What To Do - Pivotal Career Decision

[Bmw]

Hey,

 

 

 

Well, before anyone says that it's sad to ask advice on a forum...don't. I'm really at a crossroad, and honestly don't know what to do. A lot of the people on these boards are computer educated, and smart people at that. So why not get several educated opinions at once?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyhow, onto my dilemma. I'm 16 years old, and will graduate from high school in about a year. I've always wanted to go into computers, but I'm at a point where saying "computers" is just too general. I have been offered an amazing opportunity to study with top university professors in Canada, which costs upwards from $2500 to attend, in addition to having be accepted first. The thing is, it's a Chemistry related workshop. I will spend an entire month in the summer with the professor, where my knowledge on Chemistry subjects will be greatly enhanced. Along with gaining valuable knowledge, my chances at a high scholarship will be greatly improved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My problem is, I will have to take time away from work. If I decide to proceed flying to the other end of this large country to live for a month, I want my time to be worth it. I don't know if I should go into Computer Engineering (which requires top maths, and sciences) or pursue a career in Information Technology, whereas the areas of work there are more business related. I love both, and just can't choose between the two fields. If I remain home, an opportunity to work in a political office is also at hand, so this is truly a pivotal decision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm now turning to details such as what my life will be like in the two careers. Clearly Engineering is more math and number demanding, which can be a tough thing. However, I don't know what the money is like in each field, meaning is there much of a salary difference? What about job opportunities? I know many of you out there are also looking into similar careers, so it would be greatly appriciated if you could quickly take the time to help guide me in the right direction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just to add, under certain circumstances, the $2500 pricetag may possibly be completely eliminated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to work with computers either way, but will it be in Business, or Engineering?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computers

 

 

 

Business | Engineering

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

:x :?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Days left to make my final decision, and now, tip it, I'm looking to you for advice. Thanks a lot,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AD

[knives669]

It might be a good idea to look into salaries in each field. I know some people don't want to choose a job just based on how much money you're going to make, but it can really be a deciding factor in what you want to do. Also, look at job demand. Is there more of a demand for Computer science/engineering or is there a greater demand in the business field? Do you prefer computer sciences over the business aspect? Or do you like to deal with people?

 

 

 

To me, going to Canada sounds like a great opportunity and it seems as though it would be worth your time plus, it would be a great experience. I think, that you need to look into both career fields more thoroughly. In my business careers class that I took last year, we went to a website that had alot of useful information about job outlook, what it would be like to work in that career field, and salaries. I will try to find it for you. :D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edit: Here's the site.

 

 

 

http://www.bls.gov/oco/

 

 

 

Once you get there, go up to the right corner and you will see OOH Search/ A-Z Index. If you click there, you can search for any career and they'll give you a pretty detailed description of the career plus jobs related to that career. Part of the description should include salary, work environment, education required for that field, and job outlook plus predictions as to whether or not the job out look will increase or decrease.

[insane]

I have been offered an amazing opportunity to study with top university professors in Canada, which costs upwards from $2500 to attend, in addition to having be accepted first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Could you clarify this please? (about being offered and yet having to be accepted first) And seeing as I'm an Ontarian too, the name of hte school would be nice :)

[Bmw]

Well, the program itself is called ShadValley , and can be accessed at http://www.shad.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From what I know thus far, you have to be reccomended to the program, and fill out an application. After your app is reviewd, and if you are accepted into the program, you pay roughly $2500 to attend, where they will then place you in a certain location, which can be at any of the universities participating. My teacher will be reccomending me to the program, but it wouldn't be guaranteed that I'd be accepted. However, as they do look at your Chemistry and Math marks, I'm quite confident I'll be accepted. I have a 98% in Math, and a 94% in Chemistry.

[Pete_the_Viscous]

I suggest that, if you enjoy both equally, you pick the course which would be most difficult to teach to yourself; engineering would probably be better taught by someone else, whereas ICT you could learn about in your spare time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also... if you're mainly interested in getting the best career, I'd actually just go for the one which sounds most impressive. To me, this is computer engineering over ICT; this might just be me, though.

[Electric555]

I'd say go into a more busiess related field. I'm currently 2nd year at a College/University in Vancouver Canada. I have take a program which will get me a Diploma in Technology which is business related. This program I am taking is 2 years long. You might think thats short but do know this. In these 2 years I have had over 32 courses and only 6 of them were half term. I see more and more of my friends following in the same footsteps as I am.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a high demand for business related fields in Canada. My other friend is 3 years older than me and he has a BioChemist degree and currently he is out of a job.

[indy500fan]

you dont have to go to college right away, if you want to save up some money first before going its not a bad idea. sounds like you have a chance to go for free though, if that is the case, take it. if not, consider waiting a while, taking that job that you could get, and see how much you like it. if you do like it, you get paid enough, maybe stick with it and go to night school somewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

these are things people normally dont think about doing. not saying you should do it, just think about it. i graduated high school in may, and ive been working a full time job, and two part time jobs (up until 2 weeks ago when my full time became a once or twice a week job). im going to take night classes starting in january, working around them. i have enough saved up for 4 years of college (at a local college) now, and i can buy a car and easily afford the payments. all my friends are now around $8,000 in debt (except for those with rich parents, they arent in debt at all, and the one who went to college free because his parents divorced at the right time), and they all were saying how they should have worked more before going. its just an idea :D

[jak722]

Have you talked to your guidance councellor?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cuz this is my last year too and im also thinking of moving to another city to do my studies there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My problem is, I will have to take time away from work. If I decide to proceed flying to the other end of this large country to live for a month, I want my time to be worth it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well im planning to either stay in Toronto or go to Ottawa at Carleton University. That would be like 4+ years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or I might stay here and go to Ryerson or UT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 month is nothing lol. Your campus might ALMOST ALWAYS provide dorms for 1st year students.

 

 

 

And ask their student services for jobs. They really help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Either way, Toronto has alot of Colleges and Universities anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know if I should go into Computer Engineering (which requires top maths, and sciences) or pursue a career in Information Technology, whereas the areas of work there are more business related.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personally I really SUCK at math...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is ABSOLUTELY no point of taking sciences in grade 12 if it is not a required course to take.

 

 

 

I suggest you take IT instead. Take Business English courses and Calculus and all those other math courses. Also you might consider computer sciences... Very important skill that teachers keep saying...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love both, and just can't choose between the two fields. If I remain home, an opportunity to work in a political office is also at hand, so this is truly a pivotal decision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go with watever seems more likely to happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm now turning to details such as what my life will be like in the two careers. Clearly Engineering is more math and number demanding, which can be a tough thing. However, I don't know what the money is like in each field, meaning is there much of a salary difference? What about job opportunities?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know many of you out there are also looking into similar careers, so it would be greatly appriciated if you could quickly take the time to help guide me in the right direction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ON AVERAGE, students with college degrees in skill trades GET MORE JOBS that University students with JUST Bachelor degrees.

 

 

 

Some jobs actually just require you to have a certificate in a specialty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salary for College graduates with degrees are often 20k to 40k. Depends really.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any similar careers? Hmm...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you tried computer programming in general?

 

 

 

I dont really know right now, but I do have a BUNDLE of University and College brochures lol. Im gonna get back to you prolly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just to add, under certain circumstances, the $2500 pricetag may possibly be completely eliminated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONE WORD MY FRIEND...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OSAP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go apply for it. :wink:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to work with computers either way, but will it be in Business, or Engineering?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I suggest Business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accountants and such are still in high demand and if you advance far enough, you can get good salaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the end it depends on you, but you still have like what, half a year to think about?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh and I really suggest you go on College first before University.

 

 

 

Its cheaper, employers often hire graduates more and its alot easier than university...

[tnuac]

hmm think you should have had enough advice there..anyway I'll just help out (if you manage to read this before).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You have to chose a career you enjoy and think that you will never tire of. Personaly, I'm going to college / university and getting a degree first. You have to balance how much you enjoy it and what pay it will give you. If possible, but I doubt you have time, do some work experience and try the two careers out before you make your choice. You can always leave a job early if you want to (unless its a minimum time contract?). Once you have experience in what you enjoy, the choice should come naturaly to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well that's a 15 year old's advice

[How2PK]

Well, my advice might not be too good. After high school I've tried four different studies, and now I'm entering an open university. But my advice is: If you don't know what to do yet, take some to discover what you really want instead of wasting a lot of time and money on things you don't want. But that's me of course.

[Bubsa]

AD, I've had the same experience as you recently and I hope I can help you.

 

 

 

First of all, focus on what's infront of you. You talk of that program oppurtunity which sounds brilliant. That's a testimony to you pal, for your abilities to be offered that chance.

 

 

 

You really don't have to worry about a make or break decision. It's never too late to do what you want to do. Remember: "Some of the most interesting people I know didn't know, at 22, what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't"

 

 

 

Whatever you decide now, Ad, will not decide your future, but it will allow you to have an experience. An experience you can learn from, build upon and keep hold of forever.

 

 

 

I'm going to a university to study "Law & American Law" which allows for a year studying in America. That, to me, is something I really want to experience, while putting me in good stead with a respected degree. But I'm not entering the law proffession, probably not even business. You know what's the first thing I'm going to do after that course? Try and become an actor. Pursue my first love. I'll endeavour to do something I love, with the knowledge of having a safety in something I believe I'll be good at and also enjoy.

 

 

 

What I guess I'm trying to say is, by choosing something, it doesn't shut the door for something else. It always remains open to those who are strong willed, ambitious and seem to be the level headed, friendly natured person you appear to be on these forums.

 

 

 

Pursue something you really want to pursue. Then go for it 100%. You owe it to yourself and I'm sure in whatever you choose, you'll make the very most of it, AD :)

[runesmithie]

 

 

 

I'm going to a university to study "Law & American Law" which allows for a year studying in America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pfft, all you need to know about that is throw lawyers at the problem and it will disappear :P

[jak722]

 

 

 

 

I'm going to a university to study "Law & American Law" which allows for a year studying in America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pfft, all you need to know about that is throw lawyers at the problem and it will disappear :P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sue! Sue!!! :lol:

[Bmw]

Thanks a lot for all of your help. I've decided that I will follow through, and most likely attend this program. The thing is, I've learned that my options won't be limited. A lot of what many of you were saying is completely true, this program will not in any way limit my future. I'm now leading towards the Engineering field, and hope that everything works out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks again, decision made! :P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AD