Expert: Sue Kayton - 7/27/2011

Question
Hi. I'm a high school senior, and don't know if this is the best place for this type of question. I apologize if it should go elsewhere. I want to go into a science field, hopefully involving the environment in some way. With global warming and dwindling resources, I want to make a difference. Given the state of the economy and the nature of the job market, though, I don't know what to do. Obviously I still have time to decide what I want to major in, but I don't know whether to go with what a major that I want to study (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, etc.) or something that'll lead to a decent career even if I don't enjoy it (business, accounting, engineering, etc.) I'd love to have a job that works to benefit the environment, but I still want to be able to enjoy a life outside of my work without worrying about my salary. What advice would you give to someone in my situation? Thanks for any help in advance!

Answer
Have you thought about engineering?  People who major in biology, chemistry or biochem usually need an advanced degree to get a decent job.  But people who major in engineering who go an accredited university and get decent grades can almost always get a job with just a bachelor's degree.  

There are many jobs in green tech such as designing solar power plants, hybrid cars, recycled water treatment centers, redesigning factories and products to use less energy, etc.

Another possibility is economics blended with either political science or a hard science or engineering.  Many companies want to go "green" but need to understand the costs and benefits involved.

I suggest you apply to medium-size or large universities that offer a huge variety of majors, and start exploring.  Make sure to pick one that lets you change your mind and jump from major to major easily.  A small liberal-arts college is probably not a very smart idea, since the kids who graduate from them usually either can't find work, or need to go to grad school to get a real job.

Good luck!