Careers?

[Neo5370 132]

I'm going to be graduating from college this May, and I have no idea what I am going to do w/ my life.

Anybody else out there having or have had a similar crisis?

I thought I wanted to be a chef, tried working at a restaurant but I hated the schedule.

Thought I might like working for a pro hockey team, but my internship at the Prov. Bruins taught me otherwise.

I just took the LSAT, but I dunno if I'd get into a good law school AND I'm afraid of public speaking :(

I just can't stand the idea of sitting at a cubicle from 9-5 and doing it all over again day after day after day.

I really only love women, food and hockey. I don't have any burning passion to discover a cure for cancer or run a fortune 500 company............I just want to have enough money to be comfortable and be left alone to my vices.

How did you guys come to be in the careers that y'all are in or want to be in?

[Eazy_b97 1]

I'm having these issues as well. I'm a first year in a local University. MY degree is good for Law and teaching schools, but not much else. I am considering Sports Management at a local University as well, but its difficult to decide. It seems like you've tried a few things out, which is good. I wish I could help more, but I can't. I just wanted to say theirs alot of people like us out there.

[crosskore 0]

If hockey doesnt work out for me I have no idea what I am going to do. I like biology, and studying muscles and stuff, but I dont know what kind of carreer that is. dont want to be a doctor or anything.

[seanmccann 3]

If hockey doesnt work out for me I have no idea what I am going to do. I like biology, and studying muscles and stuff, but I dont know what kind of carreer that is.  dont want to be a doctor or anything.

muslce specialist.

[Neo5370 132]

I'm having these issues as well. I'm a first year in a local University. MY degree is good for Law and teaching schools, but not much else. I am considering Sports Management at a local University as well, but its difficult to decide. It seems like you've tried a few things out, which is good. I wish I could help more, but I can't. I just wanted to say theirs alot of people like us out there.

Eazy..............I just gotta chime in here and say stay away from sports management.

I know at least three people who have Sports Management degrees and are just 20K/year ticket sales reps or doing nothing that has anything to do w/ sports.

No offense to any Sports Managemet majors out there, this is just from my personal experience.

I dunno, maybe it's because it's a minor league team but working for a hockey team's front office (not for the GM, coach, scouts or trainers) but for like sales/promotions, and ticket operations...........it's garbage. Reminds me of Office Space w/o the funny..............or Jennifer Anniston.

General office work is all it is, and it is just like doing school work, only your ass is on the line if you forget to collate <_<

Ahh well, thanks for your support though :)

[Neo5370 132]

If hockey doesnt work out for me I have no idea what I am going to do. I like biology, and studying muscles and stuff, but I dont know what kind of carreer that is. dont want to be a doctor or anything.

Physical Therapist maybe?

[beaucoup_fish 0]

Those of you that don't make pro hockey mite consider physio yes...personal training...lotta things.

I for one have been having a career identity crisis for the last 4 years...I have no f'n idea either...although I am going to write the LSAT and apply to law school...but who knows.

I totally understand the 9-5 grind aversion. I hate 9-5, 6, 7, 8 grinds...they suck. Knowing where everyone sits on the train and what they read every morning is pretty sad...my plan is just to keep going to school until I can't anymore.

[Neo5370 132]

Those of you that don't make pro hockey mite consider physio yes...personal training...lotta things.

I for one have been having a career identity crisis for the last 4 years...I have no f'n idea either...although I am going to write the LSAT and apply to law school...but who knows. 

I totally understand the 9-5 grind aversion.  I hate 9-5, 6, 7, 8 grinds...they suck.  Knowing where everyone sits on the train and what they read every morning is pretty sad...my plan is just to keep going to school until I can't anymore.

haha, that sounds a lot like what I wanted to do.

I feel as if we are institutionalized because the only life most of us young people know is that of a student.

Like Brooks in The Shawshank Redemption...........he couldn't get used to being "free".

[LkptTiger 1]

Right now I am just planning as I go along. Right now my plan is pretty simple: work my ass off, play Juniors, then (hopefully) to D1 college hockey, then see if good things happen after that.

I'm 16 now, and scared as Hell. Outside of hockey, I'm really sure of what I want to do. I'm banking on being an English major when I go off to college (with a minor in American History), and will probably try to carry that into some kind of sports writing (I would really like to have a set-up like Bill Simmons, "The Sports Guy," of ESPN the Magazine). I realize that this is a position that would take a LOT of "ladder-climbing," so it isn't like I am going to get my degree (eventually a Masters, most likely) and just go into the world feeling entitled. I realize that this is going to take a lot of work and patience...Hey, this whole career thing is sounding a whole lot like my current hockey situation ;)

[crosskore 0]

If hockey doesnt work out for me I have no idea what I am going to do. I like biology, and studying muscles and stuff, but I dont know what kind of carreer that is.  dont want to be a doctor or anything.

Physical Therapist maybe?

I looked at that, and I found out you have to major in something else before you can take classes for that. I dont understand it. Why would I want to major in something I dont care about? thats like a waste of 2 or 4 or whatever years.

[Neo5370 132]

If hockey doesnt work out for me I have no idea what I am going to do. I like biology, and studying muscles and stuff, but I dont know what kind of carreer that is.  dont want to be a doctor or anything.

Physical Therapist maybe?

I looked at that, and I found out you have to major in something else before you can take classes for that. I dont understand it. Why would I want to major in something I dont care about? thats like a waste of 2 or 4 or whatever years.

Same thing for lawyers and doctors.

I think the reason for bachelor's degrees or even assoc. degrees is to see if you can jump through the "academic hoops".

They say the education will make you a "well rounded" individual and have some knowledge in various areas.

But to tell the truth, I forgot almost everthing I learned in BasketWeaving101 <_<

[LkptTiger 1]

But to tell the truth, I forgot almost everthing I learned in BasketWeaving101  <_<

Were there any football or basketball players in there with you ;) ?

[Neo5370 132]

But to tell the truth, I forgot almost everthing I learned in BasketWeaving101  <_<

Were there any football or basketball players in there with you ;) ?

Heh, cheerleaders too B)

[beaucoup_fish 0]

Haha Fish. Sounds like my sisters plan.

I have felt the same the past 2-3 years, but I finally realized.."I am still so young, what am I thinking about?" And why ask other people what I should be doing? But they gave me some good tips and made me realize this. Lucky for myself I am still under 20 and have time on my side.

For you guys in the early stages of college..Explore around a bit. See what types of classes you like or fit you. Noone can really decide what the right career is for you. Sadly, very few make it into the jobs they want to do or reach self actualization, but take undergraduate classes to just get a good feeling for everything.

And even for you guys that graduated, I am betting you are still young. And you can always return to school if you find an area that you want to work in. Most people take a whole spectrum of courses in college, and then specialize in grad school.

I guess I really shouldn't be giving advice for this, but just some thoughts. Best of luck.

Taking courses is all well and dandy, but don't believe that you are getting a feel for the industry/career path just by sitting in a classroom. Most courses that you take will differ SIGNIFICANTLY from the real thing.

You'll most likely also find that the stuff you learn in class has no practical application in the real world, even if you work in a related field. Economists don't actually sit at their desks spouting shit about game theory or d&s - the only time you'll likely use anything you learned in school is if you're in a professional program like Accounting or Engineering or Medicine.

So then, what is it that you learn in school? Jack shit, my friends, jack shit.

And you have to waste time in undergrad to prove that you can handle the academic rigours of a graduate or professional program...

[NashvillePreds 1]

I'm a sports management major, I don't really like it all that much. The teacher I had this year was a toolbag and I'm going to end up making a C in the class....I don't know what else I would do though, I've given some thought to meterology, aviation, and law, but I still don't know what I want to do. Thus, I'm going to probably finish doing my Gen. Ed. here then do a little soul searching.

[Eazy_b97 1]

My biggest concern with Sports Management would be job availability. I am really interested in Marketing and Sports management, but know good jobs are difficult to get in both.

[cgin6 0]

Haha Fish.  Sounds like my sisters plan.

I have felt the same the past 2-3 years, but I finally realized.."I am still so young, what am I thinking about?" And why ask other people what I should be doing?  But they gave me some good tips and made me realize this.  Lucky for myself I am still under 20 and have time on my side. 

For you guys in the early stages of college..Explore around a bit.  See what types of classes you like or fit you.  Noone can really decide what the right career is for you.  Sadly, very few make it into the jobs they want to do or reach self actualization, but take undergraduate classes to just get a good feeling for everything.

And even for you guys that graduated, I am betting you are still young.  And you can always return to school if you find an area that you want to work in.  Most people take a whole spectrum of courses in college, and then specialize in grad school.

I guess I really shouldn't be giving advice for this, but just some thoughts.  Best of luck.

Those are some very wise words from someone your age. You are ahead of the game. It is good to keep and open mind to careers. Sometimes, its just as valuable to recognize what careers, and what sorta job characteristics in a career, you do not like, than it is to find one that you love. At the same time, try to recognize what aspect of a job you do like. Like, do you like working with people? Do you like working for people or would you rather have your own business? Most of you will have already begun to focus ur interests already, but just aren't aware of it. Another thing you can do is try talking to family friends to learn more about their job, and if possible, try shadowing them at work for a day. But as was said before, people change career plans all the time. Its normal.

As for the usefulness of earning a degree as a prerequisite for getting into another program, that seems to be a North American thing. For instance in the UK, physicians get into their program right out of high school, although it takes about the same amount of time to finish it. I see positives and negatives from both pradigms. But if you are stuck here, you have to play the game, even if you dont believe in it.

C

[Speed Demon 0]

Like many, I too have no idea what I am going to do with myself...

How sad is this? I have a 98.2% Overall Average in advanced courses at my school... 100 in advanced math, 100 in advanced chemistry, 100 in comp applications (ez), 98 in advanced english, 93 in co-op (a joke but I forgot to pass something in). I have no plans of going to university, so the real question is, why in the hell would I put my self through the grueling torment of homework and trying so hard? Aside from suffering from a need for perfection, I do it as a backup plan if I don't make it in the acting career.

Acting is it what I would truly like to do, regardless of whether it is tv commercials or being the star.

If I don't become an actor, I don't know what I am gonna do. I have been directed to government websites that list many careers and all their salaries and the main thing here is not that the salaries are listed, but there are a ton of jobs listed and therefore, we can find what we like among the list.

Good luck. Life sucks and then you marry someone that won't.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

Like many, I too have no idea what I am going to do with myself...

How sad is this? I have a 98.2% Overall Average in advanced courses at my school... 100 in advanced math, 100 in advanced chemistry, 100 in comp applications (ez), 98 in advanced english, 93 in co-op (a joke but I forgot to pass something in). I have no plans of going to university, so the real question is, why in the hell would I put my self through the grueling torment of homework and trying so hard? Aside from suffering from a need for perfection, I do it as a backup plan if I don't make it in the acting career.

Acting is it what I would truly like to do, regardless of whether it is tv commercials or being the star.

If I don't become an actor, I don't know what I am gonna do. I have been directed to government websites that list many careers and all their salaries and the main thing here is not that the salaries are listed, but there are a ton of jobs listed and therefore, we can find what we like among the list.

Good luck. Life sucks and then you marry someone that won't.

Man, with grades like those, I'd be going to f'n Harfurd, I mean Harvard...

But seriously, with grades like that you have so many options open. And believe it or not, university is easier than high school...you don't do dick all day and there's no responsibility until exams roll around. 3 months to do nothing and 1 month of study. It's a deal compared to the real world...

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Like many, I too have no idea what I am going to do with myself...

How sad is this? I have a 98.2% Overall Average in advanced courses at my school... 100 in advanced math, 100 in advanced chemistry, 100 in comp applications (ez), 98 in advanced english, 93 in co-op (a joke but I forgot to pass something in). I have no plans of going to university, so the real question is, why in the hell would I put my self through the grueling torment of homework and trying so hard? Aside from suffering from a need for perfection, I do it as a backup plan if I don't make it in the acting career.

Acting is it what I would truly like to do, regardless of whether it is tv commercials or being the star.

If I don't become an actor, I don't know what I am gonna do. I have been directed to government websites that list many careers and all their salaries and the main thing here is not that the salaries are listed, but there are a ton of jobs listed and therefore, we can find what we like among the list.

Good luck. Life sucks and then you marry someone that won't.

I'm in the same boat than you Speed Demon. In high school I was a great student, but after my high school, I decided to drop school because nothing was interesting me in college. Since that time, I'm only training in hockey, not even working anywhere. That's kind of a dream life for me right now. I play hockey 2-3 times a day everyday plus I do weighlifting, stickhandling, shooting at home.

I wish I will make a career in hockey and I'm sure I can, but if I don't succeed I will still be pretty young and will have the time to go for another career opportunity. At least, I will regret nothing and I will have do all my possible to realize my dream. :)

When I will be a grandpa, I don't want to have to say, life is hard, life sucks, you don't do what you want in life, life should be fun and guys remind that WE ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE TO LIVE so enjoy it the most you can...

[beaucoup_fish 0]

Its always good to put yourself in the best position possible by getting the best grades you can manage. Right now I don't know what I will do and frankly I can't control it all too well. ButI do know I can control the grades I get. If you do that you put yourself in a good position and open doors, no matter how you look at it. Great grades= Great schools.

Hockey seems so hard to get into, and a few years ago I said, "Oh, I better have a job in hockey." Now I laugh at that statement. Hockey will always be a part of my life no matter what. In the future I have to be able to provide for myself and possible family, which is more important then a job in hockey. But perhaps Marketing is great for some of you. Change of scenary a lot, and maybe one can apply for hockey companies eventually. I don't know how that works.

A good education is great, because as you change career plans, it should be able to make things much easier and smoother.

Well put, Theo. Stupid as it seems, those pieces of paper with your name on it hold the keys to the world...although in my opinion, anybody that did decent in high school can do almost any job in the corporate world just as well as someone with an undergraduate education...

[Neo5370 132]

My biggest concern with Sports Management would be job availability. I am really interested in Marketing and Sports management, but know good jobs are difficult to get in both.

Eazy.......I implore you, change your major.

If you want to get into sports marketing, become a Marketing major. That way if things don't work out in the sports world, you have a general business degree (marketing) to enter the business world.

Not so much the other way around..........sports management is way too "specialized" or specific, and I bet 9 times out of ten, a manager is going to hire the guy w/ the business degree over the guy w/ the sports management degree.

Or if you don't like marketing, do general business.

The sports marketing majors I worked w/ started at 22k and 15k a year working 50-60 hrs a week!!! That's GARBAGE.

[Neo5370 132]

Taking courses is all well and dandy, but don't believe that you are getting a feel for the industry/career path just by sitting in a classroom.  Most courses that you take will differ SIGNIFICANTLY from the real thing. 

You'll most likely also find that the stuff you learn in class has no practical application in the real world, even if you work in a related field.  Economists don't actually sit at their desks spouting shit about game theory or d&s - the only time you'll likely use anything you learned in school is if you're in a professional program like Accounting or Engineering or Medicine. 

So then, what is it that you learn in school?  Jack shit, my friends, jack shit.

And you have to waste time in undergrad to prove that you can handle the academic rigours of a graduate or professional program...

Beaucoup, you hit the nail on the head............and it's not just my bitter attitude. I had a pow wow w/ my dean, and she told me the exact same thing in a less salty manner. Exact. Same. Thing.

[Neo5370 132]

Thought I'd throw this in for those still in the dark, as I came across this the other day.

http://www.jobweb.com/SalaryInfo/04springupdate.htm

I firmly believe that money does not equal job satisfaction, but we all need to pay the bills.

Remember these are just averages taken from this one article, even though two of my buddies almost hit the mark for their respective majors and this chart.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Neo - I am in neither right now, I choose my major at the end of the year (hopefully). Sports Management is offered at another school, I'd have to change, I like the idea, but realize the oppurtunities are slim. Marketing the same thing. I am in Political Science right now, but looking to take another Psych, add a marketing (don't have any), and hopefully a calculus class (generally do well in calc.). From there i'll see where it takes me. I am very nervous to see what'll happen after I graduate University, it seems like under employment is a real problem, either that or that damn Sociology class is poisoning my mind.