Advice on Career Direction (Wilderness related)

H

Heroics

Joined
Feb 10, 2007
Messages
21
So folks, I could really use a little input here.
I'm transferring schools soon, and they actually want me to tell them what degree I am pursuing, go figure! But I am at somewhat of a loss.

I have quite a diverse skill set and interests. Two of the more prominent being computer skills, and bushcraft.

Now my question is, can anyone suggest a career that is moderately well paying that combines those two skills? I've been doing System Administration, Software Testing, and all sorts of other computer jobs over the last few years, and the desk thing + some of the BS office politics, is really starting to drive me a tad nutty.:confused:
 
doesnt get much better that troutfisher said. but how about something in the surveying department. or possibly mapping/topagraphy
 
GIS (geographic information systems) is huge right now. If you get that under your belt, it could help open alot of doors. Everyone from the park service to the nuclear regulatory commission is using it. Might be a good place to start
Best of luck
 
Thanks for the Info so far. The book's been ordered... along with a SOG micon to try out, merely to get the free shipping :D . So I've run GIS through a few search engines, and it seems a good approach would be a Geology or Geography Major with a CIS or Computer Science Minor. Seems like it would be interesting.

Keep 'em coming, the more the suggestions the better. Anyone here with first hand experience in a similar field?
 
I can't offer any suggestions but I can say I am in your boat. I am a Junior Electrical Engineer and recently all I can think about is the outdoors while all my other classmates are thinking about capacitors and diodes. I would love to find something that would keep me outdoors without having to hold a shovel for the rest of my life if you know what I mean.
 
Look into being a conservation officer for a state dept. of natural resources. It'll put you outdoors at all times and in all weathers.
 
puukko said:
Look into being a conservation officer for a state dept. of natural resources. It'll put you outdoors at all times and in all weathers.
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It was a consideration of mine, but I would like to continue to develop and employ my computer skills in whatever career I choose to pursue.

Aquacopter: If the book I snagged off amazon is any good I'll be sure to let you know. Thanks again troutfisher.
 
Heroics said:
So folks, I could really use a little input here.
I'm transferring schools soon, and they actually want me to tell them what degree I am pursuing, go figure! But I am at somewhat of a loss.

I have quite a diverse skill set and interests. Two of the more prominent being computer skills, and bushcraft.

Now my question is, can anyone suggest a career that is moderately well paying that combines those two skills? I've been doing System Administration, Software Testing, and all sorts of other computer jobs over the last few years, and the desk thing + some of the BS office politics, is really starting to drive me a tad nutty.:confused:
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Design a bushcraft game that test your skills and abilities along with your judgement in a stressful situation in the wild without a gun . Throw is a few grizzlies along the way with an assortment of other wildlife and wa-la, instant millionaire.
 
I always wanted to be a forester, but chose to get my degree in engineering because most people that I talked to said that it was hard to get a job in Forestry. I have had a good lucrative career that has provided me with the money to spend my vacations outdoors, but there is hardly a day that goes by that I don't regret not getting a degree in Forestry.
 
Geology and geography came to mind. Dwindling resources will to put even more demand on geology.

Instumentation is big in a lot of sciences-- biology and geology. I would imagine that comes under engineering.

Communications can get you outside too.

Sounds like you're too old for the military-- talk about bushcraft! [Recruiter's voice] "So how do you like hot weather? ......"
 
Heroics said:
So folks, I could really use a little input here.
I'm transferring schools soon, and they actually want me to tell them what degree I am pursuing, go figure! But I am at somewhat of a loss.

I have quite a diverse skill set and interests. Two of the more prominent being computer skills, and bushcraft.

Now my question is, can anyone suggest a career that is moderately well paying that combines those two skills? I've been doing System Administration, Software Testing, and all sorts of other computer jobs over the last few years, and the desk thing + some of the BS office politics, is really starting to drive me a tad nutty.:confused:
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Bushcraft is a skill that is hard to sell to employers.
In this part of the world (Australia) your skills would suit some of the Mining companies that do exploration in the Bush.
National Parks & Wildlife services as a Ranger
Or Tour guide taking tourists into the Bush for camps etc.
 
The geology path is looking pretty cool also. The other thing I thought of is alternative energy systems: solar, wind, geothermal etc. No clue how to get into that field though. I thanks for the help everyone, it's been really helpful and very appreciated! :D
 
Im in the same situation as you are Heroics. Im trying to debate weather to become a Ranger, or biologist or some other field like eco design. It just seems like jobs are getting scarcer and scarcer, i wanna get paid decent but love it at the same time. Dont really have any suggestions for you though, best of luck to the both of us!
 
+1 for geology. GIS would combine bush work and computer work. That is what I do (mapping) and it is really awesome. Huge demand and high pay. The mining/exploration industry would be prime employers. Government work is good too but pays less.

I had a job interview about a month ago where one of the questions asked to me was what 5 things I would bring with me if I were to be air dropped into some unknown backcountry area. Clothes need not apply, and each item could actually be a small group of related items. This was a question I nailed without even thinking :>. I bet it would have sweated most others. My answer:

1. navigation gear: GPS, map, compass
2. water
3. food/rifle
4. fire starting stuff
5. signalling/comunication devices
 
Heroics said:
Thanks for the idea magneto, but have you ever played one of those Cabela's big game hunter games? Terrible... :p
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No I never have. I don't play games, but I know a lot of folks who do. My son has it, I think they come out with a new one every year just to keep you buying it.
 
Try US Army, MOS 18A. At first, the pay is probably nowhere near what you're looking for but you get all the gear that you can trade for, borrow, or "combat loss" plus you do spend a lot of time outdoors.
 
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