| Need some help deciding on what to do next in college?So im 20 years old now i dropped out of a 4 year university after a year and a half. I had no idea what i wanted to do and didn't want to waste the money and i was a bit immature to say the least ha ha. After all that i decided to move out and try to start my life, i didn't land far (ended up at my sisters) i give her a minimal amount of rent. So after about a year and a half of "soul searching" i think ive come up with a game plan. For some background on my interest... i love math, history and physics. Lmao weird huh? but i also love art, painting, drawing etc. I love to think about philosophy and new ideas and i tend to ask a ton of questions and research everything i find interesting. With those characteristics i think my best bet would be an architect, or at least that's the only one ive thought of... (i need another persons perspective) im also very familiar with some CAD programs, google sketch up(=P) and went to a 2 year hands on carpenter course in high school building sheds, fences etc.( ya my school was awesome.) My plan is to pay for my associate degree myself, since its pretty cheap, i know if i try at it i can get straight A's its never been a problem and get a good scholarship to my bachelors degree. Hopefully i can get a job at a firm for a while, save up some money and pay for a masters (in case i cant get a good scholarship after my bachelors). basically do the same for a doctorate. It doesn't matter how long it takes to attain it as long as i do. I have the right motivation and i can work hard when i put my mind to something but i have 0 support system, parents are out of the question and my sis has no clue about college. So what im asking is for some outside perspective on my chosen subject, and maybe some advice what colleges might be good for low income, financial aid etc ive chosen a cheap college already to start an AA and all that im willing to move around, (live in Suburbs of LA atm) thanks for the help :)
Asked By: painguin ninja - 7/28/2011 |
First of all, you are gifted or extremely intelligent. Along with your gift, comes a feeling of being overwhelmed because you are so curious and the world seems like a giant candy store with so many interesting things beckoning you. Gifted people are extremely curious, are distracted from one career when finding out something about another career. Their interests are both wildly eclectic and intensely focused. They are elaborate thinkers, producing new steps, ideas, responses, or other embellishments to a basic idea, situation, or problems. Average people do not understand them a hoot.
They tend to be criticized by the people around because the outward appearance to them, is a sign of irresponsibility, which it is NOT. This usually occurs when gifted are still young and have difficulty reining in their boundless enthusiasm for learning and life. You may want to look up the characteristics of gifted students on the 'Net. They are a wholly different ball game.
It sounds like you are thinking in the right direction, though you are still scattered. I suggest that you use a graphic organizer to help you visualize your plan. A graphic organizer for almost anything can be found for free on the 'Net. It consists of blank boxes or circles that lead from one to another or help organize an idea and its details. Most people do best with a visual plan.
As part of your plan, you do need to look for funding sources for college. You are entitled to the Pell grant which pays many costs of your undergraduate degree. Go to the college you wish to attend and speak with a financial aid adviser. They can help you know what is available and help you apply for loans and grants. You may also want to consider living on campus to mitigate some of your distractibility.
Next, you may want to consider the KIND of work environment that pleases you.You are going to be there for a good part of your day and if you dislike the environment, it will be a perfect drag. Do you like a bustling office or working alone in your own office? Do you like being outdoors? Do you like working in a team to reach a common goal? Do you like a for profit as opposed to a non-profit business? The atmosphere in each is very different. So, take some time alone and think about where you like to spend you time.
Next think about the kind of career that would not only satisfy you, but also make some good money. Careers in art or philosophy don't pay too well. Here is a list of jobs that pay well and may interest you.
*Financial analyst
*Personal financial advisor.
*Marketing - Marketing Specialist, Market and Survey Researcher, Marketing Manager
*Budget Analyst, Economist, Actuary
*Accountant - Certified Public Accountant, Corporate Financial Analyst
*Business Administration - Project Manager
*Economics - business, finance, and insurance.
*Engineering - Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining and geological engineers
*Critical Care Nurse
*Geoscientist - Locates various gas and mineral deposits for industry
If you want a satisfying career working with people, the following careers are quite satisfying but don't pay as well.
*High school math, science or tech teaching - Lot's of time off and good benefits.
*Freelance Graphic Designer - Flexible hours, work from home
*Software Quality Assurance Manager - Flexible hours, work from home
*Surveyor
*Fish and Game Warden, Ranger
*Botanist
*Coast Guard
*Paramedic
Your next step is to go to the Career Advisement Office at the college you will be attending. They will do a million things, like test you for your best career option, explain different career opportunities etc.
Like you, I was very gifted, but was punished for my "flightiness, impulsivity" and poor grades in high school. My parents seemed to have given up on me and never helped my with planning for college, even though they were both teachers. I didn't know anything about what I am telling you now, so I wasted 10 years trying on different jobs and never really getting anywhere. I did finally figure it out and graduated at 38 years old as a teacher. However, some guidance could have made my life easier and I would have finished sooner.
I offer this to you in hopes that you will find your way sooner than I did!
Answered By: Windwater5050 - 7/28/2011 |