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College
- Thread starter Vivi
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- Jun 17, 2004
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Vivi,
considering your interests (that I know of from your posts), you should consider the following.
While the location of the school is quite important (you be be there for awhile) you should consider what is important to you: the environment of the College or the resources that the college has to offfer. For example, the Colorado mountain colleges that were suggested earlier in this thread have great environments for someone interested in the outdoors, but no necessarily all of the resources that you might want. Fewer faculty, smaller number of majors, etc. A place like Ohio State, which might at first seem a little too crowded to you, amy have exactly the program that you want.
Many colleges are modernizing their biology departments. Majors like botany and zoology do not always exist--many biology departments are organized into streams like environmental and organismic versus cellular and molecular. This is becoming more common. In addition, several places do offer more specialized majors like forestry, environmental science, etc. Invest the time to look at your options.
In many of the specialties, and advanced degree will be advisable or necessary to work in the field. Not to worry, education is never wasted, unless you waste it.
If forestry does strike your fancy, I think that University of Tennessee has a worthwhile program. If I recall, the place with the best reputation for forestry is, believe it or not, Yale.
considering your interests (that I know of from your posts), you should consider the following.
While the location of the school is quite important (you be be there for awhile) you should consider what is important to you: the environment of the College or the resources that the college has to offfer. For example, the Colorado mountain colleges that were suggested earlier in this thread have great environments for someone interested in the outdoors, but no necessarily all of the resources that you might want. Fewer faculty, smaller number of majors, etc. A place like Ohio State, which might at first seem a little too crowded to you, amy have exactly the program that you want.
Many colleges are modernizing their biology departments. Majors like botany and zoology do not always exist--many biology departments are organized into streams like environmental and organismic versus cellular and molecular. This is becoming more common. In addition, several places do offer more specialized majors like forestry, environmental science, etc. Invest the time to look at your options.
In many of the specialties, and advanced degree will be advisable or necessary to work in the field. Not to worry, education is never wasted, unless you waste it.
If forestry does strike your fancy, I think that University of Tennessee has a worthwhile program. If I recall, the place with the best reputation for forestry is, believe it or not, Yale.
The main thing is to get a degree. The sooner the better as costs are always rising. Whatever major you decide on make sure it has a broad background. Environmental types of jobs very often depend on the whims of numerous goverment agencys that decide a certain action is required or needed. You can work for years at a good salary in an environmental field and then have programs cut or scrapped due to changes in environmental regulations. If your education/work history is not diverse enough you will be hard pressed to retain a good position in that particular field.
Keep in mind that a large percentage of people do not actually have a job that was in their field of study. Don't be surprised if the stuff your are required to learn is outdated and non-applicable to the working world.
To LongDistance,
If you think that college is hard work and a real occupation then you better stay there because the real working world will eat you alive.
Keep in mind that a large percentage of people do not actually have a job that was in their field of study. Don't be surprised if the stuff your are required to learn is outdated and non-applicable to the working world.
To LongDistance,
If you think that college is hard work and a real occupation then you better stay there because the real working world will eat you alive.
FoxholeAtheist
Basic Member
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- Apr 7, 2003
- Messages
- 2,328
If you don't necessarily think a 4 year university degree is what you want, also look into surveying or mapping (geomatics). Surveyors spend lots of time outdoors, and depending on what you're doing, you could be in remote areas. The geomatics side of things is more about taking the surveyor's information and putting into a computer so that you can have nice pretty maps. (read
ffice job) I think the term "geomatics" might be more in use in Canada, but you could probably find something similar in the US. http://www.geomatics.ucalgary.ca/whatisit/index.html
ffice job) I think the term "geomatics" might be more in use in Canada, but you could probably find something similar in the US. http://www.geomatics.ucalgary.ca/whatisit/index.html
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- Sep 2, 2006
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My recommendation...is to 'just go.'
The more degrees, the more doors will open for you. They have for me.
Of course, it does help if there's a theme or two in there. In your case, I'd look into materials science and mechanical engineering, plus perhaps some effort in fine arts (does no good to understand the science and engineering if you have no creativity or artistic sense).
The more degrees, the more doors will open for you. They have for me.
Of course, it does help if there's a theme or two in there. In your case, I'd look into materials science and mechanical engineering, plus perhaps some effort in fine arts (does no good to understand the science and engineering if you have no creativity or artistic sense).
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- Mar 14, 2006
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There are a lot of professions that will get you out and about, fish and game officer, wildlife researcher, logger, forester/botanist. Guide, geologist, park ranger, lots more if you think about it.
I have a good friend who is working on a Government grant on research into recovery patterns after fires. He spend 4 days out of 5 in the woods all over Manitoba documenting several areas of fires as the recovery takes place, Some of the fire area's were reseeded by logging companies, some were left alone, some were paritally managed and his job is to travel to selected sites and document the wild life, the plant life, the recovery of streams and lake influenced by the fires. So far he has been doing it for 14 years. He expects to retire from the job leaving it to someone else in another 34 years
I have a good friend who is working on a Government grant on research into recovery patterns after fires. He spend 4 days out of 5 in the woods all over Manitoba documenting several areas of fires as the recovery takes place, Some of the fire area's were reseeded by logging companies, some were left alone, some were paritally managed and his job is to travel to selected sites and document the wild life, the plant life, the recovery of streams and lake influenced by the fires. So far he has been doing it for 14 years. He expects to retire from the job leaving it to someone else in another 34 years
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I was a little surprised to see (I think it's on the last page of Bushcraft) that Mors Kochanski is, or was, a professor of physical education at a university in Alberta somewhere. Hmm.
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- Apr 7, 2006
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No offense, but college is not for everyone.
That being said, if you have the desire to learn and the ability to get a degree, then by all means go. A few others have said the course of study is not as important as just getting the piece of paper. This is sad but true.
I have a degree in B.S. in exercise physiology and then went on to become a doctor. I love what I do, however it is not for everyone. One of my good friends dropped out of medicine after four years of college, four years of medical school and two years of residency training. Now he is writing and directing plays in NYC.
If you like working with your hands being a doctor is great, but so is being a plumber. (many of them make more than most docs )
The hard part is finding something you love doing and then find a way to make money at it.
Sometimes college is not worth it. Yes, most college grads make more money than those without degrees, but is it worth the time, effort and expense to you. My career did not really start til I was in my early thirties, and I spent a few hundred grand on school. Also there was very little time for family and fun, until recently. If I had become a plumber, I would have had a career about ten to fifteen years sooner and I would have a lot more money in the bank.
I went to the twenty-third grade in school and now make a pretty good living. Currently, I enjoy what I do. However, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up
Before you run off to get a degree or trade school (or circus... there are clown colleges) try to spend a lot of time with people who do the type of job you are looking into. Volunteer, spend time with, and ask a lot of questions about the fields you may be interested in.
Good Luck!
P.S. The most interesting people I know are in their forties and still don't know what they want to be when they grow up!
That being said, if you have the desire to learn and the ability to get a degree, then by all means go. A few others have said the course of study is not as important as just getting the piece of paper. This is sad but true.
I have a degree in B.S. in exercise physiology and then went on to become a doctor. I love what I do, however it is not for everyone. One of my good friends dropped out of medicine after four years of college, four years of medical school and two years of residency training. Now he is writing and directing plays in NYC.
If you like working with your hands being a doctor is great, but so is being a plumber. (many of them make more than most docs
)The hard part is finding something you love doing and then find a way to make money at it.
Sometimes college is not worth it. Yes, most college grads make more money than those without degrees, but is it worth the time, effort and expense to you. My career did not really start til I was in my early thirties, and I spent a few hundred grand on school. Also there was very little time for family and fun, until recently. If I had become a plumber, I would have had a career about ten to fifteen years sooner and I would have a lot more money in the bank.
I went to the twenty-third grade in school and now make a pretty good living. Currently, I enjoy what I do. However, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up
Before you run off to get a degree or trade school (or circus... there are clown colleges) try to spend a lot of time with people who do the type of job you are looking into. Volunteer, spend time with, and ask a lot of questions about the fields you may be interested in.
Good Luck!
P.S. The most interesting people I know are in their forties and still don't know what they want to be when they grow up!
Vivi,
There are 2 different reasons for individuals going to school. Some folks go for preproffessional programs- programs that they take for the sole/ primary purpose of securing some specific empoyment. Others go for the purpose of learning about a subject they are interested in.
There are a couple things you need to consider. One is, "Do I like the subject area?". The other is "Does this program meet my skill sets?". If you can't do math and science, you have no business in an engineering program for example.
If you like the liberal arts, areas like Political Science, economics, sociology, history, or English- go for it.
If something else is meets your interest, go for that.
There are 2 different reasons for individuals going to school. Some folks go for preproffessional programs- programs that they take for the sole/ primary purpose of securing some specific empoyment. Others go for the purpose of learning about a subject they are interested in.
There are a couple things you need to consider. One is, "Do I like the subject area?". The other is "Does this program meet my skill sets?". If you can't do math and science, you have no business in an engineering program for example.
If you like the liberal arts, areas like Political Science, economics, sociology, history, or English- go for it.
If something else is meets your interest, go for that.
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2003
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- 1,461
I have a B.S. in Forest Resources and Conservations. If you think forestry is for you, just make sure you go to a school accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
I agree with everyone here, just getting a four year degree is the important thing if a particular standard of living is desired. I worked as a forester for seven years before making a career change to support a growing family. I actually get to spend more time outdoors doing exactly what I like now versuses when I was in field about 30 hours a week. I also can afford to travel to places I would not be able to previously.
If you do pursue a forestry degree, be aware, it will be more than just dendrology, agronomy, forest health, ecology, silviculture, etc. There is a lot of focus on management, economics, forest biometrics, GIS (photogrammetry), timber inventory/measurement, etc.
However, there are also many different disciplines you can pursue outside of being a 'dirt forester.' From genetics to silviculture to procurement to land management to timber sales, you can dictate whether you want to spend most of the time in the field or office. You can also go government or private sector. And private sector isn't just timber companies. You could do consulting, power company, REIT, etc.
If you are interested in primitive skills and will travel internationally, I would look into agroforesty. If you have any questions, please feel free to pm me.
Good luck, Chris
I agree with everyone here, just getting a four year degree is the important thing if a particular standard of living is desired. I worked as a forester for seven years before making a career change to support a growing family. I actually get to spend more time outdoors doing exactly what I like now versuses when I was in field about 30 hours a week. I also can afford to travel to places I would not be able to previously.
If you do pursue a forestry degree, be aware, it will be more than just dendrology, agronomy, forest health, ecology, silviculture, etc. There is a lot of focus on management, economics, forest biometrics, GIS (photogrammetry), timber inventory/measurement, etc.
However, there are also many different disciplines you can pursue outside of being a 'dirt forester.' From genetics to silviculture to procurement to land management to timber sales, you can dictate whether you want to spend most of the time in the field or office. You can also go government or private sector. And private sector isn't just timber companies. You could do consulting, power company, REIT, etc.
If you are interested in primitive skills and will travel internationally, I would look into agroforesty. If you have any questions, please feel free to pm me.
Good luck, Chris
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2005
- Messages
- 7,809
Vivi, for the love of God, if you never take anything else away from this forum, take this advice.
I'm 28, and when I was in my early 20's, had no intrest in futher education, I thought that I could get by looking at my older brother and some of his friends who were bringing in 6 figures and never set foot in a classroom.
Fast forward 8 years, I'm married, 2 children and a CRAP job scraping to bring in 30 grand a year. I'm in a similar boat to you, I want to further my education and make a better life for my family, but now with the added responsibility of providing health benefits and an income to a family of four.
Whatever you do, do it now while your footloose and fancy free, your going to be amazed how quick life comes at you.
If I could go back, and be in your shoes, I would follow my intrests and move in the direction that others in this thread have reccomended, the one thing I would add is to look into internships and volunteering with the DNR/fish and game dept. in your area, I've heard good things about the doors that has opened for others.
I'm 28, and when I was in my early 20's, had no intrest in futher education, I thought that I could get by looking at my older brother and some of his friends who were bringing in 6 figures and never set foot in a classroom.
Fast forward 8 years, I'm married, 2 children and a CRAP job scraping to bring in 30 grand a year. I'm in a similar boat to you, I want to further my education and make a better life for my family, but now with the added responsibility of providing health benefits and an income to a family of four.
Whatever you do, do it now while your footloose and fancy free, your going to be amazed how quick life comes at you.
If I could go back, and be in your shoes, I would follow my intrests and move in the direction that others in this thread have reccomended, the one thing I would add is to look into internships and volunteering with the DNR/fish and game dept. in your area, I've heard good things about the doors that has opened for others.
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
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- 627
To LongDistance,
If you think that college is hard work and a real occupation then you better stay there because the real working world will eat you alive.
Interesting. That hasn't been my experience at all. When I got out of college, my first job was at a start-up company (this was in 1982), so there was certainly a lot of work and deadlines, etc. However that was no different from college. What was different was that when I went home after a 10-14 hour day, there was no homework. I was done for the day. No studying, or labs to do, no computer projects. And if it was only an 8 hour day, it was practically a half-day compared the workload at college.
If I got stumped on something, I could just ask one of my co-workers for help (as they asked me for help). There were no tests -- at no point did I have to regugitate everything I knew about a particular subject in the space of an hour. The programming problems, while much harder than in school, didn't have to be solved with someone looking over my shoulder. Nobody ever said "pencils down" -- if I needed more time, I just stayed at work longer.
Most importantly, the work I did got used by someone, rather than just being graded and thrown in a pile.
To be sure, college for me (at an engineering school) was a lot more than 2-3 hours of homework per day -- more like 6-8 becoming longer as finals approached.
So, I've found the working world to be easier and more interesting than college ever was, although I'd never be able to be in this particular working world (software engineering) if I hadn't gone to college.
I stand corrected. Some degrees aren't better than no degree ;-)Hog Feet said:
CS is a totally different field. When I worked as a programmer my work in had similar schedules. However this is not typical of consulting in the environmental field, at least in my experince. It is not at all uncommon to work long hours and then take work home on the weekend. If you don't want to do it, there are plenty of other ecologists who would be happy to be working in the field. The pay is also typically less than an engineer with similar education and experience. While I love being an ecologist, it is not for everyone, and certainly not a fast way to make money. You have to really love the work.
Pat
Pat
Joel,
Thats exactly what I am saying. I never had a workload at college that entailed only 2 or 3 hours of study per day. I did not go to college until I was 21 and completed my degree in 3 years. This was while taking summer courses and working part time the whole year. To me study included the 8 to 10 hours to complete geomorhpology, historical geology and remote sensing labs. This was 8 to 10 hours for each lab per week. If LongDistance thinks that 2 or 3 hours per day extra is a lot of work, he/she will have a hard time dealing with 10 to 14 hours a day in the working world.
Thats exactly what I am saying. I never had a workload at college that entailed only 2 or 3 hours of study per day. I did not go to college until I was 21 and completed my degree in 3 years. This was while taking summer courses and working part time the whole year. To me study included the 8 to 10 hours to complete geomorhpology, historical geology and remote sensing labs. This was 8 to 10 hours for each lab per week. If LongDistance thinks that 2 or 3 hours per day extra is a lot of work, he/she will have a hard time dealing with 10 to 14 hours a day in the working world.
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- Apr 14, 2006
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- 7,021
Hey Joel,
A quote: "The science of ethnobotany can be defined as the study of the dynamic interrelationship between people of a particular culture and their botanical environment." (Aboriginal Plant Use in Canada's Northwest Boreal Forest, Robin J. Marles (and others), UBC Press, 2000, ISBN# 0-7748-0738-5, page 1)
It studies such things as plants used for foods, medicines, and material for handicrafts and technology.
If you saw the movie, Medicine Man (?) with Sean Connery, he was a medical ethnobotanist. I mention this particular discipline, because of Vivi's previously expressed interest in these things, and also, alas, it's what I would be doing if I were his age again.
But Vivi, whatever you do, LISTEN to the advice many here have already given you. Don't wait until you're 60, and realize your options are limited.
Do it, and kick ass!
Doc
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2006
- Messages
- 1,360
Not really, there are some schools, but nothing like the old Ringling Brothers Clown College that closed down a few years ago (funny thing is SteveO from Jackass was one of the graduates of the last class)
There is also the Coney Island Sideshow School
http://www.coneyisland.com/sideshow_school.shtml
Wow, looks like they also added a burlesque school too
your young live, and figure out what you want to do later.
I can't decide on what I want for breakfast let alone future carreers and whatnot (hence the reason I don't have any ink work either)
I would recommend something requiring technical skill that has to do with development. This gets you job security and reasonable pay. If you think environmental issues are huge now, just wait 10 or 20 years. We are just starting to see the tip of the environmental iceberg.
I went into civil engineering because it combines environmental science with, well, money. I could have gone into the money end (i.e., business or law or something), but I would have lost all exposure to science and engineering. I could have gone into pure science (almost did -- geology), but it can be pretty hard to make a living that way, at least under the terms I wanted. Engineering is a good compromise for me.
However, I have the impression that you would rather not be tied to a desk and phone so much.
There are lots of people with whom I work, wetlands delineators, soils experts, surveyors, etc., who spend a lot more time outdoors than I do. They make good money and have a lot of job security working in a medium we all enjoy being immersed in.
Before you get the impression that working in this indistry amounts to raping the earth, consider that generally the only ones with that attitude are inexperienced or unethical developers. The job of the environmental professionals is to solve the problem of how to develop in an environmentally sensible manner. So by working in this industry you actually are on the front lines of making a cleaner tomorrow; you really do make a difference in every project. It is not the pristine pipe dream of politicians and activists, but it is not enabling environmental destruction either (as many would prefer to believe).
Anyway, there is lots of flexibility in the way you can spend your work days.
Maybe some food for thought.
Scott
I went into civil engineering because it combines environmental science with, well, money. I could have gone into the money end (i.e., business or law or something), but I would have lost all exposure to science and engineering. I could have gone into pure science (almost did -- geology), but it can be pretty hard to make a living that way, at least under the terms I wanted. Engineering is a good compromise for me.
However, I have the impression that you would rather not be tied to a desk and phone so much.
There are lots of people with whom I work, wetlands delineators, soils experts, surveyors, etc., who spend a lot more time outdoors than I do. They make good money and have a lot of job security working in a medium we all enjoy being immersed in.
Before you get the impression that working in this indistry amounts to raping the earth, consider that generally the only ones with that attitude are inexperienced or unethical developers. The job of the environmental professionals is to solve the problem of how to develop in an environmentally sensible manner. So by working in this industry you actually are on the front lines of making a cleaner tomorrow; you really do make a difference in every project. It is not the pristine pipe dream of politicians and activists, but it is not enabling environmental destruction either (as many would prefer to believe).
Anyway, there is lots of flexibility in the way you can spend your work days.
Maybe some food for thought.
Scott
- Joined
- Dec 16, 1998
- Messages
- 219
If you are interisted in looking out west, like Southwest Idaho, Boise State University offers A.A.S and B.A.S. in wildland fire management. The biology department is one of the few that offers a M.S. in raptor biology and works very closely with the World Center for Birds of Prey. If you want to see if those interest you before throwing in to go to school look around on line, the World Center for Birds of Prey often has openings for volunteers and NIFC (National Interagency Fire Center) needs bodies every summer everything from fire fighters to logistics people and cooks and drivers.
Todd
Todd