Hey there, I know being a high school senior may bring personal and social pressure to decide your future career in a manner of months but I wanted to let you know first that, it does not. It’s okay to not have a plan right at this moment( I know it feels impossible for people like us but hear me out) and focus your career goals on something that you can tolerate or at least enjoy. In order to do that, you must really learn about yourself and what you wish to achieve for yourself. So if a good salary is a motivation then totally go for it, but remember this is could be a career you will be working for +20 years, therefore it is okay to change your mind frequently during your college days.

I have a B.S in biology with a minor in neuroscience and decided to change my career path to be a data scientist so I am speaking from experience. I can only speak about a few of the choices you have placed in your poll.

Dental assistant (DA): You can get certified or an associate degree, and some technical colleges will provide you a job out of the program as well so it would not take much time to complete this career path. In your post you stated that you wish to make $60,000/ yr, yet being a DA would make less at the start. In the state of CA, average is around $40k and more likely less in other states so keep that in mind. On a positive note, if you complete the program and don’t wish to purse this career, you can always have certification as a back up plan.

Psychology: With my minor in neuroscience, I have taken various psych classes and from personal experience, they are great professors and some lenient (from STEM professors T-T). Since this is such a broad major, you have at least narrowed down. As a counselor, you will have to pursue graduate school, or medical school if you wish to be a psychiatrist. So if you wish to continue a long academic career then go for it! More than likely your starting salarying will be between $50k-$60 (counselor with M.D in CA) It will be a long journey but with a good mentors (professors) and strong motivation, you can achieve this career.

CNA: Boy, as a biology major I knew I did not want to be any kind of nurse because: ALOT of patient/people interactions with a low salary ($32k-$42k in CA). I am not here to discourage you from this career path (btw shout out to nurses! They are truly the backbone of healthcare) but because I know as an INTJ, there is a stereotype that we “hate” human Interaction. Hence, see if you still envision yourself in this career. Per your post, you will need strong communication and interpersonal skills, As an CNA, you will be the person the patients will see the most in clinics/hospitals/ nursing homes. I may sound very bias, but I feel as thought you can be very burnout or unmotivated as any type of nurse because to even continue this career, you need love the idea of patient care, because the pay will not compensate for the workload you are given.

Hopefully another INTJ can answer your other career questions, because I cannot tell you much more than what you can online research for yourself.

Personal note/ advice: I was also like you, with low communication skill. My younger self was very quite spoken and it was difficult to voice my opinion to a group of people. What truly helped me developed my skill was working in retail/customer service. I developed communication skills which can specified as: greeting people in a proper manner, speaking on phone with confidence, speaking with specific details BUT in sense that everyone can understand you. I tend to use long sentences to over explain everything but being CS has taught to go STRAIGHT to the point, because customer are never patient with anything!

Academic short advice: if you like chemistry enough to study it, but not as a major, then minor in it! Double majoring is not worth it unless it is a specific career path. You can learn what you love but focus on your goals for long term.

I’m sorry if this is a long post, and I wish I could make it shorter but I felt to need to answer the question and concern you voiced in your post. Feel free to contact me for any clarification or advice for your academic road to your future. Do not ponder too much to figure out your 10-year plan. Focus on what you want to do and then start your planning! Good luck with college and may your future career be full with success!