Back up plan, still not sure if med school is right path

[pow123]

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As the title says, I am still unsure of what path I should take in life. I was set on medicine since college started but now I am not so sure anymore. If I did not pursue medicine, I would want to start working after a 4 year degree. I am currently a molecular biology major half way done with college and from the research I did, It seems that there are bad job prospects and low salaries for most science majors. The only med school pre req I have left to finish is physics and I would also take biochem for the heck of it. What are some good majors that have good starting salaries after a 4 year degree that I can switch to just so I feel more secure with a back up plan?

 

[bollywoodlover]

Engineering or accounting

 

[entitledpremed]

At the risk of sounding like an asian parent (lol), I say if you need a solid backup plan in the event that you don't get into medicine, engineering would be the best choice. The problem is that so many premeds avoid math and physics so you may have problems transferring, or you may have little interest in the subject matter. The advantage is that it's generally a pretty comfortable job, well renumerated, and you'll have excellent global mobility. Further, studying what is essentially applied physics for 3-4 years, I'd be suprised if you didn't dominate the physical science section of the MCAT.

It was something I considered for a while but I'm very happy that don't have to worry about it now. I'd say finish your degree - preferentially change to physics/engineering science if possible (much harder to maintain a good GPA though) and then you can go onto do an MEng and AFAIK, you wil be qualified to work as an engy 🙂. If cost is a big issue you can do the masters in Europe for peanuts as if you speak the language it's only about $1000 a year to study there. There's some great schools in Germany, France, and Switzerland etc. which are probably up there with the best in the US.

 

[PennDippody]

Engineering or accounting

GL with that. Seems to me that most schools have so many engineering specific courses that can start as early as freshman year - not to mention engineering specific sciences and maths that are not likely fulfilled by the typical med-school prereqs taken - youd be loosing a lot of time by switching to engineering. Depending on how far along you are now, id wager up to two years.

 

[survivordo]

I'm glad that you are considering backup plans, medicine is one of those professions where you truly have to be fully invested to be happy. Remember, keep your options open by keeping that GPA up. Many, many people decide that medicine IS for them after a few years doing something else!

Survivor DO

 

[TriagePreMed]

The truth is that no matter what you get your bachelors in, you'll eventually hit a roadblock in your career where you can only go as far; unless you're happy just being some mid-level or less. Today's student that plans to have a long career should always keep in mind getting a masters degree, whether in engineering, public health, business administration or another field. It's simply not the world it was before.

 

[JustintheDoctor]

Being a Doctor is my backup. I will do what ever it takes even if i have to spend 10 hours a day studying. I will make it happen.