tractor
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 15:19:30 GMT -5
Posts: 3,495
|
Post by tractor on Nov 16, 2016 11:53:01 GMT -5
So, then, we all interpret STEM differently because I didn't see Wildlife Biologist on the list. I resemble that remark. While I can't do math, I hear it's being driven into the brains of the recent grads.
|
|
tractor
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 15:19:30 GMT -5
Posts: 3,495
|
Post by tractor on Nov 16, 2016 11:57:26 GMT -5
Both my kids are going to be in the STEM field, ones in college studying theoretical astrophysics while the other wants to do something with "math" because that's what he enjoys most 😳. They both take after their mother, because I do not find math enjoyable at all.
|
|
yogiii
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 19:38:00 GMT -5
Posts: 5,377
|
Post by yogiii on Nov 16, 2016 12:00:48 GMT -5
I love pharmacists the way George Costanza loves architects.
|
|
Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
|
Post by Phoenix84 on Nov 16, 2016 12:22:22 GMT -5
Encourage, yes. But you need the aptitude for it, in addition to at least a marginal interest.
If you don't have the aptitude for it, or if you find it dull and boring, you won't succeed at it, regardless of how good the pay is.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 14, 2024 15:26:38 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2016 12:59:17 GMT -5
My sister and I were born in the 1950s (along with 3 brothers) to an engineer (metallurgical) Dad and a SAHM. I became an actuary; she's a doctor. I wouldn't say we were pushed into STEM fields. Mom and Dad valued learning, and Mom had a healthy interest in science, especially biology, that sometimes helped us cope with doctor visits because she's explain what was happening. (Our family doctor liked her because she could cope with routine issues and was more likely to show up with something interesting, like finding fragments of my butterfly collection in my baby brother's diaper.) Everything was fair game for everyone: Dad's old metal Erector set, Tinkertoys, Lincoln logs. My sister and I had dolls and made a lot of clothes for them. (Coincidence that when she was in Med school they suggested that she become a surgeon? I think not. ) Dad took my sister's and my Math and Science homework just as seriously as our brothers'. When I picked up Dad's old college text and started to teach myself Calculus, I was encouraged. It was OK, too, when I spent one summer binge-reading psychology texts and another reading books on advertising. The general focus was on valuing learning and figuring out a way to support yourself, not on any particular field. (Two brothers became accountants and one is a mechanical engineer.) I wouldn't push too hard. A friend who used to work in the administration at a local medical school said they'd have dropouts in the first year, especially among Asian students, who were there only because that's what their parents wanted for them. Oh, yeah, I have to brag about DS. He chose a Math major, which surprised me, graduated with a pretty low GPA and got into settling claims for an insurance company. He's now working in arbitration of insurance cases and even writes the opinions. An English Lit. major with good skills in negotiation, seeing both sides of an issue, and writing could do just as well.
|
|
whoisjohngalt
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:12:07 GMT -5
Posts: 9,140
|
Post by whoisjohngalt on Nov 16, 2016 13:25:33 GMT -5
I am beginning to think that regardless of what major people choose, everyone should minor in English.
The ability to write well is becoming a lost skill. And I think it's a very valuable skill.
|
|
Tiny
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 21:22:34 GMT -5
Posts: 13,494
|
Post by Tiny on Nov 16, 2016 13:38:12 GMT -5
I know to be a biomechanical engineer requires you have a VERY strong math and computer background. If you don't have an aptitude for both you are going to fail. It's something you have to be planning for from day one. You can't find your senior year that you are missing certain math classes and just expect to catch up in college with remedial courses. A secret fantasy of mine is one of the girls becomes one and terraforms Mars. Gwen has announced she wants to be a pediatrician and is also showing signs of having my lack of aptitude in math so she's out. I'll have to transfer it to Abby instead. Okay in reality I am fine with whatever they want to be as long as they accept whatever lifestyle choices will have to come along with it. I am also not going to push them to focus on finding a lifetime career by 18. I made that "mistake" and while I am certainly not a highly paid STEM major I am not in the poorhouse either. However I am realizing as an adult that it's not so simple as pick A career at 18 in college and you're set for life. The job market changes and it does it whether you like it or not. I think the key for the girls is going to be picking something that allows for flexibility and re invention. That is so true for any engineering field. Here are a few questions to determine if you are suited to make it through engineering school: Is your math SAT score more than 200 points higher than verbal? Ok I won't rule out people who also have great verbal skills, but the math has to be pretty high Which course load would you rather sign up for in school 1) Advanced Calculus, Thermodynamics, Statics and Mechanics, Physics 2) Creative Writing, Poetry, Sociology, Foreign Language If you chose 1) you might be ready for engineering school. Actually, a slight modification to 1 would be awesome: Advanced Calculus, Thermodynamics, Physics, and then maybe a couple of courses in one of these: "literature" or "Music" or "Language" depending on your interests Or maybe something in the Philosophy or Psychology area?
I have to admit I don't get why if you are something like a "Math Major" you MUST ONLY TAKE "math" courses. There's no room (or maybe no reason to also pursue some other interest that might involve math - like music, or something business-y, etc...
I kind of hate how there's extremes - if you like "math" or a "science" you can't possibly be interested in poetry or philosopy or music. You can't mix the stuff together.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 14, 2024 15:26:38 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2016 13:46:49 GMT -5
I am beginning to think that regardless of what major people choose, everyone should minor in English. The ability to write well is becoming a lost skill. And I think it's a very valuable skill. Totally agreed. And, to add to what tiny said, well-rounded is better. I have a Math degree but once pored through a 200-page paper on medical malpractice law in France (and it was in French) so I could extract the important stuff and pass it on to my non-francophone colleagues, with the appropriate caveats that this was neither a professional-level translation nor a legal document. French and German certainly helped me get around on various business trips to Zurich and Brussels, even though the staff in the office spoke excellent English. When the conversation veered off into the local language I didn't get lost. Finally, I LOVED my music appreciation course. An easy A, with a professor whose first "desert island" priority would be the works of Mozart, followed by those of Ray Charles. I learned so much and I still attend classical music concerts on occasion. I'm sure a lot of the money supporting the arts comes from STEM types!
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48,109
Member is Online
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Nov 16, 2016 14:01:03 GMT -5
That is so true for any engineering field. Here are a few questions to determine if you are suited to make it through engineering school: Is your math SAT score more than 200 points higher than verbal? Ok I won't rule out people who also have great verbal skills, but the math has to be pretty high Which course load would you rather sign up for in school 1) Advanced Calculus, Thermodynamics, Statics and Mechanics, Physics 2) Creative Writing, Poetry, Sociology, Foreign Language If you chose 1) you might be ready for engineering school. Actually, a slight modification to 1 would be awesome: Advanced Calculus, Thermodynamics, Physics, and then maybe a couple of courses in one of these: "literature" or "Music" or "Language" depending on your interests Or maybe something in the Philosophy or Psychology area?
I have to admit I don't get why if you are something like a "Math Major" you MUST ONLY TAKE "math" courses. There's no room (or maybe no reason to also pursue some other interest that might involve math - like music, or something business-y, etc...
I kind of hate how there's extremes - if you like "math" or a "science" you can't possibly be interested in poetry or philosopy or music. You can't mix the stuff together.
Course you can. I took Women's Literature because I wanted to and it filled an English requirement. It was one of my favorite classes. I took a lot of psychology while at IWCC and really debated about going into the social sciences instead. I think what everyone is saying is when you pick a major like Biomechanical engineering it doesn't matter if you got an A in Women's Lit. They are going to look at your math courses and IT courses and you have to have certain background to make it. If those types of classes aren't your strong suit or don't remotely interest you it doesn't matter how much you want to major it in you are going to fail. I'd rather eat glass than ever take a Physics course again. I took the bare minimum to get my degree. I would have dropped out if I had been required to take more. I'm not good at it and find it dreadfully boring/confusing.
|
|
swasat
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 13, 2011 9:34:28 GMT -5
Posts: 3,735
|
Post by swasat on Nov 16, 2016 14:07:29 GMT -5
My point in making this thread was choice of STEM majors and even inside of STEM the choice of field (like Network Engineers vs Software Developers, Cardiologist vs Nurse etc), how it impacts the earning potential.
Choosing STEM is a decision one must make, but then from there on even within STEM there are hundreds of sub fields one can go into, and that directly impacts one's earnings. For e.g. A Web Developer or Security professional in IT makes a lot more than a Reports Developer. A doctor makes a lot more than a Ultrasound technician or nurse. Same general STEM field, different sub field.
SO as parents, I don't believe encouraging children to "just choose STEM" is enough. Children need a clearer picture of what within STEM they should be looking at if they want higher paying careers. Or not. Not everyone is that into making money. But thats a conversation parents should be having with the children while guiding them through career choices.
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48,109
Member is Online
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Nov 16, 2016 14:21:56 GMT -5
SO as parents, I don't believe encouraging children to "just choose STEM" is enough
Agree 100% I had a long talk with with my boss shortly before I lost my job and we were talking about him trying to hire a new professor. He said he had HUNDREDS of general biology PhDs applying but the problem is that degree no longer provides the type of training or educational knowledge to be granted a position at the College of Pharmacy.
They wanted someone with a PharmD or at the very least a PhD in a pharmacuetical related subject like pharmacokinetics.
He said he didn't blame them for trying but in this day and age with so much competition it's not enough to "just have a science PhD" anymore.
He predicts it's going to come down to professional certification in certain fields. You aren't going to be able to do research or apply for certain colleges without having the professional license behind it.
He said that "we", meaning my generation, was done a real disservice by being encouraged to just go to college and "just choose STEM" because as the world changes the requirements for those jobs changes and it can be very difficult to remain competitive.
|
|
973beachbum
Senior Associate
Politics Admin
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:12:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,501
|
Post by 973beachbum on Nov 16, 2016 14:56:08 GMT -5
That is so true for any engineering field. Here are a few questions to determine if you are suited to make it through engineering school: Is your math SAT score more than 200 points higher than verbal? Ok I won't rule out people who also have great verbal skills, but the math has to be pretty high Which course load would you rather sign up for in school 1) Advanced Calculus, Thermodynamics, Statics and Mechanics, Physics 2) Creative Writing, Poetry, Sociology, Foreign Language If you chose 1) you might be ready for engineering school. Actually, a slight modification to 1 would be awesome: Advanced Calculus, Thermodynamics, Physics, and then maybe a couple of courses in one of these: "literature" or "Music" or "Language" depending on your interests Or maybe something in the Philosophy or Psychology area?
I have to admit I don't get why if you are something like a "Math Major" you MUST ONLY TAKE "math" courses. There's no room (or maybe no reason to also pursue some other interest that might involve math - like music, or something business-y, etc...
I kind of hate how there's extremes - if you like "math" or a "science" you can't possibly be interested in poetry or philosopy or music. You can't mix the stuff together.
I have nothing against classes like music or art or creative writing but if someone is actually in an engineering program and thinks they can just substitute them in they are in for a pretty harsh reality. Those programs are already tightly formed. My DD's best friend is at Rowan for engineering and she has 7 classes a semester already. Changing even one would push her out of graduating on time. DH graduated a more than few years ago with a BS in engineering and even he says the schedule they have to keep today to graduate in the 4 or 5 yr, depending on coop or not, is BRUTAL! Telling people to add something else in to be well rounded is just ridiculous.
|
|
973beachbum
Senior Associate
Politics Admin
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:12:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,501
|
Post by 973beachbum on Nov 16, 2016 15:04:08 GMT -5
As far as other STEM majors I am totally tired of geology! It isn't that I have anything against rocks it is the stupid counselors who keep telling my nieces and nephews that it is the new "it" degree. A BS in geology qualifies you to be a glorified ditch digger or to work on a oil/natural gas well. I'm not against that in and of it's self but these kids think it will lead to a nice desk job writing papers. At the engineering company we actually employee a decent amount of geologists and it is amazing how many who dig the test pits, and send off the results to the higher ups with masters or Phd's, have a masters themselves. I promise you these people never heard words like mud logging when they were being told how wonderful this major was.
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48,109
Member is Online
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Nov 16, 2016 15:32:01 GMT -5
Forensic science was the proposed "it" degree when I graduated from Simpson.
So much so the college was trying to push it as its own major.
Due to parental concerns and the cooler heads of the chemistry department it instead became a biochemistry degree with emphasis in forensics.
That way students got a more rounded education that could lead to more than just one specific job in an extremely competitive field.
Never mind the actual field is nothing like the TV shows which is where the idea was coming from and then the school smelled money.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 14, 2024 15:26:38 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2016 15:40:44 GMT -5
They didn't really talk about STEM degrees when my kids were going to college back in the late 90s. We pushed professional degrees instead. You want to be able to see your career path when you graduate. So my son's a CPA, and my daughter is a pharmacist.
My daughter, who is a very social person, loves retail pharmacy. Her last semester of high school and all through college and pharmacy school, she worked in a small town pharmacy. You interact with the patients. Although she works at Walmart now, she still does. It probably helps, though, that it is a Walmart in a small town.
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Nov 16, 2016 15:45:41 GMT -5
That is so true for any engineering field. Here are a few questions to determine if you are suited to make it through engineering school: Is your math SAT score more than 200 points higher than verbal? Ok I won't rule out people who also have great verbal skills, but the math has to be pretty high Which course load would you rather sign up for in school 1) Advanced Calculus, Thermodynamics, Statics and Mechanics, Physics 2) Creative Writing, Poetry, Sociology, Foreign Language If you chose 1) you might be ready for engineering school. Actually, a slight modification to 1 would be awesome: Advanced Calculus, Thermodynamics, Physics, and then maybe a couple of courses in one of these: "literature" or "Music" or "Language" depending on your interests Or maybe something in the Philosophy or Psychology area?
I have to admit I don't get why if you are something like a "Math Major" you MUST ONLY TAKE "math" courses. There's no room (or maybe no reason to also pursue some other interest that might involve math - like music, or something business-y, etc...
I kind of hate how there's extremes - if you like "math" or a "science" you can't possibly be interested in poetry or philosopy or music. You can't mix the stuff together.
That's not always the case. I have enough credits in theatre, psychology and chemistry for minors in all those subjects (I think that the requirement is 15 credits, 12 upper division credits). My official degree is in biology, but within this I concentrated in microbiology.....taking 12 credits just in this specialty. With the way my degree was set up, it was impossible to fulfill the biology degree requirements without getting at least a minor in chemistry. I am one course (physical chemistry) from having received a major in chemistry too. For social science and liberal art, the requirement was 9 credits in a single subject each, 6 of which had to be upper division. I took classes 2 summers to fulfill some of these because there were some interesting classes being taught.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 14, 2024 15:26:38 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2016 17:44:07 GMT -5
I have nothing against classes like music or art or creative writing but if someone is actually in an engineering program and thinks they can just substitute them in they are in for a pretty harsh reality. Those programs are already tightly formed. My DD's best friend is at Rowan for engineering and she has 7 classes a semester already. Changing even one would push her out of graduating on time. I agree. Even back in 1972, at the end of my first year as a Math major, when I mentioned the idea of switching to Engineering a guy in the program said, "well, you've just used up all your electives".
|
|
Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
|
Post by Phoenix84 on Nov 17, 2016 10:48:08 GMT -5
I have a physics degree, and have done alright, at least by my metrics.
|
|
muttleynfelix
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:32:52 GMT -5
Posts: 9,406
|
Post by muttleynfelix on Nov 18, 2016 12:38:24 GMT -5
I have nothing against classes like music or art or creative writing but if someone is actually in an engineering program and thinks they can just substitute them in they are in for a pretty harsh reality. Those programs are already tightly formed. My DD's best friend is at Rowan for engineering and she has 7 classes a semester already. Changing even one would push her out of graduating on time. I agree. Even back in 1972, at the end of my first year as a Math major, when I mentioned the idea of switching to Engineering a guy in the program said, "well, you've just used up all your electives". Most engineering engineering programs have gone pretty "basic" to stay competitive. When I started, it took 139 credit hours to graduate. By the time i graduated they had reduced it to 128. Eliminating things like the programming requirement, combining thermodynamics and electricity into one class and eliminating one upper level class. It is still tough to graduate in 4 years. Probably half of those classes included some kind of "lab" work - a lot of them that means you you met for 50 min twice a week and the 3 hrs once a week. I had semesters where I had labs 4 days a week (including Friday). I took summer courses and an online course to get it done. Most semesters had 16+ credit hours, with one having 22 (that included an online course that I was half done with when the semester started, I had to have special permission for that many hours). If I wanted to be a more in depth expert on things, I need a masters. At this point, I'm headed down a project management track and that suits my brain better. My nephew isn't sure what he wants to do as a college freshman. He says engineering, but is he saying engineering because he thinks he should be an engineer or does he really want to do that? We'll see what he comes up with. My dad, brother, and I are all civil engineers (Although I had a different specialty). My sister ended up with a degree in accounting. I hope my kids find their passion in something that will pay the bills. I have a niece who wants to be a zoology major, I have another one who is passionate about becoming a dance teacher, I hope my kids passion is something more marketable, but I'm not going to push them. Just make sure they understand the realities of any job. I haven't kicked ass in my job because I'm technically proficient. I've kicked ass because I'm willing to learn what I don't know, find a mentor to help me out, and bust my ass when I need to. I was asked to update the cost estimate for our $500 million program in 2 weeks. Others said that is unreasonable and asked can we say no. I said ok who can help and what information do we need and how can I do it efficiently. And the job got done. I want to install a work ethic in my kids more than I want them to be smart or choose the "right" job. Unfortunately, my 1st grader admits to being lazy and refuses to do more than the minimim most of the time. So we'll see where that leads. We talk about hard work. Working hard around the house for your family. Working hard at school/work for yourself. I hope someday he gets it.
|
|
sesfw
Junior Associate
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:45:17 GMT -5
Posts: 6,268
|
Post by sesfw on Nov 18, 2016 18:00:11 GMT -5
I know there are a lot of engineering opportunities out there. I really wish everyone who has that dream would become a tech in their chosen field before starting their major studies.
They will be better engineers by knowing how things work in the real world and not just on paper.
|
|
shanendoah
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
Posts: 10,096
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0c3563
|
Post by shanendoah on Nov 18, 2016 18:15:52 GMT -5
encourage, yes.
But if they show absolutely no aptitude for it, it's not worth it. DD is very artsy fartsy, creative, and loves drawing/painting/designing. I'm pretty sure STEM won't be her thing, but that's OK. The world needs designers too. Design can actually be a STEM career.
I would suggest looking at user centered design, usability, human computer interaction, and data visualization.
My department is actually Human Centered Design and Engineering, and a number of my faculty and students have Art/Design background, and we partner with the Department of Design in the School of Art in a number of interdisciplinary programs.
|
|
973beachbum
Senior Associate
Politics Admin
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:12:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,501
|
Post by 973beachbum on Nov 19, 2016 8:58:19 GMT -5
I agree. Even back in 1972, at the end of my first year as a Math major, when I mentioned the idea of switching to Engineering a guy in the program said, "well, you've just used up all your electives". Most engineering engineering programs have gone pretty "basic" to stay competitive. When I started, it took 139 credit hours to graduate. By the time i graduated they had reduced it to 128. Eliminating things like the programming requirement, combining thermodynamics and electricity into one class and eliminating one upper level class. It is still tough to graduate in 4 years. Probably half of those classes included some kind of "lab" work - a lot of them that means you you met for 50 min twice a week and the 3 hrs once a week. I had semesters where I had labs 4 days a week (including Friday). I took summer courses and an online course to get it done. Most semesters had 16+ credit hours, with one having 22 (that included an online course that I was half done with when the semester started, I had to have special permission for that many hours). If I wanted to be a more in depth expert on things, I need a masters. At this point, I'm headed down a project management track and that suits my brain better. My nephew isn't sure what he wants to do as a college freshman. He says engineering, but is he saying engineering because he thinks he should be an engineer or does he really want to do that? We'll see what he comes up with. My dad, brother, and I are all civil engineers (Although I had a different specialty). My sister ended up with a degree in accounting. I hope my kids find their passion in something that will pay the bills. I have a niece who wants to be a zoology major, I have another one who is passionate about becoming a dance teacher, I hope my kids passion is something more marketable, but I'm not going to push them. Just make sure they understand the realities of any job. I haven't kicked ass in my job because I'm technically proficient. I've kicked ass because I'm willing to learn what I don't know, find a mentor to help me out, and bust my ass when I need to. I was asked to update the cost estimate for our $500 million program in 2 weeks. Others said that is unreasonable and asked can we say no. I said ok who can help and what information do we need and how can I do it efficiently. And the job got done. I want to install a work ethic in my kids more than I want them to be smart or choose the "right" job. Unfortunately, my 1st grader admits to being lazy and refuses to do more than the minimim most of the time. So we'll see where that leads. We talk about hard work. Working hard around the house for your family. Working hard at school/work for yourself. I hope someday he gets it. My daughters friend has shown us her schedule ever semester and it actually gets more crowded yet the credit hours they list doesn't get bigger. Because of the rules from ABET they have actually added classes while lowering the credit total to graduate. When DH went he took a semester of statics and a semester of dynamics for 3 credit each. She has one semester with half statics and the other half dynamics for 4 credits. It is more than 4 hours a week but the biggest change is things he learned in class are glossed over and she is basically told to read and learn it herself. That is how they managed to put in classes like autocad and still make it "look" like it never goes above 17 credits a semester. They also say they only need 131 credits which is normal for a Ba/BS. BUT that only includes one class toward the univ's gen ed requirement. The only one that is in that is Comp I. Comp 2 isn't required though. Once you add in those other three courses it does bring it back to 140. But it sounds so much better telling students that you can graduate in four years and never go over 34 credits a year.
|
|
steph08
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 3, 2011 13:06:01 GMT -5
Posts: 5,508
Member is Online
|
Post by steph08 on Nov 19, 2016 9:29:29 GMT -5
As far as other STEM majors I am totally tired of geology! It isn't that I have anything against rocks it is the stupid counselors who keep telling my nieces and nephews that it is the new "it" degree. A BS in geology qualifies you to be a glorified ditch digger or to work on a oil/natural gas well. I'm not against that in and of it's self but these kids think it will lead to a nice desk job writing papers. At the engineering company we actually employee a decent amount of geologists and it is amazing how many who dig the test pits, and send off the results to the higher ups with masters or Phd's, have a masters themselves. I promise you these people never heard words like mud logging when they were being told how wonderful this major was. My DH has a geology degree. He went back and got his degree in 2012 at age 33. It has served him well - he works for our state's environmental agency and inspects mines for violations. He started out in the state as a geologist, but he sat at a desk and read reports, so he transferred to this job and really enjoys it. There always seem to be openings for people with geology or other environmental science degrees within his agency (probably one/month).
|
|
973beachbum
Senior Associate
Politics Admin
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:12:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,501
|
Post by 973beachbum on Nov 19, 2016 9:40:12 GMT -5
I'm glad your husband has a good job but I don't think that is usual. This is what we see and my niece and nephews have been seeing when they have looked for jobs.
I don't think working outside is bad. If someone wants a job outdoors and away from every body fine. but IMO thousands of young people are being sold a bill of good with no idea what the job market really is. These kids are the most indoorsey kids I have ever met! No way they would have chosen this if they had know the real job conditions most jobs with their degree expect.
|
|
sesfw
Junior Associate
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:45:17 GMT -5
Posts: 6,268
|
Post by sesfw on Nov 19, 2016 19:37:44 GMT -5
No way they would have chosen this if they had know the real job conditions most jobs with their degree expect.
In this case I would strongly suggest a good career counselor get involved. The schools are sadly lacking in this. All they can see is MONEY. Wonder how many high school counselors advise the kids to do some real research ........ and get the parents involved also.
Have a friend that had dreams of being a photographer for National Geographic. I put a bug in her ear to ask about the cost and job market. She decided to join the Navy and is now in language school.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 14, 2024 15:26:38 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2016 20:42:06 GMT -5
I was browsing in the library today and ran across the Occupational Outlook Handbook. I knew it from HS and it's still a valuable resource- lots of details for most jobs, including income potential, educational requirements, anticipated changes in demand and a description of working conditions. If you have to get your hands dirty or work in Outer Bomboola, they let you know. Great info.
|
|
Bob Ross
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 14:48:03 GMT -5
Posts: 5,883
|
Post by Bob Ross on Nov 22, 2016 23:50:06 GMT -5
I'm going to encourage my kid to be a cyborg, because it will be the future.
|
|
Rukh O'Rorke
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 4, 2016 13:31:15 GMT -5
Posts: 10,292
Member is Online
|
Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Nov 23, 2016 10:34:45 GMT -5
I give to you a tale of 5 girls.
one went to a top 10 engineering school, the others to slightly less or slightly more prestigious institutions int he midwest, not in engineering, in a variety of stem and nonstem majors.
After the 2 year mark: The one who went to the engineering school is on academic probation and taking time off. Not sure how she can get back in after that, but will see. DD should get an update over the holidays.
the other are all doing fine and on track to graduate in 4 or 4.5 years.
I do not know where the motivation to pursue engineering came from - whether it was intrinsic, encouraged, pushed, or whatnot.
But I will put out the idea that finishing a degree is much more important than starting one.
|
|
sesfw
Junior Associate
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:45:17 GMT -5
Posts: 6,268
|
Post by sesfw on Nov 27, 2016 8:43:14 GMT -5
x10
|
|
hoops902
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 13:21:29 GMT -5
Posts: 11,978
|
Post by hoops902 on Nov 28, 2016 11:23:34 GMT -5
I think it's important to encourage your kids in 2 ways when it comes to a career. 1. What will make them happy? 2. What will provide them the financial rewards they need/desire? I think both really go toward "what will make you happy", but kids often don't grasp that doing something "fun" for their career may make them unhappy in other parts of their life if they aren't making money. For example, you may love art and want to be an artist and decide to do that as a career...but if you also love travel, you may not be able to afford that on a struggling artist's pay.
Pushing them to a STEM career could fail on either question. Plenty of STEM careers have little financial rewards...either because they simply lean more towards low pay or because the field is saturated. Likewise, pushing your child to do something they'll hate for 40 years just so they can be employed doesn't result in much of a life either.
|
|