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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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