Did you always want to do that?
 

Hi everyone, I first want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas even though its a day late.

I was talking to one of my friends the other day and we were discussing want we want to do with our lives after receiving our bachaelor degrees. We both are in our fourth year and will be graduating in another year(on that five year plan). I started to get a little discouraged because it seems as though I have no direction. When I'm finished I'll have a degree in Child Development, but I wonder if thats what I really want to do. My plans about my education and my future career change quite frequently. First I wanted to go to grad school, then I decided on nursing school to be a pediatric nurse, and then law school so I can get into child advocacy. I have to make some kind of decision soon but I am truely torn.

College students, do you know exactly what you want to do with your life? For those in your choosen field of work, did you always know that your particular career was your calling? Are you using the degree you earned? How old were you when you realized what you wanted to do? I thought this would be a good place to ask this question since this forum represents women who are educated, successful, and of many different ages, and backgrounds. Your responses will help me gain a perspective on the decisions that will impact my life.

Well now...
 

Candygirl I can see your dilemma, but never fear...things work themselves out!

I started in undergrad with an Economics major, then in my senior year I realized I had taken so many Political Science courses (I loved Poli Sci) that I had enough for a major. So I switched and ended up minoring in Economics and French. So, what do you do with a Poli Sci, Econ, and French degree? Hell if I knew...but I ended up working for an investment management firm (stocks and bonds, etc) and I absolutely love it. I started 6 months after graduating from college and have been with the same company ever since. I've always had a passion for law too (was exposed to that during my Poli Sci classes), so I went for my Masters in Legal & Ethical Studies and graduated in 2000. I figured, even though I'm in the financial industry it is regulated by the SEC and NASD, so having a legal-type degree can't hurt. I can always work in our Legal Dept and pursue law school later. Since I'm absolutely crazy, I went back to school sp' 01 and began working on my MBA. Having an MBA can't hurt...eventually I'll get a joint MBA/JD degree and be done with the whole school thing...

But I say all this to say...even though you don't feel "focused" now, the degrees you're pursuing will help you in ANY of the fields you mentioned. Go for it and good luck!

As a graduating senior, I can see your dilemma.

At first I was so sure about what I wanted. Well, a few weeks of no-sleep, critiques and model-making later, I realized that maybe I should try something else. I was pursuing an Architecture degree. Now I am pursuing an engineering degree. Well, a few internships later, I now think I can have both. I plan to go no and get a master's in Arch. and pursue registration as a Prof. Engineer.

I just really couldn't make up my mind, and I am very marketable as an engineer and architect for one price.

I suggest you pursue what your heart aches for. But also, be aware and vigilant. I took the time to evaluate the job market in my industry and area (which is notoriously unpredictable) and wagered how a balance of school and work will keep me in pace with any changes so that I never find myself with great skills that nobody wants.

I gotta congratulate JJSP01 because it seems like she really did some thinking, and was aware of what skills would be beneficial. Good Job!

Certainly, candygirl, do not be discouraged just because you are not on the "doctor-track" or "lawyer-track", not all paths are certain. But if you do what feels right for you, you really can’t go wrong.

Thanks ladies for your words of encouragement. JJSP01 I congratulate you. You seem to have it all together. You must really like going to school! StraightBos good luck on your degree in Arch. It seems that you have it all figured out as well. I've been trying to do some research myself about the fields that I've thought about pursuing. It's important that I find out what the demand is for those careers. I've also began studying and doing practice exams for the LSAT. Its one thing to want to get a JD degree but I have to think about getting a good score on the test and actually being able to follow through and do well with the course work. I guess another thing that has me unsure is my financial stability in the future. I just want to make sure that my time in school wasn't in vain so to speak. I see so many people who have received degrees that are doing nothing with or they're not making enough money for their means. I want to assure that this want happen to me. I guess thats why I'm so worried. I want everything to right and to fall in place the way I want it to. I guess it doesn't always happen that way. Regardless I've realized that I have to optimistic about the whole thing. Thanks again ladies.

As for me....
 

Re: Did you always want to do that?
 

i don't really remember when i decided i wanted to be what i want to be...it's just always kind of been there since i can remember...and there was never a time i could really picture myself doing anything else with my life...despite taking side roads into various other fields and attending college...after i graduate i plan on using what i learned to help further my career as much as possible...i think sometimes people know exactly what they want to do...or what they are "called" to do...but they don't do it out of fear...to fulfill family and other social expectations...and/or sometimes out of sheer practicality...when people feel they have no direction...it is usually because they are busy listening to all that's outside of them instead of listening to their own heart...and once you learn how to do that...nothing can stand in your way...and you will achieve all that you set out to achieve and more...

My major is social work. I wasn't always a social work major but I'm glad I decided on it. It has helped me deal better with people and understand some of the problems that people face. I know that when I graduate in May I want to continue to work in adoptions (recuitment and placement) as I am doing now for my internship. I do plan to go back to school to get my masters in social work as well as a masters in divinity. Later on in life I want to open my own adoption agency as well as enter into full-time ministry. I'm very active in the ministry now and I know my calling is to travel with my testimony speaking with teenagers/young adults. The specifics (when, where, how) have yet to be told to me but I trust God that my education and my growth/knowledge in the things of the Lord will lead me to the place where he wants me to be.

Follow your heart. Continue on a path that is appealing to you. That's what I did. I love working and helping people so I found a career that does just that.

Don't be discouraged. It will all come to you in time.

Re: As for me....
 

My ambition to go to law school is recent. I too didn't want a big shock upon entering law school so I talked to a couple of law students and counselors. The ladies that I spoke to graduated with bachelor's degree's in subjects that were no where near close to law. They are also doing extremely well without the background in law. That's what sparked my consideration for a JD degree. Although they are doing well it would be a little less of shock if you're already familiar with law. Since I'm so close to graduation I wouldn't want to take on something else pertaining to law.

It seems like your taking steps that would will benefit you in the long run. Best wishes to you and good luck on your future endeavors.

CkretCrush8, I really feeling you. I can't stand it when people ask me what my major is, and when I tell them they seem so disappointed. As I said before I'm majoring in Child Development and there really isn't any money in that field. I guess I am letting people influence me thereby discouraging me. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Everything will work its self out

I'm so glad that someone came up with this topic. I was surprised to see another fellow Architecture major in here, I actually tried to stick it out and I did for 5 whole semesters, then like StraightBOS, I was too tired of pulling all-nighters and working hard on a project for a whole semester for it to be torn to shreds by someone who didn't even teach the class. So my junior year (i'm now a Senior) I decided to switch to Graphic Design and so far it's going great. It's a lot less stressful, I get to be more creative then technical, and there are a lot more options.
After I graduate, I plan to get my MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship and E-Business, because I've always wanted to have a business. I'm so tired of people asking me why I want to get an MBA, like it's something wrong with wanting to have one. I have to explain to them that having an MBA allows for more options and in the long run more money. A MBA is the best way for me to reach my ultimate goal which is to eventually want to have a few cafes/clothing boutiques that will feature one-of-a kind clothing designed by up and coming fashion designers. They are just so many things that I want to do, i'm not going to limit myself to doing just what my degree will say and I don't think that anyone else should.

(P.S. If anyone is working on or has gotten their MBA from Howard please contact me. Thanks!!)