Kiplinger.com Community - Choices The Choices

Chrisz

Hello. I am a community college student ready to transfer after Spring semester is over. I have multiples interests in a variety of subjects. I have got accepted to all the colleges that I applied. I am looking a UCSD as a chemistry major, hoping to branch out into the School of Pharmacy in order to pursue a career in that one day. Also, USC will allow me a degree in English, a subject I am fond of. Also, psychology is a major I may seek. Is there anyone out there as confused as me as to a career to seek. If so, help me with advice. I dont want to stay another year at a community college.

mbfranklin

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that over the next decade, there will be a huge demand for pharmacists as the Baby Boomers age and increase their demand for prescription drugs. If you're looking for a job with a future, the school of pharmacy is a good bet.

Mary Beth Franklin
Associate Editor
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Demeron

Here's some thoughts I have with a few years' experience under my belt:

Pharmacy pays well (80K or so in my area) and is flexible. Nice for parents.

Podiatry pays even better (low 100s)

Nurse anesthetists train as RNs (bachelor's level, you need a BSN). THey work a year or two in an ICU, and with good test scores and experience (and tolerance for pressure), they attend a master's program and graduate with an income in the low 100s. They can work per diem which is nice.

Psychologists have a nice quality of life but don't typically make a ton (50-70K, sometimes less if in non-profit). It is an expensive education (they're all expensive I guess). My DH specialized in neuropsychology and teaches part time, so his income is around 120K; that's high for most psychologists.

When I was agonizing, I didn't realize that I would be working part time for so much of my work life-- knowing that, I probably would have gone for nurse anesthetist (college plus master's) or perhaps pharmacy. Don't pick something you'd hate, but if you plan to have kids, it's good to go for things that pay well on an hourly basis.