College and Idea's

[Ryan]

I been thinking alot about going back to school... With the job market the way it is, I am having an impossible time finding work. I was working at a Steel Shop early this year, then switched back over to doing Tile/Marble work. I found out the Steel Shop ended up closing, and my boss had to close up his tile company. Work is nearly impossible to come by, everyone is out looking for a job. And ofcourse people with years of schooling and greater experience will get the first open spots.

I figure this may be the best time to head back to school. I have many idea's on what I wanna go back for, but im not quite sure as to what path I want to take. I was thinking of taking a course in Criminal Justice, possibly get into Forensic's. Or possibly doing something with photography. Some of Pappy's pictures may have inspired me on this one :o .

But I wanted to hear what yall toke in college, and what are you doing now? Im keeping my opinions open and seeking other idea's.

[300extreme#8]

Im going for Health Human Performance... Once I'm done I can pretty much decide whether I want to become a Physical ther. or any of the huge variety of chooses. Honestly the best thing going for people and job security is to become a Nurse or something in the medical field. No lie, my mom is a RN and was offered to go to hollywood and work 6 months at a time getting paid around 1200 dollars a day and not even have to touch a patient. Some places are hurting for certified medicial personal. I'm leaning toward finishing to be a radiologist. Then take classes on the MRI machine and be expecting to get paid around $110,000 a year!

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Ryan

But I wanted to hear what yall toke in college

Just dont drink the bong water:p

[SRH]

there is a big demand for physical therapy

if i was you id choose a field which is stable and there is plenty of openings and will be in the future, you dont want to acquire more debt and chase your dream job and there not be any openings, who knows where this economy will lead

[JRP]

Originally posted by Pappy
Just dont drink the bong water:p

HAHAHAHAHAHA

[Rastus]

The medical field is where I'd go if I could go back to school right now, but the wife and I agreed that she would go back to school first while I work. The problem with that though is the nursing and other medical programs at the colleges can't keep up, so you really have to fight for a spot in the program alot of times.


Just make sure that you choose a degree or program where you can go to the job you want right after you complete school. Having to take two more years of school to get your masters when you thought you only needed a bachelors and have no money left really sucks. My sister did this exact thing, she has 50K worth of loan debt and can't get a decent job with her bachelors in psych., so she has to work at a craft shop.



Pappy, I was thinking the same thing when I read that. :devious: Lots of kids toke things in college.

[Pappy]

haha..well I knew what he meant:p

Its a tough call right now as to what to go to college for. We had to change Cody's ciriculm around a bunch for the next two years so he will hopefully be better prepared. This is the number 1 reason he isnt racing this season, he cant afford for grades to slip or to be injured and have it affect his scholastic endeavors.

He was looking into Mechanical Engineering but with the market saturated and the growth of the future in building in general questionable, he has switched gears and wants to look into working with wildlife and things that affect them. Some form of Animal behavior specialist for the National Park service or similiar, possibly even for the private sector.


My youngest son Ryan wants to be a Vetranarian so looks like I will have to try to stash away a few more bucks for all this
:p

[ridered11]

Be a nurse, no joke.


Only jobs that aren't down sizing are teaching, federal government, and medical fields.


Those are the token fields in these times.

[Ryan]

"TOOK" . I'll take a spelling course first ;) .



Originally posted by SRH
there is a big demand for physical therapy

if i was you id choose a field which is stable and there is plenty of openings and will be in the future, you dont want to acquire more debt and chase your dream job and there not be any openings, who knows where this economy will lead


This is one of my main concerns. I am trying to go for something that has a constant demand. I certainly don't wanna leave school and no be able to find a job, or end up doing hard labor for a hurt price.

But lots of good advice here... I don't think the medical field is where I want to be at. I know the money is great, but I don't think I could stomache the job. I was also thinking something along the lines on Psychology, however not so much as being a Psychologist.

Pappy, workin with wildlife and studyin their behavior seems like a real cool profession. I always wanted to work with animals, just never wanted to be a vet. I may have to look into the possibilities, working with animals.

[Pappy]

Yeah I reckon it could be a good career for him. He loves the outdoors and all animals, is an honor roll student etc so I assume the classes he will have to take will be no problem for him.

We have spent so much time at Wildlife refuges and in teh field hunting this year that he asked me who manages all the wildlife and such. We chatted about careers that ranged from Park Ranger to Conservation Officer/Game Warden, but he wants to be further up the food chain and be in a position to oversee our natural resources but still wants to be in a position to enjoy the outdoors so who knows where he will end up.

I know he should be able to tip me off to some pretty sweet hunting spots in the future:devil:

[bradley300]

even if you do want a full degree, just to help find a good job, you could get your CDL of welding cert., either of those should really help open the doors in the short run

[Quad18star]

Ken ... tell Cody to do it. I wish I had done it when I had the chance. We have one of the best wildlife colleges in north america up here in Ontario . At the time I didn't want to leave home , plus all my friends were here ... I now regret it. I worked with the Natural Resources and Conservation officers for a summer and was by far the best job I've EVER held.

To do it all over again , there would be no hesitation. I'm actually looking into getting my pilot's license and try to apply with them... maybe get to fly their water bombers or fly in the officers to different areas to check for proper regulations or fly biologists for studies.

Check out FLemming College ... lots of great info.

[cletusEX]

Originally posted by Pappy
I know he should be able to tip me off to some pretty sweet hunting spots in the future:devil:

Or tip me off when the heat is closing in! haha jk! I graduated with a Natural Resource degree, Land and Water Conservation to be exact, but took a lot of wildlife classes. Haven't done much with it but that is more my decision than lack of jobs. I have a little bit of a grudge with the Maryland DNR. I talked with a buddy from college over the weekend that is working with a Chesapeake Bay foundation and is loving it. He teaches students about the bay, definitely sounded like a good job! I'm going to start looking for something else here shortly, if nothing else it will get me down on the shore.

On thing I did find in my 5 1/2 years of college (I was on the "extended" program :p ) is to study something that interests you. College is hard enough, especially when you are studying something your not interested in.

[Pappy]

Yeah he knows you are involved in that stuff...I told him you worked for the school people now just to pick up chicks:devil:

I hope it works out for him, with his brain power (moms side all the way) and his easy going nature, he shouldnt have any issues. No matter who is in office, the outdoors will be protected and they will need folks to be in those fields of work so employement shouldnt ever be a problem. Full government benefits and such are a huge plus and I believe he can get different grants for this type of study....?

And Nick, I tried like hell to get him to become a Warden:o He said hell no! He knew the day he graduated I would start setting up my new rifle with silencer and night vision:o (I am j/k folks:devil: )

[Quad18star]

Wildlife Biologist sounds like something he'd probably be interested in . Study how and why things are happening to animals and how you can correct the issue.

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Quad18star
Wildlife Biologist sounds like something he'd probably be interested in . Study how and why things are happening to animals and how you can correct the issue.

Yep, he finds out ways to make more ducks and bigger bucks...me and Nick keep their numbers in check:bandit:

Ryan becomes a vet and takes care of my hunting dogs...life is good:p

btw Nick...Momarsh is almost ready to have her cherry busted..and I am on the birds:devil:
http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=388283

[Ralph]

Im currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering at Penn State. Although companies are downsizing or not hiring as much; they still need to maintain a workforce and with a lot of the baby boomer's getting ready to retire there is supposed to be plenty of openings.

I'm currently looking for an internship and have had 3 interviews and one follow up interview all of which went really well. The jobs are certainly our there. If i started over i would not change much except for doing a minor in nanotechnology along with the mechanical stuff.

Alyssa is currently doing a RN to BS Nursing program at Penn State Altoona. Let me tell you, nursing is not easy, it is a TON of work. It will pay off for her though as work will be available everywhere.

[cletusEX]

Originally posted by Pappy
Yeah he knows you are involved in that stuff...I told him you worked for the school people now just to pick up chicks:devil:


Haha I hope not, otherwise I'm probably
going to jail! Although there are a few teachers I come across that wouldn't get kicked out of bed for eating crackers!

As for being a warden I've thought about it. I've met too many that have never hunted, it's about time we got some in there that know what the hell is going on. I'm just afraid when they run my last name I will have more than interview questions to answer!:p

Your right with there always being jobs related to the outdoors. They aren't making any more of it and what we have left needs some protection. Having experience with all sides of it (hunting, fishing, and ATVing) gives Cody a leg up.

[cletusEX]

Kenny I can't look at those pics, too many months till I can drop the hammer again! BTW the farm is loaded up with ducks now. Around 50-60 birds and 5-6 different species all around the main house. I'm going down this weekend to grab some photos. Ok I'm done hijacking the thread. haha

[stuftmunky2k]

started out going for a degree in criminal justice. dont get me wrong the suff was very interesting and was nice that my uncle is head forensics. i lasted maybe a year. went to school every day and averaged a 3.5 g.p.a ... but my issue is i can't sit or listen to a lecture for hours at a time. i have to be doing something with my hands. so i decided to go to welding school. granted i could weld some what in high school. but i went to Hobart Institute of Welding Technologys. weld 8 hours a day and in the class room maybe 20 minutes. i ended up getting a tig welding job. its kinda nice how it works out because everything i do is a result in the food industry. so im pretty much garenteed a job. not to many people can pass quality and normal inspections in the welding industry let alone also in the food industry. i love my job because im doing something different every day.

[Pappy]

Originally posted by cletusEX
Kenny I can't look at those pics, too many months till I can drop the hammer again! BTW the farm is loaded up with ducks now. Around 50-60 birds and 5-6 different species all around the main house. I'm going down this weekend to grab some photos. Ok I'm done hijacking the thread. haha

Ill be at Steele Creek this weekend, but next weekend is open so keep in touch if your going down.

stuftmunky-think of all the dollars wasted by folks that decided to stay in college when they didnt wanna be there and ended up not using the education they did get! Sounds like you made the right choice for yourself.

[madskrillz2]

Originally posted by SRH
there is a big demand for physical therapy

if i was you id choose a field which is stable and there is plenty of openings and will be in the future, you dont want to acquire more debt and chase your dream job and there not be any openings, who knows where this economy will lead

There WAS but it's on the downfall now. That's part of the reason I got out of it. I'm a year away from going to nursing school and after that it's off to anethetist school. Trying to be a CRNA.

[Ryan]

Originally posted by stuftmunky2k
started out going for a degree in criminal justice. dont get me wrong the suff was very interesting and was nice that my uncle is head forensics. i lasted maybe a year. went to school every day and averaged a 3.5 g.p.a ... but my issue is i can't sit or listen to a lecture for hours at a time. i have to be doing something with my hands. so i decided to go to welding school. granted i could weld some what in high school. but i went to Hobart Institute of Welding Technologys. weld 8 hours a day and in the class room maybe 20 minutes. i ended up getting a tig welding job. its kinda nice how it works out because everything i do is a result in the food industry. so im pretty much garenteed a job. not to many people can pass quality and normal inspections in the welding industry let alone also in the food industry. i love my job because im doing something different every day.

Im with ya there, as far as being hands on. I have a hard time sitting and listening for a long period of time... I definitly looking for something where I am doing something a little different everyday. I can't stand to come into work and do the exact same routine everyday.

I been reading up about Marine Biology. Its definitly catching my interest, and there is a course I can take for that at my local college. But im still keeping my options open. I apreciate the insight from everyone...

[Bryson#221]

I am currently working full time, racing full time in the national Grand Prix/MX series and going to college. Busy life, but school always pays off. You can't go wrong. Unfortunately, I do not have a family that rides nor races, so I work to finance my hobbies and my tuition solely by myself. I am going for my degree in Dental Hygiene. Where I live they make around $40+ an hour, which, in times like these, and lifestyles like I, as well as most everyone on this forum have...a comfortable pay is needed. You go to school for such a short amount of time and the payback is forever! Good luck with college :D It's one of the best decisions you'll ever make!

[Scro]

Originally posted by ridered11

Only jobs that aren't down sizing are teaching, federal government, and medical fields.


Those are the token fields in these times.

I'll second that.

It may not be of any interest to you, but a degree in some sort of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or geography field is golden right now - plenty of jobs with government contracts.

Aerial Photography, Mapping, GPS...The technology is growing bigger by the day and employers are hiring people left and right with these types of degrees.

Granted the pay is not as much as an engineering or medical degree, but man this stuff is cool! I enjoy every minute of it! And to me, you can't put a price tag on happiness.

[Bradracer18]

I am currently in school for engineering(almost done). I'd say its a good field, and they are still hiring.

At Iowa State we have a program called AST/IT...which is basically industrial technologists. They are a step down from an engineer(not as much math). They get to go out and diagnose or install new things...pretty cool hands on job, and still hiring a lot!




And pappy....if he was thinking mech E....and now wants wildlife, ever looked into like civil/environmental engineering? We have a lot of guys go do stuff for the NRCS.....and the DNR....just on the engineering side of it(dams, etc).

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Bradracer18

And pappy....if he was thinking mech E....and now wants wildlife, ever looked into like civil/environmental engineering? We have a lot of guys go do stuff for the NRCS.....and the DNR....just on the engineering side of it(dams, etc).

Not really sure where he will end up, he just really wants to be involved with the wildlife. He would like to be the one pulling bears out of their dens and tagging them, you know, that kind of crazy chit:p We have to meet with his planning person at his school next year at some point and see what direction to go. I know it sure seems to be alot more choices these days, when I left school it seemed much simpler and the fields to choose from where alot less. I know I would like to see what ever he studies that it serve a duel purpose so that he can go a few different directions if his life changes and he needs to switch gears.

[ben300]

Originally posted by Pappy
Ill be at Steele Creek this weekend, but next weekend is open so keep in touch if your going down.

stuftmunky-think of all the dollars wasted by folks that decided to stay in college when they didnt wanna be there and ended up not using the education they did get! Sounds like you made the right choice for yourself.

ya ...but look at it this way...for say you get a mechanical engineering degree...like i am....and then forsay you dont like it as much and go do something else...welder/electrician/cop?...

at least you have a bachelors degree to fall back on...so i wouldnt call it a waste....college degrees cost alot...but once you earn one...they can never take that away from you

[Pappy]

Originally posted by ben300


at least you have a bachelors degree to fall back on...so i wouldnt call it a waste....college degrees cost alot...but once you earn one...they can never take that away from you

I never claimed the education was a waste, just the dollars and time. I have friends that have years in schooling for things they will never use to earn money. They admit it, its time gone and money spent. I agree whats learned will always be there, but if your not going to implement the education then what good is it except to be educated in that endeavor. I meet more folks every day that have no direction.....maybe they should have that as a course...lol

[ben300]

Originally posted by Pappy
I meet more folks every day that have no direction.....maybe they should have that as a course...lol

i didnt say that you were claiming that....

there are a TON of ppl out there that have absolutely zero dicrection.....they pretty much have a major for that at colleges anymore...is called undecided....its pretty big at pennstate..i see kids with 3 years in and still havent choosen a final major yet..

..plus ther are alot of ppl that get, well i dont want to say mindless, but are basically mindless degrees and never do anything with them...

just the wya things are...

but the point i was trying to make..if you go to school for something worht while..and end up not doign that..you still have that soething worth while to fall back on

[Ralph]

Originally posted by ben300
i didnt say that you were claiming that....

there are a TON of ppl out there that have absolutely zero dicrection.....they pretty much have a major for that at colleges anymore...is called undecided....its pretty big at pennstate..i see kids with 3 years in and still havent choosen a final major yet..

..plus ther are alot of ppl that get, well i dont want to say mindless, but are basically mindless degrees and never do anything with them...

just the wya things are...

but the point i was trying to make..if you go to school for something worht while..and end up not doign that..you still have that soething worth while to fall back on

Word up. The degree wont just magically create an excellent worker, you still need to do that yourself.

Mechanical Engineers are hired everywhere. I was talking to Johnson and Johnson about an internship/co-op program and it would have been nothing engineering related.

The reason he gave for being at an engineering career fair was "we need smart people" lol

You don't have to be a Rocket Scientist (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, etc Engineer) to know that. :blah:

[MX MaNiAc 06]

I am going to a two year college to get a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. As others said people are always going to need physical therapy no matter what the economy is like. I never got great grades in high school but once i came here and I am paying to take classes i have a cumulative 3.2 gpa. Anatomy is tough but other than that class they all seem to be pretty easy

My room mate is taking Criminal Justice here. It's a two year program and the last trimester is the police academy. His classes are even easier than mine. It's definately a good field to get into. Keep in mind that even at a two year school you can be starting off at $50,000 a year.

[hale23]

I am taking Psychology classes right now. I'm taking all of my classes online and it takes 20 months to complete. I plan on getting into Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Until then though, I work at a family restaraunt and I have an interview tomorrow for with an auto dealer that wants to train someone for a notary.

[Bradracer18]

cool cool. The thing I have found about engineering school and what companies like....is that they like engineers because we have been proven that we can learn(in pretty tough classes)...and that we have a little engineering knowledge. Most say that in their internships they use very little engineering(school) stuff. I think its just an expensive way to find someone who is devoted to bettering themself, and that may be what gets you the job over the next guy. I use my farm background(living on one for whole life) as a bonus for my engineering, as it proves(or could prove) that I know how to work, know basics about machinery, and know how to get my butt up and to work every day!