AboutLeo Lingham Expertise I can answer the following
-career opportunities
-planning a career
-development plans for career
-self development needs
-training plans for individuals
-growth plans for individuals.
Expert: Leo Lingham Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: Biology and/or Linguistics?
Question QUESTION: Hi,
I am very torn on deciding on a career. I'm only a sophomore in high school, but I'm trying to narrow down my options to things that I'm good at and and things I would enjoy doing, so I can prepare early and focus on these things before college.
I'm very good at learning languages; I already know a lot of French and Spanish. I'm also very good at certain sciences, but I enjoy Biology the most.
You see, I'm torn here because I love the two fields at nearly equal levels, although I like linguistics slightly more. Biology, however, seems like a much more realistic career path overall. But I love languages so much that I'm not sure if I would be able to give it up altogether.
So... Do you think it would be best if I stick to Biology and major in a foreign language also (is that practical?), or should I get my head out of the clouds and forget about languages?
ANSWER: GLENN,
Based on your brief,
MY SUGGESTION IS,
-focus on biology,
because it could be your career path.
-after graduation, what next
Is it medical or pharma or microbiology etc.
you need to give some thoughts on this.
PLEASE TAKE AN APTITUDE TEST AND GET
A SECOND OPINION ON YOUR LEANINGS IN THE CAREER PATH.
================================
A SECOND LANGUAGE WILL ALWAYS BE USEFUL
WITH A DEGREE OR WITHOUT A DEGREE.
AFTER COMPLETING YOUR MAJOR STUDIES/ WHILE
PURSUING A JOB, YOU CAN DO A PART TIME
DEGREE COURSE IN FRENCH/ SPANISH.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE UP ENTIRELY.
THIS IS BECAUSE, WHEN YOU MAKE A CAREER
IN BIOLOGY / MEDICAL/ PHARMA / MICROBIOLOGY,
A SECOND LANGUAGE WOULD ADD VALUE TO YOUR RESUME.
=========================================
REGARDS
LEO LINGHAM
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi,
Thanks for your quick answer. I'm actually thinking of Ecology or Environmental Biology. I'm still considering my second language choice, though. Do you think it would be beneficial to have a degree in Latin in order to become familiar with scientific terms?
P.S. What is this "aptitude test" that you mentioned?
Answer GLENN,
What are aptitude tests and how can they help you?
Career aptitude tests use a series of questions about your interests, about your style of working, and how you interact with other people. Remember, when taking a career aptitude test, it's important to be as honest as possible. Usually your first instinct is the right one. By answering these questions, a career aptitude test can help you figure out your natural preferences and strengths. Aptitude tests then try to match these preferences and strengths with a large database of careers. An assessment test can?t guarantee the perfect career - but it can be a wonderful tool to use to narrow down your choices or open up avenues you might never have thought to explore!
Take a career aptitude test -----Get to know where your current strengths and abilities lie - and how you can showcase them to your best advantage. By learning more about yourself and about a variety of career fields, you could just find the perfect match!
The questions are centered around
-personal interest
-career interest/ why
-subject interest
-career plan
-career goal
etc
IT IS AN USEFUL TOOL FOR DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER BATH.
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YOUR CHOICE OF Ecology or Environmental Biology is fine.
there are numerous job opportunities in those areas.
ANY SECOND LANGUAGE IS USEFUL.
IT ADDS TO YOUR PERSONAL RESOURCE/ YOUR RESUME.
IF YOU WANT TO SAVE SOME YEARS,
-complete your masters in biology.
-at the same time complete your language degree
as a parallel course.
REGARDING MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE,
-french was my second language.
-I did not take a degree but attended a number
of external courses to polish my speaking/ writing/ translating.
============================================
regards
LEO LINGHAM
