Could you please help me decide on a future career path?
Question by Science Dude: Could you please help me decide on a future career path?
Greetings,
I am a prospective student who is looking at becoming a physical chemist (which, broadly-speaking, is simply a major branch of theoretical chemistry), but I am currently hesitant in pursuing a career path in this field of choice; from the threshold I hold, I see that physical chemistry is a low-paying job, and I am worried that I may not have a viable position in the future if the salary for such a chemist is this low. From research, I can infer that the average salary of a physical chemist ranges from $ 50,000 to $ 70,000, and I do see myself aiming for the latter pay, as I plan to earn a Ph.D in the field and then cover a couple of years of post-doctorial teaching or research at the university I intend to attend. In addition to the first quandary that I face, I also see that physical chemists do not have as much career opportunities as other chemists graduating with similar degrees, such as in organic or analytical chemists.
Seriously, I love chemistry (I have completed the ninth grade chemistry course in canada, but I have been studying 12th and university 1st level chemistry on my very own time; I also have a great aptitude for the maths and physics). For me, I view theoretical chemistry as my clear choice for a future vocation, but the dilemmas that surface in regards to my decision leave me apprehensive of my thoughts. I have also been told that applied research chemists make decent salaries and work in a great many fields, but I would really like it if someone could assist me in deciding if theoretical chemistry is the way to pursue my future occupation and then clarify if there are other alternatives to physical chemistry and applied research chemistry (such as a chemical engineer or analytical chemist).
In the end, as I am still maturing and reaching the point of critical decision-making for my future career, I would appreciate any counseling one may provide, and I am definitely looking for clear admonishments you may provide. Finally, if you do agree that I should pursue physical chemistry, do you recommend me attending the University of Waterloo or University of Toronto? I have researched that both afford great conveniences for prospective students studying chemistry in Canada, so I want to attend either of them, albeit I have a penchant for the University of Waterloo and the world-class co-op program they have to offer.
I understand this question of “wether I should pursue a job in physical chemistry even if the future of this occupation doesn’t look too great” has gotten extremely protracted, but I wish to present the greatest gratitude to everyone that assists me in this difficult decision.
Thank you very much…
Best answer:
Answer by Dr OChem
Given that you have finished 9th grade, I think you are jumping the gun somewhat. If you are seeking a professional career, I wouldn’t worry too much about the economics. While this isn’t strictly true, your earnings in a professional career are more like a professional athlete. The better you are, the more you can earn.
That is a great generalization, but you haven’t entered college yet. I don’t know you (and you don’t know me), but I cannot judge “great aptitude” for a high school student. There have been many great high school athletes that never become stars in college and never become star pro athletes.
Waterloo and Toronto are elite schools with elite faculty. In order to maintain their excellence, they only choose the best of the best for their faculty. Think of the number of students that probably graduate with undergraduate and graduate degrees and then consider how many faculty positions they have. If you could capture a faculty position at one of these schools, then you can also secure employment that would reward your abilities.
If you are really really good, you could start a business on your own based upon the utility of your scientific discoveries. Many businesses are started in that way.
You may graduate at the top of your high school, undergraduate, and graduate schools, but I wouldn’t count on it just yet. I have also witnessed many PhD colleagues change career paths after they obtained their degrees. By the time you graduate, you may be more interested in biophysics, material science, or even organic chemistry. I don’t think a career choice is eminent at this time.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
