Career Ideas...?

[JoeBlogs]

I'm a bit lost at the moment, I'm about to finish my engineering degree this year and the main thing it has taught me is that I don't want to work in engineering!

I've been looking around for inspiration but just can't find a career that I'm really motivated to aim for. I'm open to doing another year at uni to get a masters degree or do a college course or just go straight into work. But I have to choose what to do soon (as deadlines for next year are coming up).

I'd really like to avoid 9-5 days if possible but I realise that most jobs are like that, it's just that I get easily depressed when I can't plan my own schedule or at least have a schedule that changes and feels a bit more free than being stuck in an office all day every day.

Any suggestions/advice?

Thanks

[yacapo]

I completely understand man! I graduated in '04 with a degree in computer science and I currently work as a Software Engineer. I freaking hate working 9 to 5. My dream is to eventually have my own software company or just run a successful internet business from home. That's what gives me hope. I definitely don't want to work for someone else for the rest of my life.

What type of engineering degree are you getting (chemical, electrical, etc.)? Do you not like the field anymore or do you just not like the fact that you'll have to work 9 to 5? If you like the field, have you considered starting your won business? Is that something you think you would enjoy doing?

My point is that we don't all have to work for someone else. I know I won't be doing it for long. I see it as something temporary while I find the business idea that will allow me to do what I like, but for me, not for someone else.

If I were you I would finish the degree, start working in the field, and then figure out a way to get out of the 9 to 5 thing. But you'll need your degree and job so you can take your time to figure out what you really wanna do.

[M13]

Since creating your own schedule is important to you I would recommend a field of work that allows you to make some of your own appointments. Such as Salesman, Real Estate Appraiser, Technology Consultant, Broker, Investor...
I'd also recommend taking a few of those HR type courses that help understand your and other peoples character traits. Myers-Briggs, Seven Habits book, Discover your Strengths...
You have your whole life ahead of you. That seems exciting to me. What's this ?"...But I have to choose what to do soon (as deadlines for next year are coming up)." Deadine? You won'd die if you don't decide now, and you don't have to permanently stick to the first job you decided on. If you have some forms to fill out for school then go ahead, but don't create artificial barriers to succeeding or being happy in life. Just go for it.

[dgorila1]

Don't feel pressured by your self imposed "deadline" to just jump into any job. And don't feel you'll be stuck in that one job the rest of your life. "Careers" these days are a far cry from years ago, when a person would literally work for the same company for 30 years and then retire with a pension, etc. Those days are long gone. Generally, most people tend to change jobs every 3-5 years on average (I can confirm that because all my friends and I have done exactly this. Not on purpose but just because thats the way its worked out). And you'll find your "careers" will vary greatly. I have been in food service/retail, the military, manufacturing/factory work, govt service(firefighter), and my current field(medical) as a paramedic and now supervising a sterile processing dept at a major company.....and I'm still not done. I'm starting school to learn computers/networking because I want to change careers again and ultimately work from the house or own my own business.
Creative types such as most of the people that frequent this board tend to get bored or stagnant in jobs after a few years and move on to find something stimulating. The current company I work at is the longest I've stayed at a job just because I was able to keep myself challenged by moving up in the company. I've reached that stagnant point now and am taking action to change careers once again.
You'll most likely find the same thing. And don't jump into graduate work right away unless its something you really want to do and spend the $$ for. Graduate degrees are only crucial in certain career paths, such as if your goal is to become senior management in a company. These jobs almost always require an MBA or similar degree. The same if you want to work in a profession such as lawyer, doctor, etc. Same for the HR courses M13 recommended. I've been through most of them at my current employer (they keep changing management "styles" to follow the latest trends/courses) and have not learned anything from them that I have not already read about or experienced in real life. Employers could care less if you've had these "specialized" feel good classes. They are looking at your character, education, professionalism, and experience in their hiring decisions. You'll just waste your money taking these courses, especially if you get into jobs where they don't matter(which is almost every job), and many companies send you through them if they use them as part of their employee development.
I would recommend several options to think about. If you are interested in some type of service industry, go to a trade school after you graduate to learn a trade (automotive, locksmith, computers, machinist, truck driver, construction,etc). These jobs are always in demand and ones that you can start your own business in. You'll always have the trade to fall back on for employment if needed, and if you decide to do most of them for a living, you can make quite a comfortable living.
Another option (as long as you pick the right job and branch so you don't get sent to the middle east, unless thats your desire) is to join the military. From my experience as a veteran, you have multiple paths here. With a college degree, you can usually enter the Army as an officer (better pay and benefits), although you'll most likely end up overseas at some point, often for extended periods. The Coast Guard is a good branch if you prefer to stay stateside for the most part (they do deploy some commands overseas), and the Air Force isn't bad too if you choose the right job. The Navy and Marines deploy often, especially if you're at a sea command (ship). Regardless of the branch, there are many advantages to the military, which is why I recommended them. You get to travel (generally you are only stationed at a command for 2-3 years, so if you want to see the world this is a good way to do it. You'll get good training and experience that almost every employer looks for if you decide to get out, and if you decide to stay in and retire, you'll get a check each month and lots of other benefits while still being young enough to start another carrer if you so choose. Due to the cross training and reassignments every few years, you tend not to get bored or stagnant in the military like civilian employers. You can also get veterans preferance when applying for many state and federal jobs when you get out. One more thing that I really miss from the military that drives me nuts in the civilian job sector: work ethic. Generally, everyone you work with in the military will have a good work ethic and look out for each other 9especially in specialized units where cohesion is critical). In the 14 years since I have gotten out, I have worked many civilian jobs and almost everywhere I go find that people with a good work ethic are the exception, not the norm. Same for pride in their work....most civilian workers could care less if they do the job right the first time as long as they get a check every week. In the military, everyone is trained/taught/expected to adhere to quality and pride, and slackers are usually weeded out quickly.
The last option would be to start working in jobs you are interested in until you find one you like.
I'm not advocating any one option over the other, I'm just giving you my advice from 25 years in the workforce and schooling. Good luck. Keep us updated on what you decide.

[JanaMay]

"Generally, most people tend to change jobs every 3-5 years on average (I can confirm that because all my friends and I have done exactly this. Not on purpose but just because that's the way its worked out)."

I couldn't agree with dgorila1 more. You are about to graduate, odds are you changed you major at least once to end up with your Eng. degree. The national average for students is to change majors at least 3 times while in college. I say this because your professional career is just the same. Chances are that you will change companies or career more than once or twice in your adult life.

My suggestion, and I work with many college students on the West Coast, is find an internship this spring. You're a student and many companies will only let you be an intern if you are a student. What an internship is, it's a way to gain experience in an area that you are not familiar with.

I was a Sociology and Spanish major in College. I thought I wanted to get into business so I contacted a financial services company and asked if they had any intern openings. I interned for a semester and I knew I didn't want to be a financial planner. My point is, this is the time to test different fields out if you are unsure of Engineering.

Also, I would recommend going to your Career Development Center and taking a personality inventory test. Something like CHOICES looks at your personality and matches you with potential careers.

Hope this helps and good luck,

Jane

[dgorila1]

Jana added a good option I missed. Our company regularly has interns in different depts, as do most companies. Even small companies that may not normally have intern positions will usually take on interns because they can get an "employee" for less money than a regular employee, especially if they are only needed for short term projects. Its still a good way to get experience, network, and find out if you like the job/industry. Our company has hired many of the interns on full time. Its a good way to evaluate potential employees without having to commit them to regualr employment if they don't work out. Give it a shot.