Is there a Fast Track Way into a Science Career?
Q.
I have a Dipolma (2 years) in Hospitality which was a part of a BSc. I then went onto finishing it as a BA degree in Business and even a MBA. Unfortunately, I have decided that this is not the way I want to go and really have no interest in the business world anymore.
With this two-year experience in food science is there any fast track way to get into chemistry or other science-related subjects?
A.
It would seem to be a good idea to take a step back and a deep breath. You have been leaping around trying to work out what is the best career progression without asking yourself the golden question – what do you want to do?
It may sound simple, and you may think that you have already asked yourself that until you are blue in the face, but your question screams out that you really don’t know what direction to go.
Rather than think ‘how can I make these two years count?’, or ‘I’ll do anything as long as it isn’t in the business world’, ask yourself what truly makes you happy.
Aim to Be Happy
Too many people make the wrong assumption that work is somehow something to be endured and you simply have to find the least bad option. The truth is, as the classic quote goes, when you find a job you love, you will never have to work another day in your life.Why not take this opportunity to reassess what you want out of life? You seem to have tried a number of different, seemingly unrelated, courses. You have taken an MBA without realising that the world of business is not for you. MBAs are all about the world of business! You have studied hospitality for two years, yet make no mention of enjoying people, or working with customers.
Some Simple Ideas
In answer to your question, yes, there are fast track science careers – Teacher Training is crying out for good science teachers, with accelerated career progression and golden hellos. You could look at research assistant roles that would develop rapidly with your training. You may also think about being a chef – using your food science training in a more creative capacity.Get Some Advice
But rather than leap into some harebrained scheme, just because it will make use of two years of your training, think about the next 20, 30 or even 40 years of your working life. Do you want to be a teacher? Or a chef? Do you love sharing your skills with people? Could you inspire a classroom full of young people?Take a clean piece of paper and write down what you love and what you hate, what are your skills and your shortcomings. Get some decent careers advice before you just rush into the next idea.
