Ask the Expert: If I enjoyed this rotation, what careers might I look into?

Note: These questions are here to turn away from the details of this rotation and toward how the lessons and strategies you’ve learned might apply in a variety of real-world situations. The focus is not to add to your writing workload as much as to give you an opportunity for some thoughtful reflection so as to incorporate any thoughts these exercises may have raised for you before you move to another task.

Provide a thoughtful response (about half a page) to each the following:

• Trace the journey of your thinking through this rotation. How has your thinking about genetic engineering changed or developed over the course of this rotation? Did any particular piece of information change or reinforce your perspective, either on a specific topic or about genetic engineering in general? Which information or arguments had the biggest impact on your viewpoint? Is there an ethical perspective that seems to resonate with you?
  
  
• How might the skills you practiced in this rotation (e.g., conducting research, evaluating sources of information, and keeping track of research for multiple purposes) be used in other work, whether it is official school work or your independent work? In your response discuss which skills you think you improved upon, and which you don't think were affected, describing reasons for your position.
  
  
• Consider whether you particularly enjoyed practicing any of the skills you used in this rotation. You might consider a career in the future that requires you to use those skills to a greater extent than other careers might, such as debating, for example. What skills, if any, do you think you would like to do more in your professional work?
  
  
• Consider what you learned in this rotation about genetics and different applications of genetics. Were there any topics you found particularly interesting and might enjoy learning more about? Are there any areas related to genetics that you might want to pursue a career in (see video at the top of this page for ideas)? Do any of those areas also utilize the skills you described above? If so you might look more into those careers.