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March 29, 2024, 04:20:06 pm

Author Topic: Med or civil?  (Read 1118 times)  Share 

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TheEagle

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Med or civil?
« on: June 29, 2019, 11:55:00 pm »
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Hi everyone
I’m planning to become a civil engineer or a surgeon after VCE. I’m in year 11 at the moment and I enjoy physics and mathematics a bit more than chemistry. Although it’s not good to have such a mentality, but I’m in it for the money. Being a 12 year process, surgery scares me which is leading me to the engineering side. I’ve heard from the majority that civil engineering doesn’t have that many jobs. Can I please get some advice or could I be referred to a person in these fields

Thanks 😀

Lear

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Re: Med or civil?
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2019, 12:58:14 pm »
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Please don’t go into medicine for the money....
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Macrophagee

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Re: Med or civil?
« Reply #2 on: June 30, 2019, 04:16:58 pm »
+3
I agree with Lear. Medicine (and surgery in particular) requires heaps of dedication, which means that to be successful in the role, you need to have an intrinsic desire to help patients. I suggest you take the time to reflect on your skills, wants and qualities you look for in a career. Think about what aspects of medicine and engineering interest you, and try to look for jobs that satisfy these.
I see that you've outlined very specific jobs. You're only in year 11, and you say that you want these jobs for the money. Try to broaden your horizon a little. Medicine and engineering have many specialities so maybe civil engineering may not have many jobs but electrical or chemical will (idk just using these as examples).
If you enjoy maths and physics, then engineering could be good for you. It's also much easier to get into than med (lower ATAR and no UCAT or interview), and as you said quicker to become qualified. That said, unit 1/2 chem can be a little dry but it gets better next year, so don't rule it out completely.
The most important thing is your enjoyment. Don't choose anything just for the money (not even being a doctor) as it is not worth it in the long run and you will regret it.
Hope this helps

homeworkisapotato

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Re: Med or civil?
« Reply #3 on: June 30, 2019, 04:25:50 pm »
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I, too, agree with Lear and Macrophagee. If you really want the money and love finances then go for commerce, but please don't go into medicine for the money. If you are only going into med for the money then I'm guessing you are not really into biology or any of the stuff studied in med? If my guess is correct then in the 12 years, you will become very unhappy and mentally stressed for something you are not even passionate about. In the unlikely chance that you keep going despite the mental stress and become a doctor, you will lose interest in your job and your patients might suffer for it. Studying for medicine also requires so much money that you could buy a really good house with it instead and idk invest in it or something. All the people I know who have done medicine for the money have since regretted it. They also have a bad family/ personal life as they cannot find that work/life balance due to the 'burden' they now have to bear. Being a doctor of any specialisation is not about the money, but about helping people be happier, healthier, and more secure. If you do not have deep passion for the career then do not pursue it. It would be a waste of money, time, and energy. I hope this helps with choosing your future career and all the best for vce!
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Sine

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Re: Med or civil?
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2019, 04:27:42 pm »
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As others above have said med is probably not suited for someone who is in it for the money - but I would definitely want to add that the absolute same would apply for engineering ... and really any career/course is not worth doing if that is your only reason in my opinion.

However, ultimately, you will always be free to make your own personal decision so I think your best option would be to learn more about what different courses/careers entails so that you can make the best decision for yourself.

K888

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Re: Med or civil?
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2019, 04:33:10 pm »
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Can't stress this enough: you don't have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life when you're in VCE! Just try to focus on the here and now rather than 15 years down the track. Choose subjects and courses based on what you're interested in and what you're passionate about! If you pick based on what's going to supposedly get you more money, I think it's a lot harder to stay engaged in the course and the career, and you're more likely to burn out.

As an aside, I don't think there's any job that's "easy money". The reason careers like surgery are high paying is because they require a lot of training and sacrifice and at the end of it you're a qualified person who has worked extremely hard and will continue to work hard.

TheEagle

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Re: Med or civil?
« Reply #6 on: June 30, 2019, 06:00:59 pm »
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Thank you all so much for your superb advice!

My apologies, I forgot to specify that I'm strictly not into Med/Civil for the money, but I do however, use it as motivation.

Apart from attending University Open Days and communicating with people that are actually studying these courses, are there any other programs for students who wish to explore career pathways (particularly med/engin)?

Appreciate it

K888

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Re: Med or civil?
« Reply #7 on: June 30, 2019, 06:56:42 pm »
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Thank you all so much for your superb advice!

My apologies, I forgot to specify that I'm strictly not into Med/Civil for the money, but I do however, use it as motivation.

Apart from attending University Open Days and communicating with people that are actually studying these courses, are there any other programs for students who wish to explore career pathways (particularly med/engin)?

Appreciate it
Try looking for work experience programs where you get to spend a week with your chosen profession and get to shadow them :)