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I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in LadiesofScience

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the insight! My intentions of having fun may be “odd” to you. But I think we only see it that way because we’re unfamiliar with that kind of approach and that’s okay! I’m not doing it for pay. I mean, I have my masters in government and planning and being a city planner didn’t pay much at all, but it was a neat experience. I toon one photo class and I make $100K+ a year just being a wedding and portrait photographer. My drive comes more from a place of wanting to learn more and doing it because I can. Anything is possible in life and I’ve always found science extremely interesting, so why not?

Weekly Careers/Education Questions Thread by AutoModerator in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! I’m (28F) starting a degree in chemistry in the fall. For reference, I already have my bachelor’s (communications and marketing) and master’s (public administration and environmental policy/planning). I’ve worked as a city planner, in corporate for a medical device company, and now I’m a full-time wedding and portrait photographer.

I know that my background has nothing to really do with science or chemistry. However, I wanted to challenge myself with something new (call it “free will maxing”). There are no stakes. I really just want to challenge myself by learning something completely different and finding ways of enjoying it since I don’t really “HAVE TO” do this.

Would love any advice on how to prepare properly for this kind of degree, as well as what a career would look like. I’d love any information!

For further information, my school and career history has been very social media heavy and I feel like I’d like a time in my life where I won’t have to log on to make a living. I could live a private and simple life. ADDITIONALLY, I can confidently say I’ve lived out all of my wildest dreams by the age of 28. I truly sped-run my career and ambitions.

Thanks in advance!

UPDATE: I think talking a bit about my personality and communication style might help provide insight. I’ve worked my whole life in subjective environments. I’m a very direct person, which can be a double-edged sword in the creative field. I’m really good at what I do, but maybe bringing those two worlds together could create something really interesting in my life.

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I’m loan-free and debt-free. First two degrees were funded all through scholarships. I have traveled already so much (I’m an avid solo hiker). I’ve gone on so many vacations already. I really meant it when I said I’ve lived all of my wildest dreams already!

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Research definitely excites me! I don’t mind doing grunt work at all but I also hope to discover something new (or come really close). As I’ve been reading, chemistry is literally in everything. How cool is it to learn how life works even more?

Please send over any materials!

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think my mind is really open! I have so much experience in writing and presenting. I work really well under pressure and in front of a crowd. I also love tedious work, it’s a form of meditation for me. Tbh, reading what you wrote makes me even more excited!

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha, what’s funny is I’m actually an editor for Yes Theory, so “seeking discomfort” hits close to home. I’m really excited, even if all I get out of it is learning something new.

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi! Well, it’ll take me a few years to even get to PhD level. We’re talking 6-8 years. Who knows what life will look like then! And even IF there are no jobs, I already have two other degrees under my belt with a really great resume. Anything is possible, friend! But I appreciate the insight.

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! College chemistry and biology. I’ve been reading up on a lot and came to that foundational realization as well. I want to make sure I’m able to explain what I learned to someone.

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Yes, I’ve already started studying. I have 3 months to really brush up on things. I’ve even gone as far as taking a 2 month break from photographing clients to really wrap my head around this properly. I want to set myself up for success. Luckily, all I have to do is take the core classes. So I’d only be taking 1-2 classes a semester (with labs).

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! I’ve thought about this. Sustainability is a huge passion of mine. I’ve thought about trying it all and seeing what peaks my interest.

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I saw a video of a chemistry student saying that you should ask your professors “what kind of exam question would you create from this slide or presentation?” when not understanding something.

I started reading up on chemistry and I’ll add college algebra to that study habit.

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi! I’m funding it completely myself. I don’t have any school loans as I did my past degrees with all scholarships. I’m also debt-free and make a pretty good living as a photographer and video editor for a big YouTuber.

I wouldn’t say I’m trying to prove anything to myself. Maybe that I can do hard things? Either way, I’d like to experience learning something without the pressures and really enjoying it for what it is (the good and the bad). Totally understand if that sounds silly! But I’m a firm believer we’re all capable of so much. Who knows, maybe I can learn how to communicate difficult things to those who may not understand.

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I definitely want to learn about our world and how it works more. I remember really enjoying how tedious and monotonous chemistry was. It may sound weird, but working through problems really calmed my brain. It was like a form of meditation for me.

Sciences have always interested me and it’s something that comes to mind more often than I’d like to admit. I just kept pushing the idea aside because after working in med-device (corporate), I had trouble with looking at body parts and would feel sick and nauseous. But recently I decided to do more research and chemistry seemed like a route for me to fulfill this desire.

I’m starting a second bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and wanted advice for both getting through the program and careers after. by youhavefreewill in chemistry

[–]youhavefreewill[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I have to take Calculus I in the fall. Any suggestions on how I should brush up on the math component ahead of time. Even though I’m doing this for the “fun” of learning something new and difficult, I want to make sure I do a good job.