Switching Majors... what should I do?

[Fit of Rage]

Take a calculus-II level class if you haven't already. That means up through integration techniques (like by-parts, partial fraction expansion and trig substitution) and solving basic differential equations. That will pretty much determine if you have the math know-how for engineering or not.

[Izor]

LOL ET3 Exalt...so did you get the ego that all the other ET's have that theyre better than other technical career fields (IT's in particular).

Some asshat said stay away from networking. Dont listen to him. Being a network admin is all about who you know. I've seen a lot of people who dont know a fucking thing get out of the military and make upwards of 70k a year just because they know someone. The civilians here at the bagram help desk make well over 6 digits, with the first 80k being tax free, and they dont do a fucking thing. The career field is very much in demand, and the dod is contracting out IT stuff more and more. If youre good with computers, youll have no problems landing yourself a job. Especially so if you already got a TS/SCI clearance from your time in the navy, although the ETs that I know are only cleared secret.

Most important thing I can tell you though is not to take advice from some internet kid thats probably pursuing a BA degree on what careers are in demand. rofl

[0rb]

engineering.

guaranteed a good job.

[meddi]

Engineering! Srsly do it. Unless you suck at math, then don't. It will be a waste of time ... and will steal your soul. Also, don't listen to people on the internet. We are not real people.

[Kolar]

Networking is ok if you focus on the security side. I think you have to look at what's in demand and what will be in demand in the near future. Technology will always be a big part of that. Whatever you choose find a good paying job that's stable and try to get them to foot the bill for your masters, but talk to a professional before making any decision.

My manager didn't go to university with IT/Systems or even Engineering in mind but he's making at least 60+ and they're paying for his bachelors degree. He did goto college for programming. IT has sort of come back (at least in Canada). I don't think outsourcing to India and China is paying off for a lot of companies in terms of quality of work completed. It's good to keep market changes like that in mind but also find something your first and foremost enjoy.

Edit: Izor is right about contractors. The guys who worked behind me were doing 70-80$ an hour... reading Wikipedia, news, flash games...

[Cops]

Most important thing I can tell you though is not to take advice from some internet kid thats probably pursuing a BA degree on what careers are in demand. rofl

I wouldn't take advice from you period.

[Eric is God]

For what it's worth:

Electrical Engineering - should guarantee you a good paying job, but advancement is generally based on years of experience and you can quickly hit a ceiling on your career unless you get an MBA and move into management somehow.

IT/Computer Technology - this really depends on the area you want to specialize in. Starter IT positions for large corporations are in demand, but the pay isn't great ($35-45k from what I've seen). If you can supplement an IT degree with some business courses like commercial web design you cover more bases and improve your chances for career advancement.

Liberal Studies - not as horrible as some people think, but I'd only choose this option if you really enjoy the courses and don't mind adding a few months to your job search.

Economics- speaking as an economics/finance grad, I'd only recommend this if the university you go to has a top rate economics program and allows you to take some business, finance or IT courses to obtain a minor. Most 3 year undergrad degrees in economics are a joke and focus completely on theory which will not open a lot of doors for you outside of government positions. High level economics, especially at the Masters level, is largely econometrics (applied stats) based which is extremely difficult but highly useful for positions in banks, insurance companies, governments and multi national corporations.


In the end you are really better off going with the degree that will allow you to work at a job you enjoy. If getting a well paying job asap is your main goal and you think you can handle the courses, I'd go with engineering as the majority of people have stated.

[Kolar]

For what it's worth:
IT/Computer Technology - this really depends on the area you want to specialize in. Starter IT positions for large corporations are in demand, but the pay isn't great ($35-45k from what I've seen). If you can supplement an IT degree with some business courses like commercial web design you cover more bases and improve your chances for career advancement.

Do you think IT skills paired with management and project management skills are a good mix?

[Exalt]

Take a calculus-II level class if you haven't already. That means up through integration techniques (like by-parts, partial fraction expansion and trig substitution) and solving basic differential equations. That will pretty much determine if you have the math know-how for engineering or not.

the math is easy for me, as I said, I did all this stuff in the military already... The program I was in through the military was one of the hardest programs in the nation right next to Nuclear Physics....

basically the classes I would be taking through the university (which is Purdue btw, if anyone cares) are all the same classes that I took through the military, the problems being that the military do not give you accredited courses through a university that allow it to transfer really

the good part is I have the experience to go along with the engineering degree, so getting a job shouldn't be THAT difficult considering what I did in the Navy

im leaning toward electrical engineering because of that anyway, but wanted to know what people think... honestly im appreciative of peoples opinions

[Eric is God]

Do you think IT skills paired with management and project management skills are a good mix?

That is an extremely good mix! The only problem is you can't really get management or project management skills through any schooling, you have to get it from work experience. Project managers at all the high tech companies I have some insight into (IBM, RIM, Apple, AMD) are in very high demand and pay extremely well ($80-120K), but they expect a minimum of 3-5 years of work experience in some type of management role in business or IT. You can't obtain a business/IT degree followed by an MBA and expect to land a project manager role without at least a few year of work experience. No matter how talented you are, HR or OD departments in large corporations have strict guidelines in place that prevent individuals with little work experience from moving up too quickly. I'm learning this myself the hard way.

[Cops]

I think that's like my most jobs, even with tons of education under your belt you're still at the bottom of the totem pole. That's why I understand the need to hone skills because you don't generally get on-air right out of school so you need to work your way up to these jobs. Even if I wanted to become a producer at CBC or something you generally start out as a PA (production assistant) then move onto something a bit better and finally one day you might get your shot, or you might not. I think that's the scariest thing I have to deal with knowing that the media industry is a bunch of douchebags and that politics play a key role in deciding who gets what job.

I look at it this way Kolar will make $25 an hour when he's ready to start working and I will be lucky to make $15. The benefits and rewards to a job aren't always in the pay, plus you can always get better jobs and more money with time.

[Izor]

which is exactly why i laugh at everyone here who thinks that going to college is going to get them a better job. Thanks for proving my point, cops! Playing politics is pretty much key to any career field. Networking is big anywhere. My dad for instance is a GS-14 with the faa so if I get to know some of the guys he knows, and they see that I know what I'm doing, I can pretty much set myself up for a job that way assuming I knock some college work out of the way over the next 4 and a half years. At the same time, I know some of the workers with 3DI and L3 that I met out here. In 4 years when its time to think about re-enlistment, these guys will be managers in those companies. You may not think to take advice from someone like me, but I guarantee you I know how to get ahead better than you. I will be making no less than 65k in 5 years, which is more than enough for me

[Da1andonly]

I did 18 hour days in the military

you had no spare time, at all?

[Bioture]

well more importantly, what do you enjoy doing the most that will make money?

You shouldn't be so caught up in the major. Everything now is all about the services - if you know enough about how to work a computer, you can be a consultant (and learn how to do stuff on different projects) and make an easy 50-60k a year. Then move on to something more stable after a couple years experience. Unless you REALLY want to be a perm employee somewhere and make a lot less... it's your call.

IT is even better. You'll get hired for sure if you know how to play the game right. A lot of employers focus on getting people that are capable of gapping the bridge between the really technical and the functional.

Your military record is favorable to most gov't consulting companies (like the one I work for) which is local to the DC metro area.

[DankNuggets]

i just graduated w/a BS in civil eng.

I was completely inactive in school org.'s and most professors didn't know who i was. i had a 4.0 for a year untill i realized it doesn't really matter as long as you graduate.

i got a job 1 yr before i ever graduated b/c i applied early and got an internship.

i work for teh state gov't -- it might pay less than a consultant, but it has better insurance and is a more stable job.

I'd go with engineering (not electrical unless you REALLY know your shit about circuits and AC current). Civil engineering is easy, and there will always be a need for people to build things. ME, is a bit harder but there's tons of jobs for them as well. EE is harder to find jobs, since it's a narrower field, but you could always work outside your degree.

But college is a must for engineers (ABET accredited at that), + two 8hr exams. Not everyone needs college, but if want a professional title, you have to go.