University - this might be a really naive question

[Delphinus]

I always felt that the major point of a post secondary degree is more to show that you can handle just about anything thrown at you. As stated, sometimes experience counts for more than education and in fact even *with* the education, in 10 years it isn't relevant any longer anyhow: what is important is that the person has demonstrated a lifelong ability towards continual learning. The degree was the first step towards that; but there are other equally valid starting points.

Having said that there are disciplines/careers which require of you a certain degree (ie. engineering, medicine, whatever). So I agree with the statements that some amount of soul-searching need be done at this point first to determine what really is in your path forward and then deciding what steps be needed to get there.

As a mature student ("mature" is really anyone starting off at university that is outside that 18-22 age group), going back to university is a little different than it is for the average 18-22 year old. University programs are *designed* to let you flounder a bit (for lack of a better word, that's not really the right way to put it) for the first two years before you really get into what you were trying to specialize in, in the first place, because you have to take options that show you other things and in many cases, an option can lead to a minor degree or even a change in majors. As a mature student, the expectation is more that your chosen vocation is because you have a confirmed love already for the that topic. Ie., if you were to choose a degree in political science at this stage, it's because it's something you've always wanted to do. My mom went to university at a later stage in life and got a degree in linguistics and literature, which as a librarian for many years thereafter it served her well as a starting point into that career.

This is actually one of the best times of your life to consider a post secondary education because of that.

If it weren't for the fact that I have too much of an addiction to a steady income and a family to support, I honestly would consider going back myself. There are some degrees I would simply love to have because the topics interest me. Math, physics, marine biology (duh) .. But alas, the real world beckons. Perhaps in another life.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Spent far too long at UBC doing a double major (Aquaculture & AgriBusiness) then a Master's in Aquacultural engineering. Ended up working on a lake-based salmon farm raising 3.5 million smolts for 4 years (about half the time I spent at U), then totally switched careers to tutoring (something I did p/t for years).

I loved fish farming but pay sucked (half what I make now), had to live far from family & friends, and working with a bunch of red-necks (I became a pseudo-red-neck with a truck, boat, & swearing like a logger) eventually made me realize it was time for a change. That & I blew out my knee & was getting dumber by the day working there.

Now, my new career required no extra education, just a willingness to work long hours, absorb & teach new subjects, and accept tat there are months when I'm too busy & others where I'm off completely.

In other words, figure out what you really want to do first. Going to U is NOT the end-all, be-all you may think it is. In fact, I can barely name any of my University friends who are still working in their field of study, except ones who studied specialties like Pharmacy.

For many of my less academically inclined students, if they like working with their hands, I recommend that they look at going into the trades, since they will finish quicker & have a solid careeer that is always in demand.

If I had to do it all over again, I think I would have tried cutting off a couple of years at UBC if possible. BTW, in my tutoring, I use almost none of what I studied, other than basic skills like as how to do proper academic papers, presentations, and such.

Think outside the box when considering what new career you might want to go into. Then look forward & think whether or not you can see yourself doing the same thing 5 years, 10 years from now.

The days when most people work at the same career are long over. We will probably average 3 or 4 major career changes in during our working years.

Good luck,

Anthony

[JPotter]

Ideally you know what you want to do and then do the degree that will get you there. A Bachelor degree is just the begining..a ticket to the next step...from there you branch out into something that will hopefully get you employed. Some of the professional programs can be entered before you complete your degree..depends on the program, your GPA and for some programs your score on specific entrance examinations.
It is never too late to start but it can be a long, expensive journey if you don't know what your end goal is

[globaldesigns]

Personally, make a list of things you like doing, your passions. Then, see what kind of career opportunities there are for you in those listed, then look into education.

Don't just pick a job cuz, I believe you have to enjoy things, otherwise were are you in a few years.... Very unhappy and looking again.

I am lucky, I do what I love, so it isn't work for me.

Good Luck!