Darla Earl ⋅ Hull, MA U.S. Air Force, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 5 years served

Thank you for all your responses so far. In response to Mr. Lawson finding my passion is part of the problem. I haven't felt the same pull that I have in the past. I've always been very motivated and without a clear understanding its hard to move forward. My hope here is to get a more concrete idea of each field. I'm hoping that will start my vision growing. Thank you again. I'll be in touch with each of you that have left contact information.

Stephen Lawson ⋅ Arlington, TX United Nations ⋅ 34 years experience

Darla,

There are as many answers to your question as there are jobs out there.

The medical field is wonderful and has lots of options. In addition to doctors and nurses, we need leaders and managers in public health, researchers, statisticians, technicians, IT specialists, business managers and all sorts of other folks. Opportunities range from military to civilian businesses, public agencies and non profits. My daughter has a background in business (management analyst - HR) and is now in graduate school studying international development and working for the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

Personally, if I can't stub my toe on it, I am really not interested in it. I am an architect. As a design and construction professional, you can have a huge impact on people's lives. I came to international development through URS, but there are plenty of private sector firms (AECOM, Jacobs, Hill, TetraTec ARD, and so on) that are active all over the US and the world. In addition to Planners, Architects and Engineers, there are needs for people with business, management and statistical skills, management consultants, security people, pilots and the like. There are government employers like mine, USAID, FEMA, United Nations, ADB, non profits like the ICRC, Catholic Charities, Mercy Corps, MSF and so on.

If you really want to help people, you just have to be very good at what you do, whatever it is and understand the business that you are in. Yes, helping people is always a business! Opportunities to help people will find you. All you have to do is to be ready.

So pick what something for which you have a passion, get on with your life, be patient and enjoy!

Stephen Lawson
UNOPS Project Manager
Kabul, Afghanistan

Carleen Kirkpatrick ⋅ Elizabeth, CO Vital Signs (GE Healthcare) ⋅ 10 years experience

I work as a Lead Engineer for GE Healthcare. Our products save patients lives. As an Engineer in the "Medical Device" or Pharmaceutical Industry you have the ability to be an Engineer and help people live better lives.

Mark Noethen ⋅ Chicago, IL Hewlett Packard ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Darla - My name is Mark Noethen and I have been in the Engineering field on the technology side of business for the past 5 years. I would be happy to give you an overview of the TONS of opportunities in the Engineering field with Technology companies - if you are not interested in Computer Science Engineering don't worry - technology companies leverage individuals with all types of Engineering backgrounds.

Best regards,
Mark

Mark Noethen
Client Principal, Americas
Information Management & Analytics
HP Enterprise Services
Mobile 773 818 9638
Email mark.noethen@hp.com

Lee Woodruff ⋅ Tucson, AZ Banner University Medical Center Tucson ⋅ 8 years experience

Aloha Ms. Darla:) My name is Lee and I am one of ACP's Veteran Mentors with General Electric. I have worked as an engineer and in the medical field. I would be happy to discuss your career intentions if you are still looking for some advice.

Lee Woodruff
GE Healthcare – Diagnostic and Clinical Services (DCS)

Spring Valley Biomedical Program Coordinator
Office: (702)853-3511
Hospital Nextel: (702) 491-4894
GE Mobile: (702) 301-7735
EFax: (702) 920-8165

Spring Valley Hospital
5400 S. Rainbow Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89118

Kevin Wiley ⋅ Kingston, WA Ameriprise Financial ⋅ 4 years experience

Darla,

That is a big question, if you woould like to talk a little bit aout it, you are welcome to schedule a time with me and talk about it.

Kevin Wiley
Financial Advisor

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
2011 NW Myhre Road, Suite 301
Silverdale WA 98383
Office 360 613 1975
Fax 360 613 1992
TF 800 447 6021
Kevin.wiley@morganstanley.com