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How do liberal arts students interested in natural sciences adjust when their interests are thwarted?

arts student natural sciences technology publishing house internship experience mixed feelings
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How do liberal arts students interested in natural sciences adjust when their interests are thwarted? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

I am an arts student with a keen interest in the natural sciences and enjoy the intellectual stimulation that science and technology bring. Driven by my passion, I went to work as an intern at a technology publishing house. However, I had mixed feelings during the internship.

First, I didn't feel integrated into the team. I tried my best to fit in, but I always felt that there was a clear division between interns and regular employees. And for a long time, I was the only intern, and some regular employees gave me the impression that they would ignore you if you asked them a question. Second, liberal arts students are not as popular as students with a science background. I usually read a lot of popular science books, and I try my best to do my job well, without making any mistakes. But my colleagues always talked about when they would hire a science intern to train as a talent pool during work. No matter how much I love and work hard at my job, I can't be seen. Of course I understand the company's considerations, but over time, I unconsciously felt that my enthusiasm for work had disappeared.

I used to love science books, and I didn't want to give up my true passion because of this. But now whenever I see a science book, I'm reminded of those depressing feelings, and I've been depressed and crying for a week. I don't know how to separate science books from this experience.

Juliette Kennedy Juliette Kennedy A total of 5970 people have been helped

Hello.

It was clear to me that the work process during the internship was not going well. The indifference and difficulty of others made it even more apparent that I was destroying the three views.

I see the love for "natural science" that the questioner expressed in the title.

I believe that love can overcome all psychological burdens. Never do something just to compromise or because you feel forced. This will only cause you to form a conditioned reflex and become unable to accept yourself.

You can express your love for the "natural sciences" you love through other channels. Let others get to know you through what you love.

I will attract like-minded people, online or otherwise. Don't set up barriers in advance; take a chance.

For example, you can become a popular science host on the internet. You'll modestly share your insights, and you'll learn new things from the perspective of others who share the same interests. You'll avoid being one-sided.

You will find a way to escape the interpersonal dilemmas that trouble you as long as you are willing to continue to love.

As for colleagues in the office, they are there to work hard to make money and create value for themselves and the company. There is no need to blame yourself or please anyone because no one owes anyone else anything.

If you feel uncomfortable about something, express your feelings sincerely. At the same time, become more aware of whether your words are offensive, improve your ability to communicate non-violently, and develop your ability to operate in the market in the future as the young master of "natural science."

You can do it!

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Michael Fernandez Michael Fernandez A total of 6513 people have been helped

Hello, friend! I can see you're feeling frustrated and a bit helpless, so I just wanted to give you a big, warm hug (づ ●─● )づ.

First of all, as an arts student, you are able to be interested in the natural sciences and also make an effort to read popular science to improve your scientific literacy, which is very good! After all, in the context of the division of arts and sciences, people like you are really rare! First of all, I want to give you a big thumbs-up and a round of applause!

I just want to say that it's not your fault about the problems you had at the publishing house. It's really the employees who are at fault for being indifferent to you.

In my experience, they can be like this at work, and they are very likely to treat other people like this in their daily lives too! Remember the saying, "Different trades are like different mountains, but different trades are not different principles"!

It's so important to be true to yourself and to have good character. This is something that can't be taught or learned from a professional background.

I totally get why they're looking for a science intern! As a tech publisher, they have to review and publish tons of technical literature. If you don't have a deep understanding of these technical issues or the professional thinking that goes with them, it'd be tough to spot problems in the literature, right?

My wonderful psychological counselor once said, "Any problem that arises is here to help you grow!" So, this experience is also a kind of reminder to you: 1. If you want to continue working in this field, you need to gain a deeper understanding of the relevant disciplines and make up for your shortcomings, rather than limiting yourself to popular science!

Just like Qian Weichang did in the past! 2. You know, you're already aware of this yourself: having a hobby is one thing, and that's totally fine.

Working in a related field is a different story. You can read science as your hobby, but you don't have to work in this industry!

If this path doesn't work out, don't worry! There are plenty of other ways to make your mark. Even if you don't end up at this publishing house, there are other doors open for you.

I'd love to know if I can just do a job related to the humanities! As far as I know, humanities work sometimes also requires logical thinking, so I'm really hoping that's the case!

I really hope this helps!

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Julianna Shaw Julianna Shaw A total of 5761 people have been helped

Hello, question asker! I'm Jiang 61.

It's clear you've gained some useful insights since you started work. I get the impression you've chosen a career internship you're happy with, but you're not happy at work. I can see you're distressed, hesitant and reluctant.

I'm curious to know what's driving your internal motivation. After reading your work insights a second time, my initial impression changed.

The first time I looked at it, I thought you were dealing with two issues:

First, there's the confusion.

1. Figuring out how to blend your interests with your work environment

2. The confusion of integrating the individual and the group

2. Figure out what's confusing you.

After reading it again, I think what you need to do now is figure out what the problem is and then solve it.

1. The issue

1. How to view work

2. What are your priorities?

2. How to make a change (solutions)

The reason my opinion differs from the first time is that I looked at your description from your perspective and from a third-party perspective. Here's my analysis of the problems you face and the solutions from a third-party perspective.

1. The issues you're currently facing

1. How to view work

(1) Your subconscious mind thinks that your interests can help you do your job, but that's not actually the case.

You said, "I'm an arts student with a keen interest in natural sciences and I like the intellectual stimulation that science brings. Driven by my passion, I started an internship at a technology publisher, but I had mixed feelings during the internship."

Your subconscious mind thinks that interest is a good thing at work and can help you do your job. But that's not how it is. You can't fit in with the group, you're not taken seriously by your seniors, and there's a chance you'll be replaced.

So you're a bit contradictory.

2) Why you're feeling mixed up

You said, "First, I don't feel integrated into the team. I try my best to fit in, but there is always a clear division between interns and regular employees. For a long time, I was the only intern, and some regular employees gave me the impression that they would ignore you if you asked them a question."

You're in a bad mood because you think the company treats interns and regular employees differently and you complain about it. Plus, regular employees are indifferent when you ask them questions, which makes you feel uncomfortable and think you're not welcome.

You said that liberal arts students aren't as popular as those with a science background.

You've come to this conclusion because you said, "My colleagues are always talking about when they're going to recruit a science intern and train them as a talent pool."

The chats between colleagues have put a lot of pressure on you psychologically. You don't think you're good enough, so you're worried you'll be replaced.

There's also this unwelcome feeling that's making your mood pretty bad.

3. What is work?

Work is about achieving the desired outcome and getting a good result through your understanding, operation, communication, and collaboration with the tasks assigned to you.

Work involves a lot of different skills, like your cognitive abilities, comprehension, coordination, collaboration, communication, and execution. Being able to complete work is what makes you competent, while not completing work shows that you're not suitable for the job.

So, it's not enough to just link your interests with your work. Being competent at work also means excelling in other areas.

If you don't understand why your interests can't help you at work, you'll start to think that your interests are the only thing that matters. Once your beliefs are destroyed, negative emotions arise.

2. What are your main concerns?

When I see you struggling to connect your interests with your work, I want to understand why you're struggling and what you care about.

1. You care most about how other people see you, and that affects how you feel.

You feel like you can't fit in with the team because people don't pay much attention to you. You feel unappreciated.

So, it seems like what you really care about is how others treat you. It's because of other people's attitudes that you feel rejected and unable to integrate into the group.

2. You want to be seen, affirmed, and valued.

You say, "No matter how much I love and work hard at my job, I can't be seen. I understand the company's considerations, but over time, I've lost my enthusiasm for work."

Your interests and your work ethic have taken a hit. With no one else being seen or encouraged, you've lost interest in your favorite popular science books, including your interest in work. So, what you care about is being seen, affirmed, and valued.

3. How to adjust your mindset

Now that we've gone over the problems you're facing and why, I suggest:

1. Don't get too caught up in the idea that your work and your interests are one and the same.

Your interests are great, but they're not going to help you get better at your job. So, forget about trying to combine work and interests.

You need to think about how you can improve your work ability.

2. Get to know what the job needs and work on your skills to meet those needs.

When a colleague suggests recruiting a science and engineering student, it doesn't mean that you're not good enough at your job. It just means that your current level of knowledge can't meet the needs of science-popularization editing. So, you need to find a science and engineering professional to supplement your team.

This is the only way the editor can avoid the common problems.

You need to recognize your weaknesses at work and learn more about science and engineering so you can do the job well.

3. Stay true to yourself.

Don't let other people's attitudes get in the way of your goals. Stick with what you like, and believe that you'll do a good job and fulfill your wishes one day.

I hope the original poster is in a good mood!

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Edwina Edwina A total of 2133 people have been helped

Hello!

You like science and interned at a tech publisher.

I like you!

You seem unhappy. I'd be happy to chat.

I hope this helps.

1. Think about why you're unhappy.

Is this your first internship?

Can you stay at this publishing house?

When you start work, there will be a period of adjustment.

It's very different from school.

You may not feel like part of the team.

Teams have different cultures.

Have you seen the TV show "Offered"?

They are talented graduates who will also have problems during their internships.

For example, being misunderstood, criticized, or rejected. Interns and regular employees are often divided at first.

Does this help?

Maybe you're good at what you do, but no one notices. You're disappointed, and it affects your motivation.

This happens a lot.

We can learn to be happy.

We need to learn new things to grow.

Hug yourself and look at everything from a new perspective.

2. We need to change our thinking.

"My colleagues are always talking about hiring a science intern, while I can't be seen no matter how much I love and work hard at my job."

We feel bad when this happens.

Ask yourself:

For example, you might ask:

What's the difference between a science intern and an arts intern?

We don't have to mix our efforts with our colleagues'.

Colleagues might have negative views about science students. Science students might also have different ways of thinking because of their different education and training.

We can't ignore their thoughts.

You're doing well, but your colleagues may still expect more from you.

You're nice, but you don't meet their expectations.

Some permanent employees ignore you when you ask them questions. But not everyone is like that. Some are willing to teach you.

We need to become stronger.

3. Believe in yourself.

There were lots of crying kids at the start of the internship.

Be comforted.

Everyone has bad times.

You say, "I don't want to give up my passion because of this, but it makes me feel depressed when I see a science book now." This is normal.

You also want to "separate the popular science book from this experience."

I want to share this with you:

Maybe you'll laugh about it in a few years.

You did something great for your passion.

You like writing popular science books. It wasn't a happy experience, but it helped you grow.

We all want approval.

When you don't get recognition, try to recognize yourself.

Some time ago, the teachers at Oriental Selection live streamed for six months to promote products. They received many doubts and criticisms. They also had moments of self-doubt.

After enduring that period, they waited for their moment in the spotlight. In one week, they gained 10 million followers, received countless searches and praise.

It's the same for us.

Doing what you like is good.

You like what you do.

Affirm yourself and recognize your value.

When we know our worth, other people's opinions don't matter as much.

Just share these.

Read What's Possible for Your Life.

This is a book about career planning.

The book says,

Play hard in a field you love.

Best wishes!

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Comments

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Giselle Miller A lie told often enough becomes the truth.

I can totally relate to feeling out of place in an environment where you don't feel valued. It's heartbreaking when your passion meets such a cold response. The internship was supposed to be a learning experience, but it ended up dampening your spirit. I hope you find a community that apprecishes your love for both arts and sciences soon.

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Stephen Anderson Failure is a detour on the road to success, not a dead - end.

It sounds like the internship took a toll on your confidence and joy. Sometimes we pour our heart into something, only to hit walls we didn't expect. Remember, this is just one chapter, and there are places and people who will cherish your unique blend of skills and interests.

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Troy Jackson Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.

Your dedication to bridging arts and science is commendable. It must have been tough not being accepted or seen for what you bring to the table. Try to remind yourself of the reasons you fell in love with science in the first place; those memories can help you move past this rough patch.

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Octavia Hayes The attention a teacher gives to each student is like a precious gem in the crown of education.

The world needs more people like you who can connect different fields in creative ways. It's unfortunate that the publishing house couldn't see your value. Focus on nurturing your own interests again and seek out spaces where you're celebrated for who you are and what you offer.

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Nathan Anderson The more one knows about different topics, the more they can be a lighthouse for those lost in the sea of ignorance.

Feeling dismissed and marginalized can really hurt, especially when it involves something you're passionate about. But try not to let this experience define your relationship with science. There are many other avenues where your talents and interests can flourish and be appreciated.

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