Advice needed (long read)

[BackOrdered]

Hey you guys have been a big help... another question related to degrees/schools. I know a lot bash on the ERAU path because its expensive and the degrees arent that great.. but I have been looking into one of their degrees technical management-engineering sciences. Does anybody have insight on this particular degree/field? It will allow me to take classes revolving around engineering (calc 1-4/physics/chem/ODE, etc) as well as management courses. The reason I am pushing the ERAU route is they have flexible scheduling and 8 week rolling classes. It would work great as far as maintaining my current job and growing with southwest airlines while going to school. Also since its the "worldwide" program costs are actually a lot lower than the university. Any insight is appreciated! Thanks

I don't think anyone here is saying you shouldn't do what works, but to look at the bigger picture. Harvard, MIT and USNA are great schools too and Math and Engineering are excellent majors objectively, but not for everyone.

As far as a tech degree goes, I went CS w/Information Systems and it ended up the wisest choice I've made in the big picture because 7 years ago I predicted the Supply Corps will need IT SUPPOs for financial data management (and wouldn't you know it, I guessed right) and I'd have a job for life when I got out, whenever that will be.

 

[bert]

"Technical Management" and "Engineering Management" degrees =/= engineering degrees.

Make sure you understand the utility of the degree you get, both in job opportunities and salary potential.

 

[Spekkio]

Skakid, you should pursue a path that gives you the greatest amount of options and makes you as employable as possible by everyone, especially at 20 years old. Your college degree is a lot more than a check in the box to become eligible for a commissioning program -- it can determine what other jobs and career fields you can pursue. Even if you get accepted into a commissioning program, there is the possibility that you get medically DQ'd or have a change of heart. And when you decide to get out, whether that's after 8 years of winged service or 20 years of commissioned service, don't you want to have a competitive degree for follow-on employment?

The caveat is that bad grades aren't going to make you an attractive candidate to many employers. Your original post isn't very specific about your academic performance, but if you are struggling to maintain your grades then you have three choices: work harder, cut back your hours at your job, or switch majors. Using a full-time job as an excuse to get a free pass for poor academic performance will not work in your favor.

People always tell me to "go to school for what you will enjoy"

I don't know where this line of advice comes from, but it is quite possibly the worst advice I ever got in college. I suppose the theory is that by studying something you enjoy, you will perform well and one day have some rosy epiphany about your "true calling" in life and will live happily ever after.

The reality is that if you just pick something because you like it, you may not like your employment opportunities on the other end. There are a lot of over-educated waiters, bartenders, and secretaries making $30-40k/year struggling to make their $300/mo student loan payments while affording rent and utilities. If you're not looking at classifieds and determining what degrees and skills are in high demand and what the expected income is for those skills, you're already behind the curve. Pick something you would enjoy (or at least hate the least) out of THAT list, not the one your advisor hands you with winners like "cultural awareness studies."

 

[flynavy830]

Thanks for the detailed reply.. it makes perfect sense. That is what I have been thinking about lately, as far as my Navy goals. I could change my mind in the next few years, be DQ'd... many things can happen out of my control. My grades could be better, I'm not going to lie. I blame it on lack of motivation, when I first enlisted in school it was basically because I felt obligated by my parents. You know... I had that mindset of "when you graduate highschool you go straight to college" I dont think I was ready, I'm not sure why. But I have had a complete attitude change in the last months, it has really motivated me to excel beyond what anyone could possibly imagine. I am constantly getting praised by everyone who I tell my goals to, they say I'm on the right track, I'm doing great, I have a good attitude, etc. I dont listen to them and become cocky and arrogant, it just motivates me THAT much more to keep pushing, study 1 more hour when I'm already fatigued, waking up early to run my daily 5 miles, little things that add up. So I do appreciate all the advice you have given(and everyone else) fortunetely I am 20, so like others have mentioned I do have time to put together a solid plan for school, work, and my ultimate aspirations. thanks again