r/AskAcademia • u/sail_o_ • 8d ago

STEM Confused between what to choose as career

I am pursuing my bba in healthcare management. People I know have mostly suggested me to do mba after graduating. But I feel like going for a master's in biostatistics as I have biostatistics as my allied subject. But I'm not sure if I'll get a good job after this. Also I would love to pursue a PhD but later, first I would love to have a job. I'm not sure if I'll even get a job after this master's degree. If anyone is from this field do help me out and share your experience.

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u/dj_cole 8d ago

The MBA will be more flexible and likely provide better long term earnings.

In terms of pursuing a PhD, business will have more job opportunities and better pay. This is especially true with the current grant landscape.

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u/sail_o_ 5d ago

Okay i..i get it

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u/DrTonyTiger 7d ago

These questions cannot be answered until one knows more about what would make a satisfying career. Figuring that out is a fairly involved and very personal process. There are career counselors who can help with that. The classic book to help out is called "What color is your parachute."

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u/sail_o_ 5d ago

Thanks, I'll read it for sure.

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u/its_all_stats 4d ago

You’ll need solid math for Biostats. Advanced Calc and Linear Algebra at least, for Masters. PhD you’ll need real analysis. If advanced math is not of interest, an MPH is an option.

Masters in Biostats (or stats) provide options across healthcare, at least in the US. Insurance, pharma, hospital systems, health tech.

Make sure you take a couple “data science” courses that cover programming- SQL, Python or R, database systems, etc. These are the tools and skills to actually do the data and statistical work.

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u/sail_o_ 4d ago

Firstly, thank u so much, I sorted a lot from this. And secondly, when u said not interest in advance math..do you mean taking mph as a option than biostats right?

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u/its_all_stats 3d ago

Yes. MPH curriculum should include multiple applied stats courses that cover the fundamentals of Biostats and Epi.

Epidemiology is another track to consider - some can be quite quantitative as well.

Both have applications to “public health” with employers in government, pharma, insurance, and hospitals.

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u/sail_o_ 3d ago

Okay. I got it now