A Career After College and Career Change (Tidbits)

[BLUTANG]

Well, my undergraduate degree was in History and minor was German. I really didn't think of how i would apply my degree after i graduated, i just ended up majoring in something I enjoyed. i had pretty good grades b/c i liked the subject matter, and i even took advantage of the opportunity to study in Germany. I took a job in a library after I graduated and got a year's worth of work experience and a lifetime's worth of professional contacts and advice. By God's grace, i was admitted to a graduate program in Library/Info Science and awarded an assistantship (they pay for school and a stipend). So for now, my immediate goal is to be a Librarian or Information Broker (probably for a specialized library, anything besides schools or public libs). Of my good friends in undergrad, some followed career paths closely related to their major (criminal justice major --> probations/parole officer; english major --> law school) while others didn't (english major --> graphic designer, music major --> retail manager)... but we're all happy! In this life, you've got to keep learning, living, and loving. Step out on faith and take advantage of opportunities as they arise. So to pretty much echo what everyone else is saying - do YOU, girl!

[FeeFee]

I have a degree in International Marketing, am currently working in the legal field, and is working on getting another degree in psychology. Go figure

[RedefinedDiva]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
I am not working in a field that relates to my degree(s). I am teaching. I just received, ,or am in the process of receiving my certification. I have a BA in Political Science and a mater's in Public Admin with a specializaton in healthcare admin. Before I got out of undergrad, I wanted to go to law school. As the time approached to get prepared for the LSAT, etc., I changed my mind. So, I had decided to go to grad school. While in grad school, I found out that what most employers are looking for is WORK EXPERIENCE, WORK EXPERIENCE. I did not have it.

So as I completed my graduate work, I needed a job. I was 23 and had not worked a day in my life. I was told that I could teach, even though I did not have a background in Education. So I have been doing that every since 96.

However, my advice to anyone is while they are still undergrads is to INTERN, INTERN, INTERN, WORK, WORK, WORK. Many times a degree does not matter. Employers will hire someone who has the EXPERIENCE, rather than the degree...
unless you have the "hook up".

Oh, also, take a few Education courses here or there...you never will know, you might need it. There is a teacher shortage ALL over the country. The pay is not anything to brag about, but the time OFF is wonderful! I have been on vacatation since May 31. We do not go back to work until August 17. EVERY weekend off and the major holidays...

2D, we have so much in common that it is ridiculous!

I graduated in '01 and I had NOWHERE to turn. I had been in school for what seems like my whole life. I had never had a job- not even a lemonade stand. I felt like I was on the brink of despair. I couldn't find any job, let alone it being in my field. Most of the business world is based on nepotism. You HAVE to have the "hook-up." So, I took a job working for an eyeglass company and felt miserable everyday. How could I have so much education and a DEGREE and wind up there?

So, I pulled myself together and I found a job teaching school. I am currently working on my certification as well. In undergrad, I had NO interest in teaching. I would even question my friends who were in Education. Now that I am teaching, I can only WISH that I had majored in Education. I would be better off now. Of course the pay is not spectacular (but that also plays into me not being certified yet), but it is cool for just starting out. I know a lot of people complain about the pay (and I do too), but I can't complain as much because the salary is suiting. It pays my rent, other bills, and I still have money to spare each month. It could be worse.

I have to agree with 2D. There is a REAL shortage of teachers, especially in urban areas. It is something to consider. I don't plan on teaching forever. I do plan on doing it for a while though. I love my job abd I love the fact that I tough the lives of so many kids. It's a rewarding career. Although I love teaching, I just decided that I am interested in pharmacy. Therefore, while working on my certification/Master's degree, I will be preparing to go back and earn a B.S. in Pharmacy. Life is not cut and dried for me. I go after everything that I want. You do not have to stick to one major/field/career. Take advantage of all that life has to offer. If there is one thing that my few years have taught me it is KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN!!

P.S. Here is a tip that NO college advisor/counselor/etc. will tell you: College is NOT the real world!!!! NO class can teach you about that. Take internships, assistantships, externships, anything REGARDLESS of how dead-in it seems. Even if you get the newspaper and fix coffee, you will know the inner workings of that company/business. You may discover that it is the most horrible/fasinating field. And believe me, when graduation day comes and you need a job, HIJ is more likely to hire you, the girl who only fixed coffee, over Jane Plain that never did an internship or worked a day in her life.

[RedefinedDiva]

@ 2D: Girl, vacation time is the BOMB! Off on weekends, holidays, summer vacation, 1/2 days.... What can be better!?

[AKA2D '91]

Originally posted by RedefinedDiva


I don't plan on teaching forever. I do plan on doing it for a while though.

My "while" has come. It's time to get into something else. Hopefully, this will be my last year working. (Keeping my finger crossed). I'll be on teaching HIATUS for a few years!

At least I know, if things do not work out, I can ALWAYS get back into teaching as if I had never left. Just know, I'm not taking my retirement with me in case I do come back.

[miss priss]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
students are being short-changed in some instances. But, that is not to say that this comes from teachers who are or were not "trained" .... Many of my colleagues who "trained" to become educators are doing some of the kids an injustice as well. I see it EVERYDAY!

You are right that you should do what your heart feels is right. I know that since I come from a background of teachers and administrators in education on BOTH sides of my families, that I REBELLED against the profession. But here it is, nearly 5 years later, and I do not regret the choice that I made. I am able to touch and inspire a group of children that may not ever would have known what the world has to offer them.

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I agree with AKA2d'91 100%. I teach too, and I think America has been misled to believe that if you are trained then you are a good teacher.......Although training is important, everybody can't make learning fun. Think about the many many times you've been in church and heard the asst. pastor preach or is preaching and you leave or someone falls asleep....(some people do that....)they have been trained but can't keep the attention....the same with educating kids....It took me 8 yrs. to realize this is what I wanted to do....I come from a family of teachers also...but I realize now that teaching is not forever...and I'll still reap the benefits of making an impact in some kids life.

[miss priss]

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