Seems like he may like social sciences that include focus of current events (e.g. political science, sociology, economics, geography) rather than history and other things describing the past? However, some knowledge of history is relevant in the other social sciences (e.g. some political slogans have associations from history beyond their literal meanings, and such associations affect how people judge politicians using those slogans).
Any possible way he can take physics (even if not an official for-credit course) while in high school? That will be helpful if he goes into any physical science, and can help him determine interest in physical science.
That he finds most math enjoyable will give him options, since math or statistics is commonly used in a variety of subjects. Social science research heavily uses statistics, and those designing games may want to consider statistical probabilities of various outcomes when designing game play. Of course, he could major in math or statistics and decide later which direction to go with it (but note that math at upper levels is mostly about logic and proofs).
Cornell alum here too! SO impressive. And I agree that it goes toward their overall approach to handling difficult situations, transparency, and execution. There will still be coronavirus challenges through at least 2023. If there’s no effective vaccine and/or no effective deployment, fall 2021 will be no different from today.
@ucbalumnus Well…last night, he threw us a curveball (or maybe he just threw it harder) that whatever he does, he doesn’t want a career sitting at a desk (like us I guess). He said he feels most “fulfilled” when he’s doing “something physical” and “more hands on”. (Insert emoji here of parent with head in hands.)
Yes @MWolf have to now dig into what “hands on” “Away from a desk” means for him. Could be anything from Forestry or Physical Therapy? You site some great options for the Outdoor career of study though. Thank you.
Oh, so what? I think it’s ridiculous to select a college at age 17 based on not wanting to sit at a desk for a career. Just set that aside and let him select a college that has a wide variety of options and where he feels comfortable. Your state flagship might be a great choice.
@brantly That is exactly where I have come out!! I had a good long talk with one of his older sisters (now a senior who was similar in lack of enthusiasm about this next phase) about what she was thinking at this age. In sum, she said she didn’t have a clue what she wanted either. She wasn’t excited about four more years of school (Note: 4.1 gpa as well) but didn’t want to be left behind by her friends, so she just went along with the process to get along. Now, 3 schools later, she’s at the super local uni, actually excited about this year’s classes and seeking internships in a particular field.
That said, I think we’ll make a list of 5(?) schools: state flagship, super local uni, state lib arts flagship, and 2 elite privates out of state where we have alumni status (just in case his head spins around between now and January).
Thanks for your bottom line suggestion @brantly !!
Also, I feel there is nothing wrong with being undecided about major and career, especially at 17/18. Some teens are good at anything they study so nothing sticks out. Jacks/Jills of all trades types. Plus, there are SO many job paths out there that the average person, let alone teen, hasn’t been exposed to, doesn’t even know exists. Lastly, same for majors. Most teens have had zero exposure to philosophy, anthropology, sociology, astronomy, actuarial sciences, etc. etc.
Lol at the ‘no office job’ b/c that’s exactly what my D said to me as early as middle school. It was basically, “Mom, no offense but I don’t want to sit in front of a computer all day like you do.”
Fast forward she’s a bio major as Junior in college with an interest in ecology and evolutionary biology and applied math. Hopes for a career in teaching/research with lots of field study. Of course, I keep reminding that even so she’ll be writing those grant apps and reports on a computer sitting in . . . an office (well, I guess now it could be from home, right?)!
Other hands on job field ideas to run by your son for initial reactions – enviro science and management, teaching or school counseling, museum curation, media/tv/film production, running social/youth programs, MSW/therapist, doctor/physician’s assistant/nurse (or any other health care position, of course).
I like the idea of construction management too. Hospitality has lots of hands on jobs but not a great time to be going in that field, obviously.
I think with global climate change that environment related jobs are going to really grow. Site assessments, risk management, mitigation strategies, etc.
This was a very random list but hopefully it offers something of use!
My duaghter’s boyfriend has a degree in construction management, and an MBA. All his work is at the computer in their den. Maybe it will change after covid, but right now it is 100% work from home. They won’t even let him go into the office, which is 6 blocks from their apartment.
Come to think of it, a friend of mine was project manager for a huge construction firm – he was overseeing building a hospital which was obviously an immense undertaking. He’s a civil engineer by training. He said basically he spent most his day calling up all the contractors and yelling at them for being late or messing up! He quit and started his own construction business that’s doing really well, actually.
This was pre-COVID but his office was in a trailer on site and he walked it multiple times a day.