DS16 torn between medicine, engineering and comp sci.

[SassyBear2]

My DS16 has just started sixth form and asked me for advice about his A-level/degree options, but I don’t really know enough to guide him properly. Thought I’d ask here as lots of you have been through this stage with your DC.

He’s logical, good at problem-solving and strongest in computer science, chemistry and physics. He loves programming and would happily study computer science at uni, but he’s worried the job market isn’t secure and that AI could replace programming roles.

Because of that he’s now looking at medicine or engineering as alternatives. He wants a career that’s interesting, not monotonous, and where he can keep learning and progressing. He’s asking which of the two (medicine or engineering) might suit that better, and also which career is more secure in the long run.

His specific questions:

• How is the engineering job market at the moment?
• Do doctors in the UK earn more than engineers on average?
• Which offers more variety and long-term progression?

TL;DR: DS16 is strong in science and comp sci, logical, curious and hates monotony. He’s torn between computer science, engineering and medicine. How do the job prospects and earnings compare, especially with AI in the mix?

If he wants to have lots of money then he goes where the money is - finance or management consultancy or the type of law involved in expensive contracts or protecting the rich. But in all those roles there will be a lot of more junior jobs paying less and being replaced by AI.

Which takes us back round to Comp Sci and the growth of AI platforms that need, building, maintaining, development and ongoing cyber security services.

Especially in the Finance sector who are increasingly nervous about offshoring due to international tensions and security threats.