What did you major in as an undergrad?

[ReefWreak]

If you went to college, what did you major in for undergrad? I'm possibly/probably changing majors because I'm terrible at this whole "Financial Accounting" thing, and it's required for business. I'm thinking of maybe taking some Bio classes, maybe anthropology. Maybe something that I enjoy. I don't enjoy business, but in this world, you've got to make the $$. Who knows, I may end up going for grad school and getting an MBA or something.

But yeah, what did you guys major in? Where are you now? If you could do it again, what would you do differently?

 

[Kewlworm]

You should major in something you enjoy. It's true that making more money is better, but you will eventually get tired of it. You will be good at things you do, but you will only be great at things you enjoy. That being said...my major was CE and going back for a MBA later. If I could do it again (and have the money)...I would major in medicine.

 

[ReefWreak]

thanks kewlworm. i just need some discussion and advise since i'm pretty bummed about not doing well in that class.

Yeah, I was going for that whole "Industrial Engineering" thing, but didn't do well in math. I think I'll bemuse myself in the meantime with Bio/oceanography classes. That's what I really enjoy doing, and do well with them.

I suppose undergrad really has nothing to necessarily do with future jobs though, my dad being case-in-point. He majored in Anthropology with a minor in Astronomy, and he's a bigwig in the business world now. I suppose it's all about what you do, who you know, and where life takes you.

 

[ninjamini]

I majored in Psychology. I got my BS and realized that I hated it in my senior year. If I had to do it over I would study the law.

Its hard to decide what you want to do for a lifetime by the age of 18-20. Thats why most hate there job. There are two things to look at. Will I enjoy, find fulfilling and be gratified by the challenges of the day to day job that I am undertaking. 2nd question is will I be happy with the money.

When I was in school I looked for a direction. There was so little info about what a career meant. They never tell you that being a doctor is hours of paperwork and charting. Or being an accountant is just like the homework that they give you...for the next 40 years.

The best advice I can give you is to take a summer and work in an office that you might work in after school.


Good luck.

 

[lpsluver]

I majored in Biology and minored in Microbiology and Chemistry and have a Masters in Organizational Management and I am still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up. I've been in the Medical Device industry for nearly 20 years and have been a manager and bench level microbiologist, a project manager and an engineer. Each was fun, to a degree, and challenging for a period of time. The money with this education does not come easy and takes many years to earn a decent wage. Figure out what you like and get the education to support it. Additionally, figure out a way to work for yourself because as it has been said, "you will never get rich working for someone else".

 

[nyvp]

business/marketing. Almost every company or job goes through that. Someone has to manage and run every company.

 

[jeffbrig]

I majored in Computer Engineering, which is sort of a mix between Computer Science and Electrical engineering. Got a great job offer in embedded software development coming right out of undergrad, and the rest is history.

Christy got her undergrad degree in Anthoropology, which left her saying "OK, now what?" after we graduated. She then enrolled in law school, got her JD, and had no problem after that.

My personal suggestion is that you should try to figure out what it is that you want to do after school, and pick a major that naturally feeds into that profession. Of course, it should be more than just a qualifying slip of paper. When it's time to land that job, you need to be able to show qualifications and/or experience make you a better candidate that the rest of your classmates applying for the same job.

 

[ufchristyb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9604899#post9604899 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffbrig
Christy got her undergrad degree in Anthoropology, which left her saying "OK, now what?" after we graduated. She then enrolled in law school, got her JD, and had no problem after that.

Yes, I had a useless degree because I never took it to the graduate level. That being said, Anthropology was a great choice for me because it was really interesting (so I actually attended classes), and it taught me how to write analytically, a skill which allowed me to breeze through law school and has helped me tremendously in my legal career.

I actually think its a really great background to have if you are in the legal field. Feel free to PM me if you want more info on anthro.

--Christy

 

[gasman059]

They never tell you that being a doctor is hours of paperwork and charting.

Somedays it feels like that .
There's not better reward than being able to help somebody in their most vulnerable state- and just smile afterwards.

show qualifications and/or experience make you a better candidate that the rest of your classmates applying for the same job.

100% true its all bout your paperwork and experience for the most part. Again there's some exceptions to this rule, but those guys are not in this forum they are making some seroius $ selling their stories and going to Ophrah LOL.
Wow this whole post makes me feel like an old man.!

 

[LouPhoenix]

I'm a zoology major with a minor in computer science, but now i'm a CRM specialist, a field practically embedded in IT anyhow. I love both, but technology pays better. However, I still do per-diem animal work (mostly in Homestead) since I know many exotic animal breeders who need help in many aspects of husbandry, housing, diet, behavior, etc. so I still get to do what I love best, but its limited to once-in-a-while-weekends for the most part.

 

[tgunn]

Growing up I ALWAYS loved computers and technology. It came as no surprise that my undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Computer Science. I'll admit, there were some required courses (such as Discrete Math) that almost made me want to pick a new major. However, I stuck it out and have been working in IT as a software developer for 6 years now.

Funny how it works though, at 6 years I've actually gotten quite bored with business computing.. I've always enjoyed the "Science" part of Computer Science, which I find missing in business. So I'm back to school part time to get my Masters degree, majoring in Computer Science. Where will it lead me? Probably into a more academic area, doing things more in line with what I enjoy.

Don't be afraid to try something and realize you don't like it. You're not trapped forever. It took me a while to realize I needed to get some more education to get where I'd like to go. In the long run I know I'll be happier for it.

Tyler

 

[r00onmac]

coming from a guy who went through a similar situation... go with what you enjoy... undergrad degrees are almost obsolete these days because most jobs will require a grad degree to make the big bucks anyway..

when i started college i wanted to be a financial advisor so i was getting an econ degree... about 2 years in i was hating my life more than i could have ever imagined... at that point i just asked myself what i like... the answer was people... i love being around people, learning about people, picking people's brains... a week or two later i was a dual major psychology and sociology and ive never really looked back... for the record though i am STILL going into financial advising because its what i want to do, and in order to make the big bucks later ill need to get an MBA anyway...

 

[jeffbrig]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9605285#post9605285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by r00onmac
undergrad degrees are almost obsolete these days because most jobs will require a grad degree to make the big bucks anyway..

I have to disagree with that statement. I think many students these days treat college as simply the 2nd phase of high school, and that's what fuels this mentality. But there are plenty of majors that will put you in a position to earn 6 figures within several years of graduation.

I've recently been involved with campus recruting for my employer, and we often prefer to hire a fresh engineer with a bachelor's degree over a masters candidate. Research work in the masters program doesn't automatically make someone better when it comes to real world R&D, there's still going to be a big learning curve as they ramp up. And as far as salaries go, the masters candidate would earn a little more to start, but not as much as someone with a bachelors and 2 years experience under their belt.

Jeff

 

[ufchristyb]

Yes, I agree, engineering is one of the areas where a 4-year degree is likely just as profitable as a graduate degree.

That being said, it is one of the only majors where I believe that holds true anymore. To succeed in business, an MBA is almost always required. Accountants go 5 if not 6 years. Any of the med professions are quite lengthy. Pretty much anything other than engineer requires some sort of additional training, and most 4-year engineering programs wind up taking 5 years anyway.

--Christy

 

[truth954]

Sheridan Vo-Tech school all the way .... Everybody needs their A/C serviced or replaced at one time or another. There is a major shortage in industry and companys are paying good money for techs in all fields. IE electric, air conditioning, plumbing. as long as you dont mind getting your hands dirty every now and then.
Gerald

 

[flfirefighter13]

It all depends on what you want to do. If you plan on getting a graduate degree I would say spend the undergard years majoring in management and or business of some sort. Any career you find will require bosses so why not at least learn to deal with them. Business knowledge in general will help you with whatever field you get into as well as in your home life. Grad school will teach you about whatever you end up going into.
The most important thing Ive noticed mentioned is to follow your passion. going to work every day for 25+ years will be a severe drag if you dont find a job you like. Keep in mind money is not everything either, if your makeing 200k a year but never have time to spend it then what good is it? I may only be 27 but ive worked in a lot of industries (auto parts, technical theatre, corporate special events, construction, engineering firm etc etc) and Ive notice that it seems that no matter how much money someone is makeing if they hate thier job then they are miserable. Prime example is a doctor I used to work for hated the site of blood, he knew he hated it even before he went to med school but fealt he needed to be a doctor to afford the lifestye he wanted. After years of medschool he had a practice for 2 years before he quit and franchised a restaurant. The big money is great when you like what your doing, but dont let it guide you to much. Heck, I only make 50k a year and I love it...... then again im in a different boat, 2 years of school is all it takes and I only work 10 days a month.

Anyways enough rambleing, moral of my opinion is if you dont know what you want to do for sure snag a degree in business/management or organizational behavior of some sort, It will always come in handy.

 

[REDDAWG43]

Hey is Deland hiring more firefighters?
50K for 10 days a month? Wow!!!

Hey buddy...what a situation to be in.
Well I have to agree with the main philosophy of the responses you rec’d so far.
It's basic...whatever you decide to do, just make sure it's something you feel is a passion for you and not just a job...money does not equal happiness.
I am a Nurse, I have worked this profession from many different aspects (even in the Military) it has always paid well but what I love most is helping people….
If I did not love helping people, I could not do it…..no matter the pay!
Good Luck…..

 

[nyvp]

so was exotic on oakland : )

 

[tgunn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9605594#post9605594 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffbrig
I have to disagree with that statement. I think many students these days treat college as simply the 2nd phase of high school, and that's what fuels this mentality. But there are plenty of majors that will put you in a position to earn 6 figures within several years of graduation.

I've recently been involved with campus recruting for my employer, and we often prefer to hire a fresh engineer with a bachelor's degree over a masters candidate. Research work in the masters program doesn't automatically make someone better when it comes to real world R&D, there's still going to be a big learning curve as they ramp up. And as far as salaries go, the masters candidate would earn a little more to start, but not as much as someone with a bachelors and 2 years experience under their belt.

Jeff

Yeah, I don't know that taking a Masters in the computing field is something you'd do for a huge salary increase. But I do feel that graduate work is certainly going to put me in a better position for what I WANT to do..

I've worked in a typical corporate programming environment for 6 years now. I'm taking a Masters for the challenge, and to open up opportunities in more "hard" areas of my field.

Tyler

 

[flfirefighter13]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9606161#post9606161 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REDDAWG43
Hey is Deland hiring more firefighters?
50K for 10 days a month? Wow!!!

Thats nothing, you should see what firefighter paramedics make down by You guys. Ive got friends that are bringing in 80k that only work 9 days a month. Keep in mind they are 24 hour shifts, 1 day on 2 days off is the most common schedule. Large departments run it so that every 5 shifts you have shift off, essentiall meaning you have 5 days off in a row every 3rd week or so. The job has its bad sides but I love it.
If your an RN already your half way there, 3 monthes for fire school and 3 monthes for EMT and you can challenge the state Medic exam......IIRC Broward county even hires people and puts em through school, its beena few years since I worked in that area but they where doing it 3 years ago.