What majors *aren't* useless??

[Hunter's Moon]

At this point in my college career, I am still unsure of where exactly I am headed. I do know that I have a passion for the Sciences. It seems however, that many Science degrees (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology) that I am interested in are deemed useless by themselves. I would at some point like to get a Master's, but who knows if I will be able to do that directly after a BS. 

 

Are there aren't 4-year degrees that are not deemed useless that may fall into my interests of Bio and Chem? I have considered Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, but those seem flooded. 

 

ETA: When I say useless, I mean degrees that would allow one to get a job, in a related field, with only their BS. Or is it automatically assumed one interested in a Science degree will shoot for Masters or higher? 

[Freckles]

Nursing. I have a BSN. Unless you're in California, it seems finding a job is fairly easy.

 

[Hunter's Moon]

I know I would not enjoy Nursing, though I agree it is a good degree. 

[Jean in Newcastle]

Pharmacist?

[Hunter's Moon]

I have considered Pharmacist. I just do not want to end up on the retail side of things. I wanted to become a Pharmacy Technician while working through school, but because I was homeschooled the last two years, they will not accept my diploma, and want me to sit for the GED. 

[Hunter's Moon]

I have taken several interest profiles and I always come out with Investigative and Conventional as the top choices. I enjoy working alone --- being left to my own devices to figure things out. I like working with hard data, but also coming up with theories, applying it to the data at hand, and thinking of the possibilities of the validity of that theory. I very much enjoy working with microscopes and I enjoy inputting data into excel spreadsheets and alike software. 

[Lori D.]

It's really hard to help you determine this -- it can greatly vary depending on where you live and if you and your spouse are willing to move or not. Many positions can start with just an Associate's or Bachelor's -- BUT there has to be a school near you that offers the particular program. And, of course, different areas will have different job offerings, so what may be a "useless" major for the area you currently live in, may be desireable and lucrative somewhere else. Again, it comes back to: are you willing to move or not. That factor can really determine your college major choice.

 

Also it is very difficult to make suggestions, not knowing you in person. :) But, based on your past posts, I'm going to assume you are an introvert (in terms of the Meyers-Briggs personality inventory) who prefers working with data or things rather than people, and in terms of the Holland Codes, I would guess you rate high in the "Investigative" area of the six Holland Codes.  would prefer Below are some ideas that require either an Associate's or Bachelor's, are in the science and medical fields, and are less directly involved in working with people.

 

Hope that at least gets you started in your career explorations! BEST of luck! Warmly, Lori D.

 

 

7 High-Paying Medical Careers You Can Do With a Bachelor's Degree

10 Best-Paying Jobs (in medical field) With A Bachelor's Degree

50 Best-Paying Careers With Only a Bachelor's (engineering & medical job ideas are #1-5, #8, #13-15, #21, #23, #25-27, #32, #43, #46-47)

 

 

The OOH is a great research tool, as it provides specific info about many occupations, but also predicts future outlook -- is this area on the rise? declining? how much demand will there be for this job in 10 years? Ideas from the U.S. Bureau of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH):

 

Jobs you could do now part time (after certification), while going to school for what you really want:

Medical Transcriptionist (at home)

Pharmacy Technician (at a business)

Biological Technician (at a business)

 

1-year certificate jobs, 2-year AAS degrees, and a Bachelor's job:

9 Great Health Care Jobs That Don't Require a Medical Degree

 

Associate's Degree jobs

Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technician

Diagnostic Sonographer

Nuclear Medicine Techologist

Radiologic Technologist

Radiation Therapist

Cardiovascular Technologists and Techs

Respiratory Therapist

 

Bachelor's jobs

Aerospace Engineer

Architect

Biomedical Engineer

Cartographer and Photogrammetrist

Chemical Engineer

Dieticians and Nutritionists

Environmental Engineer

Landscape Architect

Nuclear Engineer

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist

Petroleum Engineer

 

Highest Paying Occupations

Top 20 Highest-Paying Occupations

 

 

ETA: PS --

Also, you may find comments made in the various posts in this recent thread helpful: Article: the STEM Crisis Myth -- some great insights into looking ahead where there will be a lot of retirements in the next 10 years, which means jobs opening up. Avoiding jobs that have been promoted for the past 5 years, as everyone ran to get degrees in those areas, and all the jobs will be snapped up by the time you can get a degree in that area. Etc.

 

And, you have my great sympathies, along with my own 2 DSs (ages 21 and almost 20). Your generation is hitting the job market at a time of tremendous flux and uncertainty, and trying to predict which way to jump is so VERY difficult right now.  :grouphug:  Warmest regards, Lori D.

 

 

P.P.S.

I have taken several interest profiles and I always come out with Investigative and Conventional as the top choices. I enjoy working alone --- being left to my own devices to figure things out. I like working with hard data, but also coming up with theories, applying it to the data at hand, and thinking of the possibilities of the validity of that theory. I very much enjoy working with microscopes and I enjoy inputting data into excel spreadsheets and alike software. 

 

 

Ha-ha! I see we cross-posted, and I guessed fairly closely to your work preferences! :D

[Lori D.]

I have considered Pharmacist. I just do not want to end up on the retail side of things. I wanted to become a Pharmacy Technician while working through school, but because I was homeschooled the last two years, they will not accept my diploma, and want me to sit for the GED. 

 

 

This would be the time to jump that hoop if you're going to -- as of Jan 1, 2014, there will be a new, tougher GED.

[Wheres Toto]

Dh is a analytical chemist in the generic pharmaceutical industry.  He only has a bachelor's degree.  They hire a lot of chemists for the lab to run the tests, while dh (thanks to years of experience) usually interprets the results and makes adjustments as needed.     Pharmaceutical companies hire chemists to work in the development labs, in manufacturing labs.  They hire other science degrees and nurses (with or without actual patient experience) to assist with compiling data for FDA submissions, and to run patient information lines. 

 

I used to work with a nurse that worked mainly on clinical trials - not in patient care but in compiling and analyzing data.  We worked education booths at physician conventions together (stroke education in our case).

 

My AAS in Biology has helped me a lot in obtaining higher level/higher paying jobs in pharmaceutical companies.  I've worked mainly in marketing (what my bachelor's degree is in), business development, and medical education.

[JanetC]

I have taken several interest profiles and I always come out with Investigative and Conventional as the top choices. I enjoy working alone --- being left to my own devices to figure things out. I like working with hard data, but also coming up with theories, applying it to the data at hand, and thinking of the possibilities of the validity of that theory. I very much enjoy working with microscopes and I enjoy inputting data into excel spreadsheets and alike software. 

 

Sounds like Biostatistics?  (or Bioinformatics)

[Hunter's Moon]

It's really hard to help you determine this -- it can greatly vary depending on where you live and if you and your spouse are willing to move or not. Many positions can start with just an Associate's or Bachelor's -- BUT there has to be a school near you that offers the particular program. And, of course, different areas will have different job offerings, so what may be a "useless" major for the area you currently live in, may be desireable and lucrative somewhere else. Again, it comes back to: are you willing to move or not. That factor can really determine your college major choice.

 

Also it is very difficult to make suggestions, not knowing you in person. :) But, based on your past posts, I'm going to assume you are an introvert (in terms of the Meyers-Briggs personality inventory) who prefers working with data or things rather than people, and in terms of the Holland Codes, I would guess you rate high in the "Investigative" area of the six Holland Codes.  would prefer Below are some ideas that require either an Associate's or Bachelor's, are in the science and medical fields, and are less directly involved in working with people.

 

Hope that at least gets you started in your career explorations! BEST of luck! Warmly, Lori D.

 

 

7 High-Paying Medical Careers You Can Do With a Bachelor's Degree

10 Best-Paying Jobs (in medical field) With A Bachelor's Degree

50 Best-Paying Careers With Only a Bachelor's (engineering & medical job ideas are #1-5, #8, #13-15, #21, #23, #25-27, #32, #43, #46-47)

 

 

The OOH is a great research tool, as it provides specific info about many occupations, but also predicts future outlook -- is this area on the rise? declining? how much demand will there be for this job in 10 years? Ideas from the U.S. Bureau of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH):

 

Jobs you could do now part time (after certification), while going to school for what you really want:

Medical Transcriptionist (at home)

Pharmacy Technician (at a business)

Biological Technician (at a business)

 

1-year certificate jobs, 2-year AAS degrees, and a Bachelor's job:

9 Great Health Care Jobs That Don't Require a Medical Degree

 

Associate's Degree jobs

Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technician

Diagnostic Sonographer

Nuclear Medicine Techologist

Radiologic Technologist

Radiation Therapist

Cardiovascular Technologists and Techs

Respiratory Therapist

 

Bachelor's jobs

Aerospace Engineer

Architect

Biomedical Engineer

Cartographer and Photogrammetrist

Chemical Engineer

Dieticians and Nutritionists

Environmental Engineer

Landscape Architect

Nuclear Engineer

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist

Petroleum Engineer

 

Highest Paying Occupations

Top 20 Highest-Paying Occupations

 

 

ETA: PS --

Also, you may find comments made in the various posts in this recent thread helpful: Article: the STEM Crisis Myth -- some great insights into looking ahead where there will be a lot of retirements in the next 10 years, which means jobs opening up. Avoiding jobs that have been promoted for the past 5 years, as everyone ran to get degrees in those areas, and all the jobs will be snapped up by the time you can get a degree in that area. Etc.

 

And, you have my great sympathies, along with my own 2 DSs (ages 21 and almost 20). Your generation is hitting the job market at a time of tremendous flux and uncertainty, and trying to predict which way to jump is so VERY difficult right now.  :grouphug:  Warmest regards, Lori D.

 

 

P.P.S.

 

 

Ha-ha! I see we cross-posted, and I guessed fairly closely to your work preferences! :D

 

You provided some great links, Lori, as well as a dead-on analysis of me  :D

 

I am not opposed to going to graduate school directly after getting a Bachelor's at all. But, life happens. I cannot say it will be possible 4 years from now to attend Grad school, though I would love to! 

 

Cartography actually seems interesting to me. Go figure! Geology has always been fascinating to me, but this seems like a more applicable degree. Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Engineer seem interesting as well. By the time I need to apply to a 4-year school, hopefully I will be able to tell with a bit more certainty in which direction the job market is headed for these different fields. 

 

As of now, I am in the Science Transfer program. Required courses are Chem 1 and 2, Bio 1 and 2, Physics 1 and 2, Genetics, Microbio, Tech Math 1 and 2 (and I plan to take Calc next Summer after I finish these two courses). Hopefully I can get a pretty good feel for my likes/dislikes and aptitudes through all of these courses. 

[Hunter's Moon]

Aside from Science, I have also considered degrees in Finance or Economics. I was going to major in Accounting, but I was taking the classes online, and that learning style was just not working for me. 

 

Dh is a analytical chemist in the generic pharmaceutical industry.  He only has a bachelor's degree.  They hire a lot of chemists for the lab to run the tests, while dh (thanks to years of experience) usually interprets the results and makes adjustments as needed.     Pharmaceutical companies hire chemists to work in the development labs, in manufacturing labs.  They hire other science degrees and nurses (with or without actual patient experience) to assist with compiling data for FDA submissions, and to run patient information lines. 

 

I used to work with a nurse that worked mainly on clinical trials - not in patient care but in compiling and analyzing data.  We worked education booths at physician conventions together (stroke education in our case).

 

My AAS in Biology has helped me a lot in obtaining higher level/higher paying jobs in pharmaceutical companies.  I've worked mainly in marketing (what my bachelor's degree is in), business development, and medical education.

 

Thank you for the information on Chemists. I have found that I enjoy my Chemistry class I lot more than I thought I would. Chemistry the first time around, I was teaching myself with Apologia. The ideas were just not clicking. This class however, I have had a lot of Aha! moments and a lot of connections being made in my brain. Chemistry is definitely on the table for a degree (though I never would have said that 6 months ago  :laugh: )

 

Sounds like Biostatistics?  (or Bioinformatics)

 

Another great field to look into. Thanks!

[Hunter's Moon]

Alright. I sat down and made a list of the top ten things I want in a profession. 

 

(1) Respect --- If I have gotten the degree and have proven my abilities through the hiring process, I expect to be treated as competent. I am not one for competition. 

(2) Limited Interactions with the Public --- This means individuals, as well as outside businesses. 

(3) Job Safety --- Self explanatory. 

(4) Independence --- Closely related to (1). I expect my employer and co-workers to respect that I know what I am doing, and leave me to do it well without constant hounding or criticism. 

(5) Data Entry --- Something about a well-organized spreadsheet gives me the warm fuzzies :) 

(6) Set Procedures --- I like there to be set boundaries and set ways of dealing with issues as they come up, so I can be as independent as possible. 

(7) Problem-Solving --- I like playing the detective every now and then. One part of my Accounting courses that I really enjoyed was going back over the data and figuring out *how* everything fit in, what might be missing, etc. I enjoy this when working complex math problems as well. 

(8) Data Collection --- I enjoy researching as well as organizing files, comparing information on hand, and typing. 

(9) Continuous Learning --- I want a career that has advances on a regular basis that require continued learning to happen. 

(10) Telecommunication Abilities --- I would like the option to telecommute, once DH and I have children, a few years into my career (hopefully). 

[elegantlion]

You might look into GIS careers http://www.esri.com/. I recently did a Coursera class on mapping and the Geospatial Revolution, it was pretty interesting. I know some community colleges offer a certificate in GIS. Not sure what kind of job you can get with a Certification or if you'd need to go for a bachelor's. 

 

ESRI even has a few free classes you can take, I did one that was self paced, took about 4 hours. It explains the ArcGIS program  and shows how some of the spatial data is being used. 

 

I'm considering adding that to my studies as well. 

[Hunter's Moon]

I just took a free test online that I think explains me exactly. 

 

Style Results: 

 

People with Yellow strengths are good at managing details and creating sophisticated processes that allow them to get complex work done. Once a game plan has been put in place, it is implemented. Their decisions are based on facts and carefully reasoned. When working with other people, they are fair and democratic and always can be counted on to deliver what they commit to.

 

Interests Results: 

 

People with Yellow interests like activities that allow them to gather information and then analyze it. They like to create systems that organize their world so that there is a process that governs all activity. People with yellow interests enjoy spending their time managing the details that enable people and organizations function seamlessly. Hobbies may include: record keeping, statistician for sports team, personal investment management, puzzles, home computer. Career choices often are: Accountant, Compliance Officer, Historian, Financial Management, Administration, Auditor, Researcher, Office Management, Computer Science. 

 

 

It is funny that Accounting comes up, because while I enjoyed the data entry aspects of the course, the actual meat of the course was difficult for me. This is not the only test however, that shows Accounting as a good option for my personality. 

[Hunter's Moon]

You might look into GIS careers http://www.esri.com/. I recently did a Coursera class on mapping and the Geospatial Revolution, it was pretty interesting. I know some community colleges offer a certificate in GIS. Not sure what kind of job you can get with a Certification or if you'd need to go for a bachelor's. 

 

ESRI even has a few free classes you can take, I did one that was self paced, took about 4 hours. It explains the ArcGIS program  and shows how some of the spatial data is being used. 

 

I'm considering adding that to my studies as well. 

 

That site looks interesting, though a bit overwhelming. I will look into it tomorrow after I get some sleep.

[Teachin'Mine]

Actuary?

[aggieamy]

Alright. I sat down and made a list of the top ten things I want in a profession. 

 

(1) Respect --- If I have gotten the degree and have proven my abilities through the hiring process, I expect to be treated as competent. I am not one for competition. 

(2) Limited Interactions with the Public --- This means individuals, as well as outside businesses. 

(3) Job Safety --- Self explanatory. 

(4) Independence --- Closely related to (1). I expect my employer and co-workers to respect that I know what I am doing, and leave me to do it well without constant hounding or criticism. 

(5) Data Entry --- Something about a well-organized spreadsheet gives me the warm fuzzies :)

(6) Set Procedures --- I like there to be set boundaries and set ways of dealing with issues as they come up, so I can be as independent as possible. 

(7) Problem-Solving --- I like playing the detective every now and then. One part of my Accounting courses that I really enjoyed was going back over the data and figuring out *how* everything fit in, what might be missing, etc. I enjoy this when working complex math problems as well. 

(8) Data Collection --- I enjoy researching as well as organizing files, comparing information on hand, and typing. 

(9) Continuous Learning --- I want a career that has advances on a regular basis that require continued learning to happen. 

(10) Telecommunication Abilities --- I would like the option to telecommute, once DH and I have children, a few years into my career (hopefully). 

 

 

Have you worked at all?  (I don't mean that in a rude way ... I understand the OP is young.)

 

A lot of the things you mention as important are dependent upon your employer and not degree.  I am an independent/self-assured woman with an engineering degree for a top university.  I am good at my field.  I should have no problem with being treated with respect or independence ... it doesn't always happen.  Most of my friends have similar experiences.  There are jobs where you might get yelled at and work for jerks.  More than likely you will have people hounding you and criticizing your work for the first few years out of school because you will be inexperienced.  With a highly marketable degree then you won't have to put up with jerk bosses because you will have lots of options for jobs.  Be patient with the hounding and lots of oversight when you first start working because that is temporary.  Accept it with a good attitude and realize that YOU aren't be criticized everyone just wants a good project. 

 

Sidenote:  I once had a brand spanking new engineer working under me complain to my boss that I never asked her opinion on things or got her input on how she thought things should be designed.  She was mad that I just told her what to do on projects and then checked to make sure she did it correctly.  She was so insulted.  She had been to engineering school after all.  I wish I could have been there because I understand that there was much laughing when she said that.  In a lot of fields the degree doesn't teach you how to do the job, it just gets you in the door so you can learn to do it.  She didn't get that. 

[aggieamy]

Thought of something else.  If you want eventually to have children and stay home with them then look at degrees that will offer flexible hours or that you can do as an independent contractor or that you could start your own business doing.  DH and I have our own engineering business and it's great.  We have a big office in our home and DD can sit at her desk in our office and work on Singapore math while we work.  She can drag a box of toys into the play area we have setup and keep us company.  I highly recommend looking at something flexible if you are planning on children. 

 

OR

 

Since I'm a rather modern gal - if you feel called towards a highly involved corporate job have your DH look at a job with flexibility.  We have a number of friends who have jobs that involve set/inflexible hours (a professor and a midwife) and the dad is the one that works from home and does a lot of the kid maintenance. 

[Lanny]

In a STEM field like those you are interested in, yes, probably one will have problems, without an M.S. or a Ph.D.,  finding employment. In Engineering, having a Ph.D. can be a "kiss of death", unless one is applying for an academic position. In Engineering, I worked with many people who had an M.S. in Math or Engineering or Physics, The fields you are interested in are probably FAR more in demand than many other majors... Those other majors are not "useless", but there is little demand for people with those degrees... GL

[Wheres Toto]

Have you worked at all?  (I don't mean that in a rude way ... I understand the OP is young.)

 

A lot of the things you mention as important are dependent upon your employer and not degree.  I am an independent/self-assured woman with an engineering degree for a top university.  I am good at my field.  I should have no problem with being treated with respect or independence ... it doesn't always happen.  Most of my friends have similar experiences.  There are jobs where you might get yelled at and work for jerks.  More than likely you will have people hounding you and criticizing your work for the first few years out of school because you will be inexperienced.  With a highly marketable degree then you won't have to put up with jerk bosses because you will have lots of options for jobs.  Be patient with the hounding and lots of oversight when you first start working because that is temporary.  Accept it with a good attitude and realize that YOU aren't be criticized everyone just wants a good project. 

 

Sidenote:  I once had a brand spanking new engineer working under me complain to my boss that I never asked her opinion on things or got her input on how she thought things should be designed.  She was mad that I just told her what to do on projects and then checked to make sure she did it correctly.  She was so insulted.  She had been to engineering school after all.  I wish I could have been there because I understand that there was much laughing when she said that.  In a lot of fields the degree doesn't teach you how to do the job, it just gets you in the door so you can learn to do it.  She didn't get that. 

 

I definitely agree with this.  There is no field/degree/position that automatically results in respect and independence (not unless you start your own company and then you have to deal with clients).  It strongly depends on the culture of the company you work for, your immediate supervisors, and possibly even your subordinates (if you are in that type of position).   I prefer a boss that tells me what needs to be done but then leaves it to me to do it, rather than one that wants to tell me exactly how to do something. 

 

Dh has almost 30 years experience and owns his own company and still needs to deal with micro-managing on occasion.  He has the authority and experience to justify his methods and practices, but he still needs to take the time to do so.

[Hunter's Moon]

Have you worked at all?  (I don't mean that in a rude way ... I understand the OP is young.)

 

A lot of the things you mention as important are dependent upon your employer and not degree.  I am an independent/self-assured woman with an engineering degree for a top university.  I am good at my field.  I should have no problem with being treated with respect or independence ... it doesn't always happen.  Most of my friends have similar experiences.  There are jobs where you might get yelled at and work for jerks.  More than likely you will have people hounding you and criticizing your work for the first few years out of school because you will be inexperienced.  With a highly marketable degree then you won't have to put up with jerk bosses because you will have lots of options for jobs.  Be patient with the hounding and lots of oversight when you first start working because that is temporary.  Accept it with a good attitude and realize that YOU aren't be criticized everyone just wants a good project. 

 

Sidenote:  I once had a brand spanking new engineer working under me complain to my boss that I never asked her opinion on things or got her input on how she thought things should be designed.  She was mad that I just told her what to do on projects and then checked to make sure she did it correctly.  She was so insulted.  She had been to engineering school after all.  I wish I could have been there because I understand that there was much laughing when she said that.  In a lot of fields the degree doesn't teach you how to do the job, it just gets you in the door so you can learn to do it.  She didn't get that. 

 

You are absolutely correct, Amy. I used to work as a Customer Service Rep., and while 3 of the managers were great about giving us our space and letting us solve our own problems, the store manager was all about treating us like 5-year-olds. 

 

There are many different sites however that list different marketable degrees. I see Business Administration listed quite often as marketable, but that degree is also being flooded right now. It may be marketable *right now* but when I graduate in 3 or 4 years, it may be flooded like so many others. 

[Hunter's Moon]

Thought of something else.  If you want eventually to have children and stay home with them then look at degrees that will offer flexible hours or that you can do as an independent contractor or that you could start your own business doing.  DH and I have our own engineering business and it's great.  We have a big office in our home and DD can sit at her desk in our office and work on Singapore math while we work.  She can drag a box of toys into the play area we have setup and keep us company.  I highly recommend looking at something flexible if you are planning on children. 

 

OR

 

Since I'm a rather modern gal - if you feel called towards a highly involved corporate job have your DH look at a job with flexibility.  We have a number of friends who have jobs that involve set/inflexible hours (a professor and a midwife) and the dad is the one that works from home and does a lot of the kid maintenance. 

 

Yes, this is also a consideration of mine. I would like a job that would allow telecommunication, or one where I can work for myself. I really love Science, but I also cannot see how that would work unless I become a Science writer, or become a Professor, which I am not too keen on. 

 

In a STEM field like those you are interested in, yes, probably one will have problems, without an M.S. or a Ph.D.,  finding employment. In Engineering, having a Ph.D. can be a "kiss of death", unless one is applying for an academic position. In Engineering, I worked with many people who had an M.S. in Math or Engineering or Physics, The fields you are interested in are probably FAR more in demand than many other majors... Those other majors are not "useless", but there is little demand for people with those degrees... GL

 

I agree that an advanced degree is crucial in most Science fields. I would not mind going directly for one, but at the same time, I fear planning that far ahead. DH is all for me going to school full-time while he works and supports us, but that depends on the job market for him once he graduates in May. 

 

I definitely agree with this.  There is no field/degree/position that automatically results in respect and independence (not unless you start your own company and then you have to deal with clients).  It strongly depends on the culture of the company you work for, your immediate supervisors, and possibly even your subordinates (if you are in that type of position).   I prefer a boss that tells me what needs to be done but then leaves it to me to do it, rather than one that wants to tell me exactly how to do something. 

 

Dh has almost 30 years experience and owns his own company and still needs to deal with micro-managing on occasion.  He has the authority and experience to justify his methods and practices, but he still needs to take the time to do so.

 

I would rather not deal with the public, a huge reason I cannot see going into business for myself (not that I won't change my mind in the future). I really like behind-the-scenes stuff. I am just trying to narrow down degrees that will give me those options when looking for a job. 

[momtokea]

I'm in Canada, so maybe things are different in the states and what I have to say is irrelevant.

 

 My dh is a dentist and imo the best job out there is a dental hygienist (not dental assistant, but hygienist).  My dh's dental hygienist makes a TON of money working 9 - 5, four days a week, scraping teeth.  She goes home every evening without a care in the world.  

 

This year she made $95 000, working 4 days per week.  She took about 3 weeks off for vacation.

[Hunter's Moon]

I'm in Canada, so maybe things are different in the states and what I have to say is irrelevant.

 

 My dh is a dentist and imo the best job out there is a dental hygienist (not dental assistant, but hygienist).  My dh's dental hygienist makes a TON of money working 9 - 5, four days a week, scraping teeth.  She goes home every evening without a care in the world.  

 

This year she made $95 000, working 4 days per week.  She took about 3 weeks off for vacation.

 

I really do not know how comfortable I would be in somebody's face for the majority of my day. I have also heard many dental hygenists suffer from carpal tunnel and arthritis after years of the same small motions, over and over. 

 

I am not knocking it as a career. The Dental Hygenist program at my CC is booming with smart, highly motivated individuals, and they are being placed immediately out of school. 

[Candid]

I'm not sure that degrees in basic science are useless. It would be wise for you to go to your school's career and planning office and find out what kinds of jobs such degrees get. 

 

Just because later on some group of people return to get upper level degrees does not mean the degree is a bad one to get just that there are opportunities beyond entry level that require an upper level degree. 

 

I'd also say that aggieamy's post is a good one to reread. As I read this thread I wonder if you have unrealistic expectations for what a first out of college job will be like. Maybe you are going about your search from the wrong direction. Instead maybe you should find and talk with folks who are doing jobs you could get right out of college and find out what it is like for them. 

[Hunter's Moon]

I'm not sure that degrees in basic science are useless. It would be wise for you to go to your school's career and planning office and find out what kinds of jobs such degrees get. 

 

Just because later on some group of people return to get upper level degrees does not mean the degree is a bad one to get just that there are opportunities beyond entry level that require an upper level degree. 

 

I'd also say that aggieamy's post is a good one to reread. As I read this thread I wonder if you have unrealistic expectations for what a first out of college job will be like. Maybe you are going about your search from the wrong direction. Instead maybe you should find and talk with folks who are doing jobs you could get right out of college and find out what it is like for them. 

 

You are absolutely correct. Aggieamy's post was spot on, and something I need to seriously think about. I definitely do need to adjust my expectations. 

 

At the moment, I think I have a plan in place. I am a bit anxious about it, but one that I think is the best for DH and myself. 

 

As of right now, I plan to apply for the Clinical Lab Science Associate's program for the Fall of 2014. If I am accepted, I will graduate May of 2016 being able to sit for the certifying exam to be a Medical Lab Technician. This will allow me to work much more quickly, giving me a skill set that will directly translate to a career. Then, I can see about my options for continuing education, whether that be employer reimbursement or just attending the State U part-time while working. 

 

The CLS program at my CC has a 100% passing rate on the exam, and a 100% employment rate within 6 months of graduation. They only accept 14 - 16 students a year, to allow the students a chance to find jobs so the market isn't flooded. If I am not accepted, I will figure out a game plan then, but as of now, I think this may be the best scenario for my DH and myself. 

[Mama Geek]

If you have taken or are taking college chemistry, why not just take the GED?  If you can get through Chemistry in college there is no reason that you should struggle with the GED.  If your struggles with accounting were really the online factor of the class, why not find a regular class that you can go to?  You don't have to answer the questions for me, I am just throwing some things out there for you to think about.  I hope you are able to find your way.

[Wildcat]

OP, you have received some great advice and seem to have found a focus.

 

My dd's interests are a lot like yours, and I suspect her result will be the same as yours, based on the results you posted. In fact, I read them to her and she laughed--- Accounting is where I am hoping she will 'land'. :tongue_smilie:

 

I wish you well on your path.

[Hunter's Moon]

If you have taken or are taking college chemistry, why not just take the GED? If you can get through Chemistry in college there is no reason that you should struggle with the GED. If your struggles with accounting were really the online factor of the class, why not find a regular class that you can go to? You don't have to answer the questions for me, I am just throwing some things out there for you to think about. I hope you are able to find your way.

I do suspect that the online component of the class was where my struggles lied. I am considering taking accounting next semester. If I decided to switch to Accounting, here is the problem. In my area, finding a job with a 2-year Accouting degree is almost impossible. I would have to get the 4-year sooner rather than later (I.e. Immediately after my 2-year).

 

With the CLS program, I could get the two year, and then work and go to school later for a Bachelor's.

[EKS]

I got a job right out of college with just a BS in biochemistry.  This was almost 25 years ago, so times may have changed.  It was an entry level job in a biotech startup where there was lots of room for advancement.  It was amazing.

 

If you find yourself trying to decide between biology and biochemistry, I think you'll find that the biochem degree is more marketable--it was back in the day.

[Hunter's Moon]

I got a job right out of college with just a BS in biochemistry. This was almost 25 years ago, so times may have changed. It was an entry level job in a biotech startup where there was lots of room for advancement. It was amazing.

 

If you find yourself trying to decide between biology and biochemistry, I think you'll find that the biochem degree is more marketable--it was back in the day.

Funny, my Chem Lab Professor and I were just discussing prevalence of jobs for undergrad science majors. He said that Chem positions are being outsourced more and more, so unless one aspires to teach, there isn't too much for them.

 

I do not know if Biochem falls into that category or not. This is just my fear with all science Bachelor's.

[Hunter's Moon]

My school just started offering the MBTI personality exam, so I going to make an appt to take that.

 

I am reading a book called "So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love". It is interesting. I have been thinking a lot on passions and careers.

[Hunter's Moon]

I have been looking into Molecular Biology/Immunology, and the more I look, the more I like. I just don't know if it is wise to plan to get my Bachelor's and Master's now, or if I should just do the Lab Technician program and then go to school while working. DH graduates in May with a Bachelor's, but that is not a guarantee of a job that can support us while I go to school. If I do Lab Technician, I will not graduate for 3 years, compared to the 4 years it will take for a Bachelor's. 

 

Still weighing my options. 

[Lori D.]

I have been looking into Molecular Biology/Immunology, and the more I look, the more I like. I just don't know if it is wise to plan to get my Bachelor's and Master's now, or if I should just do the Lab Technician program and then go to school while working. DH graduates in May with a Bachelor's, but that is not a guarantee of a job that can support us while I go to school. If I do Lab Technician, I will not graduate for 3 years, compared to the 4 years it will take for a Bachelor's. 

 

Still weighing my options. 

 

 

WHERE your DH can find a job might make waiting to decide a good idea. You may be moving, and would have completely different schools and programs to have to research... ;)

[Hunter's Moon]

WHERE your DH can find a job might make waiting to decide a good idea. You may be moving, and would have completely different schools and programs to have to research... ;)

 

Logically, I know I need to wait to decide. But, I need to apply to the lab tech program by April 1st. They only accept students for the Fall, so if I miss it this time around, I would have to wait until Fall of 2015. I can apply and if I get in, I can decline if DH finds a decent paying job, or a job elsewhere. But, I really need to figure out what pre-reqs to fulfill at this point, whether I am going into the Lab Technician program, or transferring to a 4-year. 

 

I did the MBTI and will be making an appt with a career counselor at my school. I know it will say Accountant, because all career tests that I take say that. I just don't know. 

 

I hate this uncertainty.