Confused College Student!!

[Lissa]

Advice and Opinions are GREATLY appreciated!! Everyone's always telling me to speak to the wise when you have a problem, and I'm hoping you all can relate or have some good advice. (Forewarning: I do know how to write with correct grammar. I'm simply choosing to write in a more casual fashion)

So, to be honest I'm what I call a Serial Careerist. I've wanted to be everything from Missionary to Cardiothorasic Surgeon. I'm a Sophmore in college and I still don't know what I want to do, and I gotta make a decision quick.

My plans were to learn German and French, go to law school, and try to get a job at the UN or the State Dept up in DC. But my plans have changed. I've decided that I want to stay in Texas permanently and my political ideas won't get me a job here. Being a card carrying Republican is a must for most Texas government positions. So I'm not so sure I want to go to law school, especially because the kind of law I want to practice isn't in this area or is all pro bono.

My family keeps telling me that I should still go to law school and become an attorney cause I'd be decent at it. But law schools are turning out more grads than the demand so there's alot of out of work attorneys and lawyers struggling to pay off student loans. My fear is that I'll end up as one of them, and I don't want to be paying off loans til I'm 86.

My fall back is being a SCUBA instructor. I just recently got my certification as a diver and I love it with all my heart. I was talking to the dive shop owner and he told me that there's a huge demand for female scuba instructors. Sure I wouldn't be making as much as I would if I was a successful attorney, but it's something I love and I don't need the big fancy house and the cars right off the factory floor. And I can get my certs and get college credit for them as well.

This is getting insanely long so I'll wrap it up.

I'm staying in college, I've always sworn that I'm going to get a college degree, and, come hell or high water, I will. I'm studying Political Science, and my family doesn't believe a Liberal Arts degree is worth anything.

So...HELP! Any advice will work, I need real world thinking here!

[Lindsey]

Well, I really don't know what to tell you. I'm graduating from college in 2 weeks and I still don't know what I want to do with my life! But I have been in your place... I was having a conversation with one of my best friends from high school a few years ago and she reminded me of our homeroom teacher: the year we graduated high school, he also quit teaching and went back to college to be a dentist. He gave us a big talk about it and basically said "Nothing is ever set in stone." Young people always feel stressed to figure out what they're going to do as a career, but the truth is most people switch careers many times in their life!
I would encourage you to finish your degree. Work for a few years and if you decide maybe it's not what's best for you and your interest is somewhere else, you're NEVER too old to go back to school and learn something new.

[May5]

Ok, I don't know exactly what to tell you because I WAS a music/foreign languages major, but decided to switch over to communication disorders/speech pathology because I want a good/stable job when I graduate. That said, I think you're thinking about the future.... you want to make sure you have a job when you graduate...and well, the greatest job demands lie in the health field or teaching profession.

If you like teaching you could do that; you'll always have a job. If you'd like the explore the very broad health area, you might like to consider nursing (you'll always have a job as well), rehabilitation (what I'm doing), or even biology/pre-med. I know it's outside your area, but I only mentioned this because you're in Texas too and those jobs are in crazy high demand. (i'll pm you with more details)

You should honestly do something you'll love (because you'll be doing it for a looooooong time) but also something that pays off when you're done (not necessarily that you make loads of money, but simply that you can find a job).

By the way, the SCUBA thing is GREAT; my husband and I got certified 3 years ago....you might be able to do it on the side or something. It is super fun. Anyway, let me pm you some more information.....maybe it'll help you out :)

[RLC12345678]

Well, I would say go to law school, but I am somewhat biased. I am starting law school June 2007. Yes, law schools do turn out a lot of students, but did you know that only 30% of graduating law students actually practice law? A lot of people go to law school not because they wanna practice law, but because they want the education for other purposes.....whether it is to teach, or to set up a business, or to be in politics....etc....etc. Education never hurt anyone...having a law degree can only help you. I say stick with your plan of going to law school, and then if you decide not to practice law and do something else after you are done, that is fine, too. At least you will always have that education to fall back on!!!!!! I'm going to law school, but I'm still not 100% sure that I want to practice law for the rest of my life. I may just practice until I pay off my loans and then do something else. With a law degree under your belt, the options are literally endless. GOOD LUCK and let us know what you decide to do!

[Janet]

I wish I had some real solid advice for you. I don't. I'm 51 and screwed up big time by not furthing my education after high school. Like posted earlier, nothing is ever set in stone, ever! Continue your education and take one day at a time.

[Ponyup]

What about marine biology? You seem very intelligent & you obviously love water & the ocean if you like to scuba dive. I thought I might like to be a marine biologist, but I am terrified of the ocean so not the best choice for me. This way you can integrate your passion into a pretty successful carreer.

Just FYI I am slightly older than you & already done with school & married & still have no idea what I want to do.

[DianaB]

My daughter #2 graduates from college with a degree in biology this next spring and she's not sure what she's going to do either. All along she's wanted to go into pharmacy, but now she's thinking she wants to be a PA (physician's assistant). She's applied to both a pharmacy school and a PA school and she's hoping that one will accept her. I just wish that she'd get it figured out.

I think that a lot of kids are like you, in school and yet not sure what they really want to do. My best suggestion is to pray about it. Good luck!!!

[RLC12345678]

My daughter #2 graduates from college with a degree in biology this next spring and she's not sure what she's going to do either. All along she's wanted to go into pharmacy, but now she's thinking she wants to be a PA (physician's assistant). She's applied to both a pharmacy school and a PA school and she's hoping that one will accept her. I just wish that she'd get it figured out.

I think that a lot of kids are like you, in school and yet not sure what they really want to do. My best suggestion is to pray about it. Good luck!!!

Praying about it is the best advice you can get! And I agree....Pray about out. God will lead you to the direction he wants you to go. ;)

[cindy0721]

well I am no help either,.. I am majoring in Broadcast Journalism and well it is a Communucations/ Liberal Arts degree so sorry not much help.. but Ive been there.... you have so much time to really decide just follow your heart..

[Tink]

I have to agree with Janet on this one.
I'm 52 and have recently started a new carreer. NOTHING is written in stone, and for anyone to truly know what they want to train for and do witht he rest of their life just seems unrealistic to me.

I've worked in so many different fields that I simply call myself a "tinker" which is where my screen name came from. I've worked as a jailor, EMT, Realtor, Insurance agent, manager in a drug/alcohol half way house; I've bred, trained and sold dogs and horses. I am currently a bank supervisor. I hope I will stay in this job until I retire, but I sure can't guarantee it. As life changes and interests change, jobs change and we need to be able to adjust accordingly.

I know many people who have degrees and don't work in their field of study at all. Rather than putting the pressure on yourself trying to decide right now, I think it might be more helpful to focus on being flexible. If you do what you love, it's NOT work... and can still be a good living.

[Marilyn]

I'd suggest you do more research into the field of law. From some discussions I had this weekend, there is room and even jobs in Texas, in the Austin area for lawyers who share your political beliefs. Not everyone in Texas is true to the state's stereotype. (BTW, thought you hated people stereotyping Texans.) Have you spoken with any counselors or advisors in the Political Science Department at your university, they may have some suggestions. Your parents will probably be willing to help you avoid those student loans if you regain your focus and put in the effort now to prepare for a better future. Wishing you the very best!! And trusting you will make a good decision.

BTW, scuba is a wonderful hobby. If you make it your work, it will be work, not pleasure.

[Janet]

I'd suggest you do more research into the field of law. From some discussions I had this weekend, there is room and even jobs in Texas, in the Austin area for lawyers who share your political beliefs. Not everyone in Texas is true to the state's stereotype. (BTW, thought you hated people stereotyping Texans.) Have you spoken with any counselors or advisors in the Political Science Department at your university, they may have some suggestions. Your parents will probably be willing to help you avoid those student loans if you regain your focus and put in the effort now to prepare for a better future. Wishing you the very best!! And trusting you will make a good decision.

BTW, scuba is a wonderful hobby. If you make it your work, it will be work, not pleasure.


Good advice, Marilyn,

I also wanted to say what a cute little reindeer avatar!!! Love it!

[RLC12345678]

I'd suggest you do more research into the field of law. From some discussions I had this weekend, there is room and even jobs in Texas, in the Austin area for lawyers who share your political beliefs. Not everyone in Texas is true to the state's stereotype. (BTW, thought you hated people stereotyping Texans.) Have you spoken with any counselors or advisors in the Political Science Department at your university, they may have some suggestions. Your parents will probably be willing to help you avoid those student loans if you regain your focus and put in the effort now to prepare for a better future. Wishing you the very best!! And trusting you will make a good decision.

BTW, scuba is a wonderful hobby. If you make it your work, it will be work, not pleasure.


This is EXCELLENT advice!!!!!!! And you'd be VERY surpised how many firms in the US there are that share your views. I know from working in big law firms for 2 years that most firms REQUIRE their attorneys to do at least SOME pro bono work for the underpriveledged. And if you have questions about law school or the field of law in general, just hit me up. I've been a paralegal for 2 years and I'm starting law school in June. I'd love to help you in anyway that I can.

[Marilyn]

Thanks Janet and Rebecca. Lissa is my daughter. Your endorsement of my advice may make a difference. Thank you!!

Well, 'Lissa what do you think??

[Lissa]

I'm not stereotyping Texans, look at the election results county-to-county, we're so red we're crimson.

I know my parents will help me out if I need them to, but I'm using up enough of their money as is, I'm seriously considering the scuba thing, but as a side job at least. I don't want to go through law school and then not have a job when I come out, I know yall will help, but that doesn't change the fact that it's expensive.

[RLC12345678]

I'm not stereotyping Texans, look at the election results county-to-county, we're so red we're crimson.

I know my parents will help me out if I need them to, but I'm using up enough of their money as is, I'm seriously considering the scuba thing, but as a side job at least. I don't want to go through law school and then not have a job when I come out, I know yall will help, but that doesn't change the fact that it's expensive.


Going to law school can do nothing but HELP you in your career goals, even if you decide you don't want to practice law. You will be MORE likely to get a job coming out of law school than you will just coming out of undergrad. Believe me...I've been there done that just a year ago. I graduated undergrad in August 2005 and could not find a job...and I had an EXCELLENT GPA, excellent activities, ect. ect. The only reason I got a nice job in a law firm is because my mother-in-law helped me. It is tough finding a job these days bc they economy is doing well. You will be more likely to find a job after you have some more education under your belt.

[hunbun]

Okay, so this advice comes a little late, but here goes. There's a few misconceptions in your original inquiry. Hopefully this will help guide you or someone else in your position a little...or confuse you even MORE! And I apologize, this is a bit LONG!!!!

1. You're ONLY a sophomore. You DO NOT need to decide your career path for the rest of your life anytime soon. I can absolutely guarantee that things can and will change between now and the time you graduate and the first five years out of college.

2. My personal philosphy is that college teaches you the basics of math and writing. But what's really important is that it teaches you "how to learn", critical thinking, communication skills, social skills, diligence and discipline. Those skills may be acquired no matter what major you choose be it a liberal studies or something else. It's not the major that's important, it's what you do with the skills and knowledge that you've acquired that's important.

p.s. You may not need college to acquire those skills, but a college degree does demonstrate to potential employers that at least one institution and a group of individuals other than yourself are convinced you've successfully acquired those skills and will vouch for you to that respect.

3. "A Tale of Three Poli Sci Majors"... Three poli sci majors, myself included, after entering the workforce in our respective entry level positions, we've an IT manager working for a marketing firm, an HR manager working for an insurance company, and a legal analyst working for the state.

Of my 10 closest friends from college and high school, 2 had the same career path from college to now. Of my coworkers now, only 1/2 graduated with a degree remotely resembling their job now, but I've worked in environments a little as 10% of my team had a degree in the field in which we worked. I think most people "discover" their career path AFTER graduation and AFTER a few years in the workforce.

4. It takes a while for a "job" to turn into a "career". It takes a few on the job experiences to understand how classroom knowledge translates into a bonafide work environment. The best time to gain some of those on the job experiences is AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Meaning, look for internships, summer jobs, temp positions, paid or unpaid, get some work experience starting NOW!!! What's the hurry? A few reasons:
(a) it will give you exposure to a real work environment, help you learn about a field, an industry, the people, how things really work;
(b) it will pad your resume. sorry to say, no amount of extracurricular activities will look as good as an extra line in the "Experiences" section of your resume;
(c) it will build your professional references. a glowing review from a past employer, even from an internship, is worth more than glowing reference from three friends and your aunt;
(d) it will help you build a professional network. friends, coworkers, and employers with jobs can pass along your resume, put in a good word for you, and get you on the inside track to getting hired. those who have a good professional network knows the value of being "in the know".

5. Personal advice: anything you love and enjoy as a hobby, keep it as a hobby. You'll continue to get more pleasure out of it as a hobby than a livelihood. To turn a beloved hobby to a viable career, you can't just "love it", you need to be "evangelical about it". Which means, you love it so much, you live and breathe it, you make it your mission to "convert" others into loving it as much as you do, and you try to improve the craft beyond what it is today. Or at least that's how I see it.

THEN research its viability as a career from a financial perspective. You may not want a big fancy house or a brand new sports car, but homeownership, retirement fund, children, may all be in the distant horizon. You need to know if the hobby-career will pay enough, steady enough, and long term enough for you to achieve your long term goals.

FINALLY, last but not least, career sustainability... no matter what job you get, you will feel the need to grow eventually. As an attorney, you can go from simple cases to more complex cases as you grow in your career and gain more experience. It would be the same with any job. It's common for individuals to grow professionally and move on in the same field, but into something more difficult, more complex, better paying, more responsibilities, etc etc. Think about how much room for growth your career choice will allow you. From college graduation, it's a long ways to retirement. You don't want to get bored along the way with no where to go.

6. Along with the above points on career viability, be sure to research what it takes to kick start that career. Missionary? Can you handle living in third world countries with minimal amenities we may take for granted here like hot water? indoor plumbing? medicine cabinet with asprin? Cardiothorasic Surgeon? After 4 years of undergrad, can you handle another 4 years of med school, 3 years of general residency, 5 years of general surgery residency, plus another X years of residency for cardiothorasic surgery as a specialty?

Some careers take more committment, sacrifice, and flexibility on your part than others. Some may interfer with your personal goals with family, friends, future spouse. Best to be prepared.

7. Unless you plan to stay in school perpetually at least on a part time status, you will not be paying studently loans off until you're 86. Student loan programs only give you up to 10 years plus any years you maintain at least partime status at school. ;)


Finish reading all that?? Whew! I'm amazed! Good luck!!!

[Lissa]

Thank you so much for the advice!!

Lucky for me, (I can say this now cause I've told my mom about it and she posts on here) it looks like my boyfriend and I will be getting married in the next couple years and once he gets on full time with the Fire Dept he'll be making enough to support us on his own. But I'm going to have a job, I've never considered being a housewife and I'm never going to consider it as a viable option. I'm going to need a flexible job that I can do anywhere. I have no doubt, and his current coworkers agree(he's working part-time with the local FD), that he can get on with any Dept he applies to and he's looking at applying to a couple different Depts in the Central Texas area after he gets his EMT certs; we've been playing with the idea of him applying to the Honolulu Fire Dept :p

But yes, I'm going to stick with my current path, I'm going to graduate with a PoliSci degree and get a job(hopefully I'll have a good one worth holding on to, or at least experience in fields I'm looking into by the end of this coming Spring), after working for a couple years I'll see where I'm at then and decide if going to graduate school would be a viable idea. I wouldn't mind having a Master's degree :cool: