you want the math/science aspect. Since you want to save lives with that applied knowledge, it really depends on how you look at it and which engineering discipline.

You could save lives with engineering, but the better term here would be improving. You can improve someone's life significantly by hosting various projects. (i.e. Refrigerators, new lighting system, sinks, and various other applications.) Which kind of is saving lives, depending on your point of view.

You could go into Neuroscience, but I doubt that there will be that much math involved. Probably just the basics, but not the kind of math a physics or engineering major would need. (I could be wrong since I'm not majoring in Neuroscience.)
 
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I'll chime in with a vote for engineering, too.
 
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Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
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