Not sure where to go after high school?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around choosing a university path after high school, particularly in relation to interests in mathematics, sciences, and the human body. Participants explore potential degrees and career options, including engineering and medicine, while considering the Canadian context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that pursuing an engineering degree may lead to better job prospects compared to a degree in pure sciences or mathematics, especially without a graduate degree.
  • Another participant shares their personal experience, indicating that while they initially pursued electrical engineering for job security, they later found fulfillment in patient contact and considered a career in medicine.
  • There is a suggestion to gain experience in the medical field through volunteering, which could help determine interest in medicine versus engineering.
  • A proposal is made to consider biomechanical engineering, described as an emerging field that combines biology and mechanical engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best educational path, with some advocating for engineering while others highlight the potential of medicine and emerging fields like biomechanical engineering. No consensus is reached on a single best option.

Contextual Notes

Participants' suggestions depend on personal experiences and perceptions of job security, fulfillment, and emerging fields, which may not apply universally. The discussion also reflects the specific context of being a Canadian student, which may influence degree options.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students contemplating their university options in STEM fields, particularly those interested in the intersection of mathematics, sciences, and health-related careers.

mayodt
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Hey, I can't decide on what I should go to university for after high school. I enjoy maths and sciences, but I also enjoy the human body (eg. kinesiology). I guess what I'm asking is what kind of jobs could I get in maths or sciences, and possibly what degree that would be if possible. Also, I'm Canadian, if that changes any possible degrees.
Thanks.
 
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If you want to apply science in your job you should consider going for engineering. Your job prospects will be a lot better with an engineering degree than with a degree in a pure science or math, unless you get a graduate degree.
 
mayodt said:
Hey, I can't decide on what I should go to university for after high school. I enjoy maths and sciences, but I also enjoy the human body (eg. kinesiology). I guess what I'm asking is what kind of jobs could I get in maths or sciences, and possibly what degree that would be if possible. Also, I'm Canadian, if that changes any possible degrees.
Thanks.

As timsea says, engineering is a good field to go into if you enjoy technical things (math and science), and want to have good job prospects after you graduate.

But also, if you think you might enjoy the medical field, I'd encourage you to think about a career in medicine. My first love was physics, but I decided to get my degrees in EE for job security reasons. Now later in my career, I've found that I enjoy patient contacts, and have become an EMT part time. I think if I had it all to do over again, I might have applied to medical school. A good friend of mine from graduate EE school later became a doctor, which he said was always his first interest.

Are you certified in CPR/AED/First Aid? Are there any events near you that ask for medical volunteers? Often large runs or triathlons or charity events will have a medical staff, and they are always looking for volunteers. With just a basic CPR/FA background, you will only be helping with general care tasks, but it's a good way to start to get some patient contacts to see if you like them or not. If you find that you don't enjoy working with folks who can sometimes be very challenging to deal with (but who really do need your help), then medicine is probably not for you. But if you find real rewards in being able to help folks out when they need it most, then you might consider getting your EMT on the side, so that you can get more patient contacts, and help you decide between engineering and medicine.

Enjoy the ride either way! :biggrin:
 
Try out biomechanical engineering. It's a cross between biology and mechanical engineering. It's not offered as a "major" but it's an upcoming field.
 

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