Neuroscientists

Learn as much as possible about the nervous system and careers in the field by reading books and visiting Web sites. Neuroscience For Dummies, by Frank Amthor, will give you a good introduction to the field. Here are a few Web sites to check out:

• BrainFacts.org: https://www.brainfacts.org
• What Can You Do With a Neuroscience Degree?: https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/what-can-you-do-with-a-neuroscience-degree
• Careers in Neuroscience: https://neurosciencemajor.osu.edu/careers-neuroscience

Visit the Web sites of colleges and universities that offer degrees in neuroscience to learn about typical classes, clinical experiential opportunities, and the field in general. Here are a few schools to investigate:

• University of Chicago: https://neuroscience.uchicago.edu/undergraduate
• Georgia Institute of Technology: https://www.gatech.edu/academics/degrees/bachelors/neuroscience-bs
• Simmons University: https://www.simmons.edu/undergraduate/academics/majors-minors/neuroscience-and-behavior

Participate in information interviews with neuroscientists. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask neuroscientists about their job duties, work environment, pros and cons of their careers, educational training, skills for success, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Ask your school counselor or a teacher to help you set up information interviews. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a neuroscientist to learn even more about the field.

The International Youth Neuroscience Association (IYNA) offers summer exploration programs and competitions for college students. It also offers a Neuroethics Essay Contest for high school and college students. Visit https://www.youthneuro.org/events.html for more information.