How educated are you?

[Mandy]

How much schooling did you complete?

I have only completed high school. As some of you know, I got married at 19. Right now I am supporting DH through school. At 26 he decided to go to college. When he is done he will have a Bachelor's Degree.

[hlao23]

Just finished my MSW last May (I'm 33). My BA is in Psych which doesn't get you much in the way of jobs.

DH finished his BS when he was 32 or 33, his MS at 36. We were much better students than we would have been had we gone to college at a younger age - also had a better idea of what we would like to do.

[aggie94]

I haven't voted yet, because I'm not sure what to check. I have a law degree, but it's not a master's or a doctorate, just a J.D. Would that be first professional degree? :confused:

[ebobbitt]

I have two Bachelor of Science Degrees: Biology and Computer Science. What a combination! Thinking about a Masters but can't decide in what. An MBA would probably be a good thing but I'd really like a masters in Physiology or Nutrition.

[jenner]

I checked other.

I have two years at U.C. Irvine and a diploma from South Coast College of Court Reporting where I spent an additional two years.
I'm a state-licensed professional, but I don't have a degree, per se.

[dulcecoeur]

I have my Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) but opted not to do my Masters. I work in financial services now, and plan on going for my certified financial planner (CFP) in a couple years.

My DBF is finally almost finished his education, he got his B.A. in Economics last year and in a month will have completed his Bachelor of Commerce (he kind of did both consecutively for a while there). I think I will be more releived he is done than he will be! It's been 7 years.

[SusanPC]

I have a BS and then have my CPA and am working on the 3 year CFA program. Fun, Fun!

[m4star]

I could have checked lots of boxes, but choose to check Bachelors degree. I have my associates, bachelors, and "other" (massage school). I also completed one year in my master's program and I'm seriously considering going back to finish up in Physical Therapy (I was in the nutrition program).

[funnybone]

I graduated in 1986 with a BA.

[Molli526]

I have a BS in Genetics.

DH has a BS in Sociology. He is taking classes to get certified in computer stuff.

[aggie94]

Well, I finally decided to just check "Other." :rolleyes:

DH has two bachelors' degrees and is going back in the fall for his master's. I'm sure eventually there will be a doctorate coming, but I'm hoping it'll at least wait until we pay for some of these other degrees first!

[Kismet]

I checked other. I have a BA in Math, and then for the last 5 years I've been working on actuarial exams. It's been told to me that being done with them will be the equivalent to a PhD in math/insurance. I should be done next year - hopefully - and then I will be an FSA!


Originally posted by SusanPC
I have a BS and then have my CPA and am working on the 3 year CFA program. Fun, Fun!

Susan - I'm thinking about doing the CFA exams when I'm done with my FSA. And not just to get more letters behind my name! :D I do a lot of work with assets at our company, so it would be beneficial to me.

[clairea]

Originally posted by aggie94
I haven't voted yet, because I'm not sure what to check. I have a law degree, but it's not a master's or a doctorate, just a J.D. Would that be first professional degree? :confused:

Your comment made me curious, so I went and looked at my law school diploma. It says "Doctor of Jurisprudence." I was a little confused between doctorate and first professional degree too, but since the diploma says "doctor" that is what I checked.

Claire

[RebeccaT]

B.A. in Psych 1996, M.Ed. in School Counseling 1999.

So what do I do now? I work in computers! :o :rolleyes:

[slknight]

BA in history.

MS in Information Resource Management (similar to an MBA with MIS concentration).

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by hlao23
My BA is in Psych which doesn't get you much in the way of jobs.


Tell me about it! :) I ended up in retail after graduating with my Psych degree.

I met DH as an undergrad and decided not to puruse a PhD as I had planned - I figured finding another career would be a lot easier than finding another soulmate! :D

DH got his PhD in Materials Science (or Metallurgy) Engineering.

[MKSquared]

I currently have a B.A. Music and a B.A. Economics. I'm going back to school very soon to switch professions ... and become a math and/or science teacher. :) (I started off as a molecular genetics major with a French minor, so I have lots and lots of classes on my transcripts!)

[valeriek]

I have a BAA - Bachelor of Applied Arts - with a major in Interpersonal and Public Communications and a double minor in English and Adverstising. How is that for a mouthfull! I work in Public Relations, so basically I am doing exactly what I went to school for!

[aggie94]

Originally posted by clairea
Your comment made me curious, so I went and looked at my law school diploma. It says "Doctor of Jurisprudence." I was a little confused between doctorate and first professional degree too, but since the diploma says "doctor" that is what I checked.

Yeah, I know a J.D. is a juris doctor degree, but it's really not a doctorate, so I didn't want to check that. I know, I'm WAY overthinking this!

[Melman]

I voted 'in school now'. I have an associates degree in computer technology...but I want that bachelors degree that I've had as a goal for years!! I feel like I've always been in school but don't have those nice little letters on my resume. I'm finally transferring all my hours to a 4-year school and feel like I'm on my way. Three years from now, I SHOULD be done. That's taking two classes a semester plus working fulltime plus trying to go to the gym regularly plus just trying to maintain something close to a normal lifestyle. :cool:

[sneezles]

I don't have a BS but have been told that I'm full of BS :D !

[AndreaU]

I originally went for my Associate's & Bachelor's in hotel/restaurant management. A few years ago, I switched career paths and went back for my Master's in teaching.

DH also went back and finished his MBA last year. On with the student loans!! :rolleyes:

[KristaMB]

I have a BA in Urban Studies and Regional Planning.

[Laura B]

Eva, I was also confused as to what to check. I know that a J.D. is a Juris Doctor but you don't get called "Doctor" when you have one, so I figure it is not really a doctorate in the sense intended above. I hear it referred to as a professional degree, so that is what I chose. Who knows! The lawyers are going to be divided up among doctorate, first professional degree, and other!

[JanetJ]

I graduated with my BA in Communications in 1996.

[Laura]

Another J.D. checking in here. I used to think the "doctor" part of juris doctor had something to do with the length of schooling (both med school and law school are 3 years), but I doubt that is really the case.

[Ralph]

Originally posted by Laura
I used to think the "doctor" part of juris doctor had something to do with the length of schooling (both med school and law school are 3 years), but I doubt that is really the case.

I can't explain the "doctor" part of JD, but med school is 4 years, not three. And that doesn't include residency, which is usually anywhere from 3-7 years.

BTW, my choice in the poll is obvious. Ask again in two-plus years, and I may be able to add an MBA to my resume. Still contemplating that.

[SueK]

I have a B.S. in Marketing and DH has one in Electrical Engineering. He's planning to pursue either an M.B.A. or M.S. in Engineering.....we're still on the fence, although I think we're leaning toward the MBA. (Although seeing the cost made me just about faint!) :eek:

[aggie94]

Originally posted by Ralph
BTW, my choice in the poll is obvious.

Actually, not to me. :o I realize you're an M.D., but I've always considered a doctorate degree as being a Ph.D. Or does doctorate encompass any degree where you get to be called "Doctor?" Did you check "doctorate" or "first professional degree?" I'm soooo confused. :confused:

[dcornelius]

I have my LPN which is more than a certificate but not quite a assosiate degree. I am considering going back to school but not for my RN as everyone always assumes I will do. I want to get my BSW and possibley go from there. Although in the state of AZ anyway, this would mean spending more money to go back to school to make less money, unless I were to go all the way and get my masters, and at my age I am not sure I want to be a professional student because I will have to work full time while going to school in order to be able to afford school. So as it stands I voted other.

[kwormann]

Too Many????

I have a bachelors in Journalism/Public Relations; a teaching certificate; am starting on a Graduate Certificate in Library Science; and hope in a few years to start a Masters in School Counseling.

[lhall]

Well, my Bachelor's degree is in History, I have a certificate in Medieval Studies (great for jobs, but was another 40 hours of coursework), and a Masters of Science in Library Service.

DH has a Bachelor's in history and did some coursework for an M. Ed, but decided he didn't want to teach.

Older brother is finishing up his thesis for his Masters in Electrical Engineering, his bachelor's degree is in Mechanical Engieering.

Younger brother has a Bachelors and Masters in Mechanical Engineering.

Hm....3 siblings....3 Master's degree...I see comeptition for PhD's looming.

Leigh

[leightx]

I have a BA in Microbiology, and a Masters in Molecular Biology (which UT does not officially give - I had to beg them to let me out of the Ph.D program after I decided I did NOT want to live in the lab 90 hours a week). Oh - and a teaching certificate.

And now I stay home with my kids and don't use a lick of it :D Since I concentrated mainly in diseases (namely the virus that causes colds), that may be a good thing....


Leightx

[JKS]

I have my M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, and DH graduates with his PhD in genetics and molecular biology in 6 days!!!!!!!! Yee-haw!!!

Leightx--did you do both of your degrees at the U of U? Maybe you know my DH. He did his undergrad work there 1994-1996 in the Drews lab. Were you there then?

[Mamasue]

Originally posted by sneezles
I don't have a BS but have been told that I'm full of BS :D !

:D :D Hahaha.....that is my line!

[VictoriaL]

I graduated in 1980 with a BS in Communications. The job market at that time was really bad, so I ended up in retail management. Which I hated, but did well enough in for several years. Currently I work for my husband, who is an architect. I am his entire "support staff"! But I'm not wild about it, contact with other people is limited, and I've been considering going back to school for something more interesting. Unfortunately, everything that I want to do would entail my returning to classes for at least 5 years. And I'm 44. Who in the world will hire a 49-year-old graduate?!?!? So here I am... spinning my wheels... :confused:
Plus, I forget things now. A lot. How would I compete with those younger minds??? Ah, well. Sometimes it's best just to be content with what you have! :rolleyes:

[beckms]

Originally posted by VictoriaL
Unfortunately, everything that I want to do would entail my returning to classes for at least 5 years. And I'm 44. Who in the world will hire a 49-year-old graduate?!?!? So here I am... spinning my wheels... :confused:
... Sometimes it's best just to be content with what you have! :rolleyes:

Oh, Victoria! I hope hope hope you don't mean that! The only time you're too old to go back to school is when you're dead! Here's what I think: when you're old and looking back on your life, will you be satisfied? Or will you always think to yourself, what if I'd gone back to school? We only get one crack at this life (IMO), so why waste it thinking we're not good enough for our dreams? If you never try, you'll never succeed.

I have a BA in Psychology and Art History. Now I'm in a certificate program for pre-vet studies, and I'm applying to vet school this fall. The reason I got into it? After I gradauted with Psych and Art History, I couldn't find a job in those fields, so I worked reception at a vet clinic! Life takes funny turns sometimes...

BTW: there's a 1st year student at Tufts Vet School right now who's 53. He decided that his career in human medicine was not what he wanted anymore, and went back to get his DVM. Like I said, you're never too old! You just have to be prepared for the adjustments to your life.

[Julia1Pin]

I have a BSBA in Accounting. I am currently 1 part away from passing the CPA exam. Except, it's taking me forever to actually sit for this part, ARGH!!!

[leightx]

Originally posted by JKS
I have my M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, and DH graduates with his PhD in genetics and molecular biology in 6 days!!!!!!!! Yee-haw!!!

Leightx--did you do both of your degrees at the U of U? Maybe you know my DH. He did his undergrad work there 1994-1996 in the Drews lab. Were you there then?


Nope - Univ. of Texas! So I don't konw your DH, but I was there from 94-98!

[KValley]

B.A. in Psychology; B.A. in French. M.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in International Higher Education Administration.

The Psych degree was a true disappointment- I hated my program. In hindsight, I wish I would have stuck with my original plan of an English degree, but I let myself be persuaded that it wasn't practical. :mad: Well, I was planning on going into Counseling or Organizational Psych until I went to France to finish out university, then EVERYTHING changed...

But the French degree was a joy every step of the way and the M.A. was the perfect program at the right time. I've been working in Int'l Ed since before completing my Master's, so that's worked out great, though I sense a major career change looming in the future.

DH has a B.A. in History, then returned to school to earn his Teaching Certification. He's now working on an M.S. in Resource Managment, with a focus in Historic Preservation. But he wants to remain a jr high/high school teacher.

[JKS]

Originally posted by leightx



Nope - Univ. of Texas! So I don't konw your DH, but I was there from 94-98!



Wow.....small world......our paths probably crossed.....whose lab were you in? Did you know a woman named Lineah Reynolds? How about Gary Drews? DH was a lowly undergrad then. He's finishing his degree at Cornell now. Reading your post got us to reminiscing about the UofU and how amazing he thought all you grad students were at the time.


I also have two small kids. I have a degree related to early childhood but it didn't do much can prepare you for them! There should be some kind of degree in motherhood, don't you think?;)

[eas11]

Masters in Counseling Psych, mid 80's. I've been considering another degree program for years, probably Public Policy, but the cost and time have stopped me :(
Ellyn

[VictoriaL]

Originally posted by beckms

Oh, Victoria! I hope hope hope you don't mean that! The only time you're too old to go back to school is when you're dead! Here's what I think: when you're old and looking back on your life, will you be satisfied? Or will you always think to yourself, what if I'd gone back to school? We only get one crack at this life (IMO), so why waste it thinking we're not good enough for our dreams? If you never try, you'll never succeed.

Rebecca,
Got a tear in my eye as I read your reply to my whining! The major problem with my desire to return to school is the field that I want to try. It will include lots of science and some math, both of which I'm terrible at! But I will take your advice under consideration-- perhaps I could take a basic class or two at the local community college to see if my brain cells could handle the load... :rolleyes:

[beckms]

Vicci, I just finished a full year of Organic Chemistry. I was an ART HISTORY major!!!! I NEVER thought I could "do" science until I had a working experience that taught me that my dreams lie in veterinary medicine, no matter what I have to do to get there! If you had asked me a year ago if I thought I'd ever have a full year of Orgo under my belt, I would have laughed at you!

Yes, the sciences are difficult, especially if you are not a "science" person. I'm not going to sugar-coat it. You just have to know yourself, and seek out help whenever you need it. I have the utmost respect for people who decide later in life to go back to school, because it's so much harder once you have been out of school mode for a while. But so many people do it, why shouldn't you?

If you're going to go back to school, get yourself a good tutor and make yourself buckle down every night and really learn the stuff. Seek out a good support system, even if it consists of 18-year-old undergrads. Science classes don't wait for you to catch up, so you have to give yourself a little extra "oomph" to get through.

My new motto is, "If I could do it, anyone can do it." You just have towant it badly enough.

Cross your fingers for me...I'm applying to vet school this fall.

:eek:

[beejayw1]

Originally posted by aggie94
I haven't voted yet, because I'm not sure what to check. I have a law degree, but it's not a master's or a doctorate, just a J.D. Would that be first professional degree? :confused:

I'd count a J.D. as a Ph.D. or else as a professional degree (as in M.D. or J.D.)

Originally posted by VictoriaL
Who in the world will hire a 49-year-old graduate?!?!? So here I am... spinning my wheels

Well, you're a 49 year old with work experience that probably is pretty impressive (forget the fact that you 'work for your husband': I suspect if you sat down and thought about all that you actually do, and the sort of lines of business you've come in contact with, you could write up a pretty impressive list). I've often thought that if I went back to college, knowing what I know now, I'd be able to pull down at least a 3.5 grade point average (life teaches you some discipline).

Bottom line: you wouldn't be a 49-year-old without experience. You'd be a 49-year-old with work experience, wisdom and an advanced degree.

So go get it! :D

[CherylCH]

I have a J.D. and I checked first professional degree. I, too, think of a doctorate as meaning a PhD, even though a J.D. is a Doctarate of Jurisprudence.

I would love to go back to school to get a master's in literature. I like my job (I am clerking for a judge right now and working for a firm next year), but I would love to spend my days reading and discussing great books. I tell myself I wouldn't enjoy it as much if it were my job rather than a hobby.

[lorilei]

Well, isn't this the most confusing question to answer?!? Who woulda thunk?? :)

I voted for "Bachelor's Degree" -- but that's not really altogether descriptive. Yes, I have a BA. But I've also done some graduate work in a PhD program. Currently I'm in school for certification. So, by next May, I'll have another certificate.

Being the perpetual student sort, I'm not sure when it will end. My goal really isn't to have a zillion "degrees" (I think degrees are polico-social and not much more) -- but the continuing education aspect is really important for me.

[emily]

I've got a BA in Computational and Applied Mathematics. It's a mouthfull, but really it's just computer based math. I was a Chemical Engineering major for my first three years before I realized that I HATED all of my classes and changed my focus area (basically a minor except Rice doesn't have minors) to my major. I loved the math, but only got to do it for a year.

The plan is to return to grad school next year to get back into the math. ssshhhh no one tell my boss ;)

emily

[BosunsWife]

I guess I'm one of the few that has graduated from a certificate program. I'm a legal secretary/paralegal by trade, although I haven't worked now for three years. I was toying with going back to school to become a nurse, but decided to have another baby instead!

DH is 39 and is starting to work on his college degree (again). He went to college for a while after graduating high school (played football LOL)! He decided he was just partying his life away and went into the Coast Guard at 21. Now he has decided that he would like to finish getting his degree (majoring in Elementary Education) especially since he can pretty much get it paid for by the military. He's hoping to finish it up by the time he gets out (3 years). I think he'll make a great elementary school teacher - he's a lot more patient teaching DD things than I am.

[Natasha]

Hi,

I guess I don't fit very well in the categories. I did some undergraduate work with majors in International Relations and Spanish, and a minor in history. I also took that opportunity to take other language courses, and do some economics. Then I went to law school (in English and French). My law degree (we call it an LL.B., or Bachelor of Laws) is considered a graduate or professional degree here - despite the name. ;) Now I am in the throes of finishing my Master's in Law (yes, more legal studies!) as I work full-time. So I guess that would count as a second graduate degree, but wasn't sure, so I didn't vote. Anyway, that's all the school I plan for now! :)

Natasha

[crazyquilter]

I have a BA in Biology and a MS in Marine Sciences. After all that, I'm a SAHM! Go figure.

[sueandwill]

I have an MD.

I think this counts as a professional degree as opposed to doctorate.

I am about to start practice as a subspecialist after
7 years of residency!

Sue

[ccooney]

I have my Bachelor of Music degree in Education. I have wanted for a long time to go back to school and get my Masters in Choral Conducting, but just have not been able to get my you-know-what in gear.

[VictoriaL]

Originally posted by beckms
My new motto is, "If I could do it, anyone can do it." You just have towant it badly enough.

Cross your fingers for me...I'm applying to vet school this fall.

:eek:

Wow, Rebecca. I have the utmost respect for vets. I'd be one if I didn't think that I would be an emotional wreck (for heavens' sake, I get attached to my cars and feel badly about selling them-- don't ask what happens when I lose one of my pets !!)

Originally posted by beejayw1
Bottom line: you wouldn't be a 49-year-old without experience. You'd be a 49-year-old with work experience, wisdom and an advanced degree.

So go get it! :D

Diana, I just found out that one of my best friends, who is a year younger than me, is dying. She had cancer surgery & radiation last year but it came back and is spreading. One of the things that she talked about most often when she was first diagnosed was all the things that she wanted to do differently. I guess I shouldn't wait to make a list of "what if's". I've sent for course catalogs today. Thanks for your voice of encouragement-- if this comes through I may need to get on the BB for more!

[Maggie]

I selected bachelor's degree in the poll. I graduated with a BFA in 1991 and I just started back to school to get a master's degree in art history.

DH finished his MSW last fall.

[mb]

surprised to see so many math-gals out there!!!!

here's my "credentials":
BS Math
BHS Health Science
MS Statistics (well, i have finished everything i just need to turn in my final paper and present it before a panel...but i've been putting it off for 4 years... i know, i know, i have to just finish it and get my piece-of-paper-diploma...)

i also started a PhD in Biostatistics at Emory, but i decided it was boring and not what i wanted to do, so i left after 1 semester. i worked for 1 year as a research person for a small nonprofit agency that watched over kids in foster care.

now i'm a SAHM and loving it. i'll get a job and a career later! :cool: for now, i just tutor kids in math on the side for fun.

marisa :)

[Little Bit]

Vicci,

Hang in there and follow your dream. A friend and classmate of mine was in her seventies when we graduated together. She used to babysit me, so that graduation day was pretty neat.

She'd once worked in my dad's lab as a technician, working various other hospitals and things throughout her professinal life, and after she retired decided to get a college degree.
It was definitely worth it to her.

Editing this to add: another family friend went back to college and on to divinity school at Yale, finally becoming an Episcopal priest. (think she was in her fifties at the time) She's nearing retirement age now, and glad of it, but wouldn't have missed the experiences she had along the way.

It's NEVER 'too late' to follow your dreams. :)

[LynnSC]

Originally posted by VictoriaL
Unfortunately, everything that I want to do would entail my returning to classes for at least 5 years. And I'm 44. Who in the world will hire a 49-year-old graduate?!?!? So here I am... spinning my wheels... :confused:
[/B]

Just had to share something with you. My grandmother went to college for the first time when she was in her 50s. She had never been to college and had graduated from high school in 1936.....After her daughter (my mother) and her husband (my granfather) died within a week of each other, she decided to go for it. She moved to a town about an hour away and went to college. I guess that was in the 1970s since she is now 83. She is , of course retired now but worked as a recovery room nurse for at least 10-15 years after graduation. She never regretted it! She was such an inspiration to me and everyone around her. Think about that, you might inspire someone else also!

My father also went to college after all of the kids were out of the house. He always encouraged us to go to college , even though he never did. He went back and ended up going until he got his Master's in education and taught Tech School-electronice, math etc... He always was a brain for that type of thing. :) He also inspired me. I was just happy to finish my MA before him, we were in a race. LOL!!!!!!!!!!! BTW, he was in his 40s when he started college. So I say GO FOR IT!!!!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!
LG

[wallycat]

I have a BS in Dietetics and a Masters in Library and information science....and I went to school later in life. I went to night school while working for 7 or so years; then quit work and finally went full time...that was when I was 36...and got my BS at 39.
It's certainly NOT as easy as high school, when the brain remembers EVERYTHING, but it's not impossible.

DH has a BS in Physics and a masters in Math (or is that the other way around...it's all mathy stuff to me...I wish I were better at it :o )

[hrk]

I have a B.A. in Chemistry and just finished a Ph.D. in Chemistry last June. Currently working in my first year of my postdoc, in what else Chemistry.

DH has a B.S. in environmental engineering and just passed his professional engineering exam in civil engineering.

As a scientist I just want to say we all have areas in which we excel and areas where we don't. As an undergrad, I struggled through my english classes the way most people struggle through O-Chem. Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses is half the battle, it makes us less afraid to ask for help when we need it.

And BTW, my mom went back to school at 45 to get her masters in education, and we couldn't have been more suppotive or proud of her in her accomplishment.:)

[SusanD]

DH and I both have BAs in Communications (that's how we met). My dream for a long time was to be a vet, but when I was in high school I had to take my sister's cat in for stitches after being in a fight, and I nearly passed out watching them clean the wound. Decided perhaps I should rethink my career goals. :o Besides, if I had gone that route I may never have met my sweet husband and soul mate...

[sharris315]

My response to this thread (BA English) has turned out to be enlightening about various major choices--and satisfaction (or lack of) with those choices. I have read that over 60% of degree holders would choose a different major if they were beginning again. I am interested because my daughter is in college now--has changed her major from communications to psychology this summer. She, as many college students are, is undecided what she really wants to do--and does not seem to know how to begin deciding. This seems to be the perfect thread for suggestions. Consensus here seems to be that psych is a major which is a job market dead end. It would be great to hear from you any experiences that helped you decide--or areas which afford good job prospects--or just general guidelines to make these decisions--Thanks. Shar

[RebeccaT]

Hi Shar,

I was a Psych major, and while I wouldn't call it a dead end, it is a major that pretty much requires an advanced degree IF you want to pursue it as a career. Both researchers and practitioners need to have at least a master's degree before they can find jobs in the field.

That said, psychology is a wonderful major that can really help you understand people and how they operate. If your daughter is unsure of what she wants to do, but is interested in psych as a course of study, I would encourage her to go ahead with it. She will do better in a major where she is interested in the subject matter, and potential employers ARE interested in psych majors for business types of jobs where she will be working with people (human resources, for instance, or sales, or management training). This will be particularly true if she can balance out her major with some liberal arts classes, such as philosophy, history, sociology, etc., and maybe even an accounting or economics class.

I am a firm believer in college as not just job training, but life training. Chances are good that she will wind up in a career that may not have a lot to do with her major at first blush (I am in computer software!) but the analytic skills and people skills that she builds while in school will help her for her entire career.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to PM me if you have any other questions!!

[Jill123]

Originally posted by aggie94
I haven't voted yet, because I'm not sure what to check. I have a law degree, but it's not a master's or a doctorate, just a J.D. Would that be first professional degree? :confused:

Aggie94 --

Isn't a JD a doctorate degree? (Juris doctorate?)

[Jill123]

I just read your first response, Aggie94, and wrote a reply.

I'm sure you JDs out there will figure out where you belong!

As for me, I have a BA in English Composition and Mass Media - Public Relations. Just recently, I've started to doubt my choice in majors/degrees (probably because I got laid off recently? :) )

I just wonder if there's something else out there for me?

Anyone else out there regret -- or slightly doubt -- their career choice?

[sharris315]

Rebecca--

Thanks so much for your reply. Your post made me feel much better and reaffirmed my belief about the college experience--it's in total agreement with yours: College is about so much more than job training--and a major in psychology is grand preparation for dealing with people in many areas.

However, this is probably more of a parent issue with me--you want your child to feel successful at whatever he/she does and I guess being "marketable" falls into that catagory. Guess I'm just being a mom.:) You're absolutely right with your advice--and if she's happy in this major, then she'll be fine.

Thanks...

Shar

[Sami]

BS in chemistry, MLS

Sami

[Mickey17]

Hm.....

I graduated High school and dispite not liking school much at all I went to college because I figured it was what "everyone" does. Turns out I hated that too and dropped out.

[newsomz]

Shar-

as a senior about to graduate I have tons of advise for college students (mainly things I wish I had done). I believe Rebecca's advise is right on.. especially about college being life training. I'm about to graduate with a B.S. in Botany and no desire at all to be a botanist. However, I don't regret my major choice as I pretty much enjoyed the classes and will most likely end up doing something with science anyway. One piece of advise which I just figured out about how to figure out what you want to do... volunteer for any position in any profession you think you might be interested in! I'm in the process of just doing that now and I have tons of places to volunteer as I am considering about every profession (I also went thorough about 5 majors in college--and yes, I'm graduating in 4 years). Anyway, any intership/volunteer position is really a valuable experience. Also, tell her to do whatever she wants... you can always find something positive about what you've done to put on a resume; except if you haven't done anything!

Carrie

[1MegMeg]

Originally posted by newsomz
Shar-

as a senior about to graduate I have tons of advise for college students (mainly things I wish I had done). I believe Rebecca's advise is right on.. especially about college being life training. I'm about to graduate with a B.S. in Botany and no desire at all to be a botanist. However, I don't regret my major choice as I pretty much enjoyed the classes and will most likely end up doing something with science anyway. One piece of advise which I just figured out about how to figure out what you want to do... volunteer for any position in any profession you think you might be interested in! I'm in the process of just doing that now and I have tons of places to volunteer as I am considering about every profession (I also went thorough about 5 majors in college--and yes, I'm graduating in 4 years). Anyway, any intership/volunteer position is really a valuable experience. Also, tell her to do whatever she wants... you can always find something positive about what you've done to put on a resume; except if you haven't done anything!

Carrie

YES! This is absolutely the best advice! I have my BS in psychology from the University of Florida. While up there I had the opportunity to work in a patient care environment in a mental health institution. Having that experience made me realize that I DIDN'T want to work in a clinical environment, but rather in a research environment (I was a research assistant also). Currently, I work in research and couldn't be happier. I believe my experience of working in the mental institution was vital though. It gave me real world job experience and really helped me realize what I did and didn't want to do.

[sharris315]

Carrie, I think your advice to volunteer/intern in lots of areas is really a good idea--It's impossible to know about a field without some actual experience there. If this is a sample of your "ton" of advice, please post more of it!! Lots of college students need to have an "I wish I had..." list. I printed out your and Meg's replies for for my daughter to read--thanks to both of you for taking the time to reply.

Shar

[newsomz]

shar-

I do have some more advice however, I can't think of anything right now! When I get my mind back in gear I'll post some more.

Carrie

ps-I just read a great book that is about life in your 20's. Some of the stuff won't pertain to your daughter right now as it's about finding a job, etc but, I found the book to be pretty helpful overall. It is called "the go-girl guide: surviving your 20's with savvy, soul, and style." The author is Julia Bourland. She might want to check it out.

[1MegMeg]

Originally posted by newsomz
I just read a great book that is about life in your 20's. Some of the stuff won't pertain to your daughter right now as it's about finding a job, etc but, I found the book to be pretty helpful overall. It is called "the go-girl guide: surviving your 20's with savvy, soul, and style." The author is Julia Bourland. She might want to check it out.

Yes Yes Yes! This is an excellent book! I highly recommend it! :)

[sharris315]

Thank you for your book recommendations, Carrie and Meg--I plan to buy it (hopefully) tommorrow to give to my DD. Actually, we are helping her move into her FIRST apartment TOMMORROW!! This is such an exciting time for her. She has been in a dorm up until now and so this is BIG!! Her university is in an historic, urban area that is so exciting--I'd love to live there myself! I think she has made good decisions about her living situation and has had some luck, too--but I am still "the mom" so I'm worried about her, of course.

I gave her the suggestion to volunteer/work in every area of possible interest, Carrie, and she thought it was a good idea--actually had already planned some activity in that direction.

If you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear--I'll certainly pass them along. Thanks again.

Shar

[Leslie Ferguson]

In the process of getting my second Masters (MA in Strategic Studies) to follow up my MS in Operations Reseearch. Would like to work on some of my cooking skills (officially) to help hone my self-taught cooking.
Les