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Going back for a second degree??


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Hey everyone,

 

Short version:

 

I have a degree in entrepreneurship and a minor in management but am thinking about going back to school at the age of 24 to get a degree in Geology. Thoughts?

 

Long Version:

 

I'm 24 years old and have a degree in entrepreneurship. I never knew what I wanted to do in college and didn't take it seriously so I ended up with a 2.7 GPA and no extracurricular activities. There are no excuses there, I should have applied myself. I'm very smart and capable but I slacked off in college.

 

Well, now that I'm done with college, I'm glad to have a degree but I don't feel like it has any potential. I always liked the idea of having a business or sitting in an office with a cigar and ordering people around but the actual career choices for an inexperienced person myself with a generic degree are things like...work at radio shack, work at a bank, and other jobs that don't even require a degree in the first place. But - here's the kicker - I know that nobody gets anywhere without putting in hard work. Maybe I just need to buckle down and put the work in like everyone else does, even if the current job doesn't give me any sense of accomplishment or challenge other than long hours.

 

I've actually become mature and the idea of going back to school and studying hard sounds really nice. I wouldn't mind studying hard in a field that strongly interests me - Geology.

 

But here's the deal - I want to make sure I'm doing this for the right reasons. Right now I feel like a loser...all of my peers in high school have done great things and have great careers. All I do now is work as a freelance writer making small money and paying for all of my own meager benefits.

 

I'd like to go back to school for a couple of years, work some crappy job on the side and feel proud that I'm doing something constructive. But is this just me looking for low expectations again for a while? I don't think so but the idea of having no pressure other than getting a 4.0 sounds enticing.

 

The thing is, finance, retail and sales don't really light my fire. Those are just the things I always thought were expected of me. What I really want is a stable career in an interesting field. I don't mind working my ass off if I can at least get some satisfaction. Studying the earth, scouting for possible drilling locations, searching for new energy sources and helping communities develop anti-pollution strategies really gets me excited again.

 

I am strongly considering making this leap but I don't want my decision to have been influenced by either of these things: A lazy desire for lowered expectations or because my job search since graduation has depressed me.

 

The good thing is I'm not afraid of starting over and doing something totally different. I have nothing holding me back and nobody depending on me. I'd be about 30 years old but at least I'd have the accomplishment of having two degrees and possibly a master's degree to boot.

 

Sorry for the long ramble but I guess I'm just looking for some input, advice or random thoughts. If you need any more info from me just ask.

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I have a degree in entrepreneurship and a minor in management but am thinking about going back to school at the age of 24 to get a degree in Geology. Thoughts?

You must have rocks in your head.

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You must have rocks in your head.

 

Please explain. I'm feeling like my long term career aspects are almost nil with this degree. I've searched for jobs for so long and it's all high school diploma jobs. I'm close to starting over, getting a new degree and a new GPA.

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Please explain. I'm feeling like my long term career aspects are almost nil with this degree. I've searched for jobs for so long and it's all high school diploma jobs. I'm close to starting over, getting a new degree and a new GPA.

I had a friend, once. A geologist. They were always telling me about rocks, and taking me on field trips to weird places. The rocks on these excursions all looked the same to me, but they would tell me each one's life story. A different story each time. And guess who ended up carrying all these rocky treasures? That's right - me.

 

Anyway, you should follow your dream. Isn't it a great feeling to have something to be truly excited about, once again? :bunny:

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Hey Nemo, maybe I'm not as smart as I thought I was.

 

Your reference to rocks completely flew over my head. If I was a cheapskate I'd go edit my reply to hide that fact...but I probably shouldn't since we're talking about major career moves and I need everyone to know just how many "challenges" I face.

 

My friend is finishing up with geology and yes, he ALWAYS talks about rocks to everyone. In fact, he doesn't know when to stop! But he is passionate about it and it looks like he has some amazing career opportunities opening up already. I'd always thought of it as a soft degree like history or something but the job opportunities look pretty specialized/technical.

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I cannot express how strongly I recommend you DO NOT get a Geology degree.

Did you come on this thread just so that you could throw rocks? Is it fun to get your rocks off?

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Short version:

 

I have a degree in entrepreneurship and a minor in management but am thinking about going back to school at the age of 24 to get a degree in Geology. Thoughts?

 

I'll ask these more direct questions.

 

Is your passion for geology rock solid?

 

To use the Geology degree to be a wildcatter, exploration, renewable energies, what is it that you plan on using the Geology degree for? Does this jive with your entrepreneurship degree and management minor?

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Did you come on this thread just so that you could throw rocks? Is it fun to get your rocks off?

 

Just watch out for cleavage on your bedding.....

 

http://netpet.batw.net/humor/geojokes.html

 

Geologists are what accountants call boring they all have Aspbergers syndrome and enjoy sleeping in dirt. Geologists are not normal people they're all utterly insane, or are soon driven insane by isolation in remote areas and drawing sand all day.

 

If you like rocks become a civil engineer and take a geotech electives.

 

Geology is for 'special' people...

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I'll ask these more direct questions.

 

Is your passion for geology rock solid?

 

To use the Geology degree to be a wildcatter, exploration, renewable energies, what is it that you plan on using the Geology degree for? Does this jive with your entrepreneurship degree and management minor?

 

 

My passion for it is decent, I'd say. I've always loved the classes but never actually considered getting a degree in it for some reason. I can imagine getting into it and really finding the passion but it would take a few classes before I knew 100% this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

 

It COULD jive with the entrepreneurship/mgmt degree because many geologists start consulting firms. Additionally, I need some kind of expertise in SOMETHING before putting the entrepreneurship degree into action and starting a business.

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Trialbyfire
My passion for it is decent, I'd say. I've always loved the classes but never actually considered getting a degree in it for some reason. I can imagine getting into it and really finding the passion but it would take a few classes before I knew 100% this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

 

It COULD jive with the entrepreneurship/mgmt degree because many geologists start consulting firms. Additionally, I need some kind of expertise in SOMETHING before putting the entrepreneurship degree into action and starting a business.

A degree with a geology major is good for oil and mining. It can also lead you to some adventurous locations which can be dangerous.

 

A friend of mine has a BSc in Geology. He's currently runs a Trading Dept. in the Investment industry, since field work wasn't his forté.

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My passion for it is decent, I'd say. I've always loved the classes but never actually considered getting a degree in it for some reason. I can imagine getting into it and really finding the passion but it would take a few classes before I knew 100% this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

 

It COULD jive with the entrepreneurship/mgmt degree because many geologists start consulting firms. Additionally, I need some kind of expertise in SOMETHING before putting the entrepreneurship degree into action and starting a business.

 

I like the idea that you are getting expertise and an idea before putting a plan together.

 

You could do what I do sometimes, troll around the new patents online. Another place is to look at some universities' technology transfer departments to get some inspiration.

 

I would study for the GRE while you are talking to a geologist at your local university.

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Ask yourself, do you have aspbergers sydrome ?

 

If the answer is no, find another topic to be passionate about. Geology will lead to such questions from HR once you apply for regular jobs such as 'What is that' and all sorts of other assumptions.

 

Engineering, accounting,mathematics, statistics and IT one of the trades are all things you can focus on whereas Geology is more specialised.

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I say, Go for it! If it lights your fire in any manner and will get you back (serious this time) to school, then jump at this opportunity. Geology could lead you to Archeology and many other related disciplines. Avail yourself of all opportunities to work with Geologists even if the position is unpaid. This way you will acquire first-hand knowledge of Geology and whether or not it is right for you.

 

Good luck! :bunny:

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Cherry Blossom 35

First of all, forget about the guy talking about Asperger's syndrome. His comments are asinine.

 

I went back to school at 30. It was tough, but in the end worth it.

 

I think it is awesome that you have an interest and passion in something. A lot of people don't have that.

 

My best advice is to find actual geologists, or people how got their degree in geology, and talk to them. See what kind of career options are available. Ask their advice. most of all, broaden your spectrum with what possibilities await you.

 

You are only 24, the world awaits! Have fun with this.

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MaxManwell
First of all, forget about the guy talking about Asperger's syndrome. His comments are asinine.

 

I went back to school at 30. It was tough, but in the end worth it.

 

I think it is awesome that you have an interest and passion in something. A lot of people don't have that.

 

My best advice is to find actual geologists, or people how got their degree in geology, and talk to them. See what kind of career options are available. Ask their advice. most of all, broaden your spectrum with what possibilities await you.

 

You are only 24, the world awaits! Have fun with this.

 

Do Civil Engineering instead of Geology. They do almost the same thing.

 

You DO NOT want to work in mining or exploration. I can tell from your post and cigar comment that you are not tough enough. Thats no slight against you either, not many people are anywhere near tough enough.

 

It is one rough and hard life. You're going to be spending 6 months away from home in remote locations. You think of glamorous out doors and fun adventures ?

 

Think of isolation in Mongolia working 16 hour days mud logging and wet bed to sleep in at night. You'll be in some of the harshest conditions and you'll be expected at the drop of hate to disappear on a hell camp for six months to the middle of nowhere. Do you want to get eaten by a bear ? Geologists get eaten by bears. They die in volcanoes and get crushed by rocks, they have breathing problems and skin problems latter in life because of all the fumes they inhale. The profession kills you.

 

Geology will become YOUR LIFE once you are out in the field. A special type of person becomes a Geologist you need to be able to sacrifice everything in your life to look at and explore ROCKS. For some people its worthwhile for a few years but they move out of the profession pretty quickly and in great numbers.

 

Getting married will be almost impossible. Your women will need to be dedicated to you and be a total saint. Finding an American woman like that ? GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

 

Google, and talking to any sort of Geologist will reveal most of this information to you it is not a job for just anyone and not something to be taken lightly.

 

By all means go back to school, but do something more practical. I'd suggest Civil Engineering.

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Do Civil Engineering instead of Geology. They do almost the same thing.

 

You DO NOT want to work in mining or exploration. I can tell from your post and cigar comment that you are not tough enough. Thats no slight against you either, not many people are anywhere near tough enough.

 

It is one rough and hard life. You're going to be spending 6 months away from home in remote locations. You think of glamorous out doors and fun adventures ?

 

Think of isolation in Mongolia working 16 hour days mud logging and wet bed to sleep in at night. You'll be in some of the harshest conditions and you'll be expected at the drop of hate to disappear on a hell camp for six months to the middle of nowhere. Do you want to get eaten by a bear ? Geologists get eaten by bears. They die in volcanoes and get crushed by rocks, they have breathing problems and skin problems latter in life because of all the fumes they inhale. The profession kills you.

 

Geology will become YOUR LIFE once you are out in the field. A special type of person becomes a Geologist you need to be able to sacrifice everything in your life to look at and explore ROCKS. For some people its worthwhile for a few years but they move out of the profession pretty quickly and in great numbers.

 

Getting married will be almost impossible. Your women will need to be dedicated to you and be a total saint. Finding an American woman like that ? GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

 

Google, and talking to any sort of Geologist will reveal most of this information to you it is not a job for just anyone and not something to be taken lightly.

 

By all means go back to school, but do something more practical. I'd suggest Civil Engineering.

 

I dunno hun, Civil Engineers don't seem to be able to get their "rocks" off the same way Geologists do.

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Trialbyfire

Civil engineering and Geology are light years apart. Yes, they're both jobs but that's about as close as they'll get!

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I am all for following one's dreams and all, but listen to Max. He knows what he's talking about. I have a good friend of mine who makes great money doing something similar to what Geologists do in the oil field. He just sent a notice saying he'll be at sea until the end of August.

 

He's a very strong and level headed guy and even he has a hard time with it. In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd think Max was the guy. lol

 

Anyway, props for you doing your research and asking around. Who says you have to get stuck with the oil stuff? You may love it. But I have a feeling you might want to go after another career down the line. Not that there's anything wrong with that either.

 

My mom has a friend who is 50 and going to med school. It's never too late to go after your dreams!

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MaxManwell
Civil engineering and Geology are light years apart. Yes, they're both jobs but that's about as close as they'll get!

 

I don't understand why you consistently feel the need to be such a terrible person.

 

They are different but a lot of what a Civil Engineer can cover will cross over into Geology. A Civil Engineer could become a mining engineering, work in Geo-technical and do a lot of environmental work that is close to the field of Geology.

 

You know that. Why be so mean, the poor guy is asking for advice ?

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Trialbyfire
I don't understand why you consistently feel the need to be such a terrible person.

 

They are different but a lot of what a Civil Engineer can cover will cross over into Geology. A Civil Engineer could become a mining engineering, work in Geo-technical and do a lot of environmental work that is close to the field of Geology.

 

You know that. Why be so mean, the poor guy is asking for advice ?

Let me guess. I'm a terrible person because I don't agree with your assumption that the two are similar. These two are completely different jobs in what you do. Regardless if one industry crosses over into another, the skillset required for one is very different from the other.

 

I'm not negating your advice. I'm negating the assumptive parallel.

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MaxManwell
Let me guess. I'm a terrible person because I don't agree with your assumption that the two are similar

 

No because you are giving willfully destructive advice to an impressionable person.

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Trialbyfire
No because you are giving willfully destructive advice to an impressionable person.

Explain how telling them the truth that the two aren't similar, is destructive advice. I expect that you're capable of doing this?

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Thanks for the replies everyone! I really enjoy reading what you've all said. I really don't know what I want to do at this point...I'm going through a quarter life crisis. Been out of school for a while, no real job let alone career in sight etc..

 

I just want to find a job that challenges me every day - it seems that with my degree, every job I can get into only requires a H.S. diploma. These aren't challenging jobs and I get no satisfaction. But at the same time, I need to just work my ass off and grunt through the first years anyways.

 

I'm going to sit on this for a while because I just got out of a long term relationship and don't want to make any major decisions while I'm under the effects of that. I'm in a totally new place and have been taking stock of my life lately. It's scary but it's also exciting.

 

I've applied at a few places for project coordinator and market analysis jobs, had my final interview this morning with Edward Jones, and am keeping in contact with everyone I know in the hopes of finding a job somewhere. Ed Jones would be very hard work but hey, I don't have anything else to worry about right now.

 

Thanks for your input everyone...if anyone else has any insight, please keep it coming.

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Trialbyfire

My career path took me into the industry and I haven't looked back since. It made sense to me when you connected the entrepreneurial portion with Geology, hence my reference to oil and mining.

 

I do encourage you to get more education but only if it's a passion. Otherwise it will turn into a grind.

 

Btw, now that you've confirmed why you're interested, I can now firmly recommend that you don't get into Engineering. It's very cut and dried. My father has a double masters in Engineering, my sister moved from bio-genetic to electrical engineering. I also have a number of extended family members with engineering degrees so it's a field that's near and dear to my family.

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