Clashing perspectives between just finding a job and following your passion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conflict between pursuing a stable career and following one's passion, particularly in the context of an Asian student's experience with parental expectations. The participant highlights the pressure to switch from chemical engineering to statistics due to concerns over job prospects, especially for international students with PhDs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individual choice in career paths, advocating for personal fulfillment over parental pressure, while acknowledging the realities of job markets and immigration issues.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of career prospects in STEM fields, specifically chemical engineering.
  • Knowledge of the challenges faced by international students in the job market.
  • Familiarity with the implications of pursuing a PhD versus a bachelor's degree.
  • Awareness of cultural influences on career choices, particularly in Asian communities.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research job market trends for chemical engineering graduates in 2023.
  • Explore the impact of cultural expectations on career decisions in immigrant families.
  • Investigate the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing a PhD in various fields.
  • Learn about the green card process and its implications for international students seeking employment.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students navigating career choices, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, as well as parents and educators seeking to understand the pressures faced by young professionals in STEM fields.

mrund3rd09
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I come from Asian ethnicity, and my parents constantly want me to switch from chem e to stats. from what they've seen, a lot of international students get a phd in something, and they can't find jobs afterward. The main concern for them seems to be to simply find a good paying job and settling down. And I've heard some bad horror stories

On the other hand, people other than my parents and outside their little Asian group tell young people to follow their passions and success will follow. To a certain extent, that's true as well. But then again, there is this green card issue.

just curious, what's your perspective?
 
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Chemical engineering has some of the best job prospects out there, and I'm pretty sure you don't need a PhD in it. You can't let your parents decide your life for you. Tell them that it's your life. They should support your choice, even if you become an art major.
 

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