Career Help

[BlackMumbo]

Hello all!

I'm a rising freshman who will be attending UGA the fall. However I have had serious issues deciding on a major. Last fall I applied to 13 schools to keep my options open and got into all of them. As I started narrowing down the schools, the decision process became more and more difficult. Here is the issue laid out as best I can.

I come from a fairly well off family so in order to main standard of living I would at least need to make 100~200k in Salary, which vastly limits job options. I'm also fairly introvereted (Obviously since i'm INTP). I don't do well in parties or mixers etc.

My number one career choice would be a career in film as either a Director or Director of photography however it is highly unlikely I would be able to "make it" in this field. I have experience in it, learning to edit when i was 14 and starting a small company making some videos for some video game companies. Still I do not want to live the life of the struggling artist in hope that I one day make it big(Even though if one does make it the potential salary outweighs all other choices.) Here is a few examples of work I have done if anyone cares to watch(I just recently got into live action so I only have one shot as a sample):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lG2HIxXhoI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA7DVIHkxUM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLML2Kw6uew



Number two choice was a job as a pilot however I am color blind so this option is impossible.

My remaining choices become more based on financial gain than love of the job.

There is Petroleum Engineering and Dentistry(More so Orthodontics). Orthodontics would be fun since I actually have somewhat of a passion of straightening teeth however besides the 11 year dedication it takes to become an Orthodontist one must be in the top 10% of your dental class to even be considered for an orthodontics residency, which means even if I get past the hurdles to get into Dental school there are still no guarantees. Normal Dentistry does not interest me nearly as much, and i'm still not sure if I want to commit 8 years of my life to it, especially when you won't make an income right after graduation until you start your practice and income starts flowing. It seems more of a life style than a career which i'm not sure how I feel about. The other issue is that I never was much of a person to work with my hands, and Dentist obviously have to do so, so this is a worry. I have always loved Science, Physics in particular.

Petroleum Engineering is only four years , no annoying test to beat or insane GPA to maintain but if I took this route I would either have to transfer out of UGA at a point or major in another course(More than likely engineering even though engineering at UGA is a third-tier program) and then go for a masters in petroleum engineering. I was admitted to three schools that offer the major(LSU,ULL,ULM) however I have already given UGA so much money and started making social connections that I don't want to pull out now. This job is two weeks on two weeks off which at least allows me time to venture into other fields of study and still work on film in my time off however during the two weeks I am on I will be working 12 hour days in the middle of nowhere. Also, Math has always been my weakest subject, having twice gotten a C(One in Geometry, one in Pre-Cal) while in high school. Again I was never much of a person to work with their hands, if it matters. I do enjoy the adventure of Petroleum Engineering though and the pioneering aspect of it. Here is a trailer from the movie "There will be blood" if you want to see what I mean(Which is an amazing movie I must say):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml2Ae2SIXac&feature=player_detailpage#t=45s

I assume the last real option that I am aware of currently is to become a Lawyer which would be an interesting job with the exception of having to draw up contracts. History and English were always my best subjects however all careers in these categories seem to all lead to a warm seat behind a counter at starbucks, and even lawyers are experiencing severe unemployment issues, so unless I get into a top 10 law school this might not be a smart choice.

Any help or suggestions? As you can see I am very confused. If only this could be my career.

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

http://www.engineering.uga.edu/#

Of the list of available undergrad engineering majors available at UGA, which would you prefer most?

 

[BlackMumbo]

http://www.engineering.uga.edu/#

Of the list of available undergrad engineering majors available at UGA, which would you prefer most?

Probably Mechanical, most versatile, lots of fields to go into. I have always had a LOVE for planes and more recently cars so it would make sense for me to Mechanical over the others, however Enviromental might be better if I plan on doing a masters in Petroleum(Ironic I know).

 

[Architect]

You sound like an ISTP, so petroleum engineering would probably be your best choice and would provide the income you're looking for.

 

[BlackMumbo]

You sound like an ISTP, so petroleum engineering would probably be your best choice and would provide the income you're looking for.

Yeah I am definitely not ISTP haha(I have tested multiple times and always came out INTP except for once case where it came out INTJ) : http://www.mypersonality.info/blackmumbo/

 

[Architect]

The tests just get you in the ballpark. For example the tests have an intuitive bias so S types continually type themselves as N's. A deeper understanding of typology also shows that Sensors DO have intuition, just in their tertiary (ISTP) or inferior. Actually determining your exact type takes time and life experience.

Regardless I take it back, you'd make the most money from straightening teeth, I'd recommend that.

 

[BlackMumbo]

The tests just get you in the ballpark. For example the tests have an intuitive bias so S types continually type themselves as N's. A deeper understanding of typology also shows that Sensors DO have intuition, just in their tertiary (ISTP) or inferior. Actually determining your exact type takes time and life experience.

Regardless I take it back, you'd make the most money from straightening teeth, I'd recommend that.

Hmm I see, I know the online test are never a perfect indicator if type, so every result has to be taken with a grain of salt.

Still you are alright, although I am not sure if the salary you earn is worth 11 years of making nothing and even then paying to go to School. Even with fincancial backing i'm still looking at rather handsome loans to pay back.

The entire situation is rather frustrating >_<

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

Probably Mechanical, most versatile, lots of fields to go into. I have always had a LOVE for planes and more recently cars so it would make sense for me to Mechanical over the others, however Enviromental might be better if I plan on doing a masters in Petroleum(Ironic I know).

Mechanical it is, imho. It provides versatility, it certainly doesn't rule out grad school or later specialization, the earlier coursework will most likely be shared with alternate engineering majors so transfers or changes of major aren't out of the question, job security and income are high, and it utilizes the artistic skillset you've already developed.

 

[Architect]

Still you are alright, although I am not sure if the salary you earn is worth 11 years of making nothing and even then paying to go to School. Even with fincancial backing i'm still looking at rather handsome loans to pay back.

As an orthodontist you mean? Ho boy, if you do a little of the right marketing you can be a millionaire many times over. My sons ortho certainly is. He has several offices, and advertises and runs many programs to spread the word and bring kids in. Consider, we paid thousands of dollars for what amounts to a little piece of plastic with some wires stuck in it. That's pure genius.

 

[BlackMumbo]

Mechanical it is, imho. It provides versatility, it certainly doesn't rule out grad school or later specialization, the earlier coursework will most likely be shared with alternate engineering majors so transfers or changes of major aren't out of the question, job security and income are high, and it utilizes the artistic skillset you've already developed.

This is all very true, you make a very good point. The only thing I am worried about is that even though UGA is a fairly high ranked school(For a State school anyway) the engineering program is not really that great, which makes me wonder if that would become a problem when trying to transfer or get into grad school.

 

[BlackMumbo]

As an orthodontist you mean? Ho boy, if you do a little of the right marketing you can be a millionaire many times over. My sons ortho certainly is. He has several offices, and advertises and runs many programs to spread the word and bring kids in. Consider, we paid thousands of dollars for what amounts to a little piece of plastic with some wires stuck in it. That's pure genius.

Haha well business and advertising were never really a problem for me: http://www.efsfilms.com/

It is genius and slightly ridiculous that they can make so much from tiny pieces of metal and plastic. Thinking about it forever if one can get pasy the not making an income until they are 28 going on 29 they are in for a very pleasant lifestlye from 30 on.

 

[pjoa09]

just throwing it out there... computer science?

fancy it?

engineering as well.

I am into cars and programming.

I am not a pure INTP. I consider myself IXTP. I keep on arguing back and forth.

I never liked Flight Simulator though.

It's too damn boring.

Maybe you'd fancy Biology because my brother wanted to become a pilot as well.

I think it's a common desire to be a pilot.
Never understood it.

 

[BlackMumbo]

just throwing it out there... computer science?

fancy it?

engineering as well.

I am into cars and programming.

I am not a pure INTP. I consider myself IXTP. I keep on arguing back and forth.

I never liked Flight Simulator though.

It's too damn boring.

Maybe you'd fancy Biology because my brother wanted to become a pilot as well.

I think it's a common desire to be a pilot.
Never understood it.

Tried Computer Science in an AP Comp Sci class Junior and MAJORLY struggled, worst class of my high scool career(Given the teacher who was teaching was in her first year learning Java and had just started to learn it two months before she began teaching us, heavily relied on other sources for giving us material for us to "learn")

I LOVED Flight simulator.

I am very good at Biology but unless you go to a school after it's kind of useless.

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

This is all very true, you make a very good point. The only thing I am worried about is that even though UGA is a fairly high ranked school(For a State school anyway) the engineering program is not really that great, which makes me wonder if that would become a problem when trying to transfer or get into grad school.

Reputation is often over-rated when it comes to grad school, sometimes when transferring. Things that typically matter, in order of most important:

Research experience and internships (and later on, grants awarded)
GPA in major
Letters of recommendation from professors
Involvement in student clubs and organizations
School reputation

Specifically, school reputation hits an evaluator before any of the others, but often counts the least after analysis is complete. Personally, I earned my undergrad from the ever prestigious California University of Pennsylvania and am now a grad student at Ohio State.

 

[BlackMumbo]

Reputation is often over-rated when it comes to grad school, sometimes when transferring. Things that typically matter, in order of most important:

Research experience and internships (and later on, grants awarded)
GPA in major
Letters of recommendation from professors
Involvement in student clubs and organizations
School reputation

Specifically, school reputation hits an evaluator before any of the others, but often counts the least after analysis is complete. Personally, I earned my undergrad from the ever prestigious California University of Pennsylvania and am now a grad student at Ohio State.

Hmm wow, that makes a very excellent point then, that at least makes me feel better if I decide to do Mechanical at UGA.

Another thought that crossed my mind is to major in Physics , because even though Math has been my weakest subject it has been more because I didn't give it my all(So I got B's/C's/one A if you count weight in AP Stat) I LOVE physics, maybe not as much as say Film but enough that might make it worth it, especially the Physics and Astronomy major offered.

Some more of that video work I have been doing:
http://youtu.be/UZzr-2B0T_8

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

Hmm wow, that makes a very excellent point then, that at least makes me feel better if I decide to do Mechanical at UGA.

Another thought that crossed my mind is to major in Physics , because even though Math has been my weakest subject it has been more because I didn't give it my all(So I got B's/C's/one A if you count weight in AP Stat) I LOVE physics, maybe not as much as say Film but enough that might make it worth it, especially the Physics and Astronomy major offered.

Maybe it would be a good idea to load up your early credits with math courses (or, my personal favorite, sit in on classes you aren't registered for and just pretend to blend in to figure out if you can handle the material).

Honestly, my philosophy is to attempt to create your own niche based on what you find enjoyable. Film and physics brings up Carl Sagan-esque ideas (the Carl Sagan of mechanical engineering?). Or perhaps film can be maintained as a hobby? You're certainly good at it though...

 

[Absurdity]

Honestly, my philosophy is to attempt to create your own niche based on what you find enjoyable. Film and physics brings up Carl Sagan-esque ideas (the Carl Sagan of mechanical engineering?). Or perhaps film can be maintained as a hobby? You're certainly good at it though...

Or build cameras for someone like Panavision.

 

[BlackMumbo]

Maybe it would be a good idea to load up your early credits with math courses (or, my personal favorite, sit in on classes you aren't registered for and just pretend to blend in to figure out if you can handle the material).

Honestly, my philosophy is to attempt to create your own niche based on what you find enjoyable. Film and physics brings up Carl Sagan-esque ideas (the Carl Sagan of mechanical engineering?). Or perhaps film can be maintained as a hobby? You're certainly good at it though...

That's what i have been thinking, unfortunately even though I have already taken Pre-Cal and AP stat due to a lack luster performance on the Placement test I have to re-take Pre-Cal, although it might help in building a solid math foundation for later.

Combing the two is a very interesting thought, and I realize more likely than not unless I am part of that lucky 1% film will always be nothing more than a hobby, thank you though!

I suppose now the two options are to either do Physics and then go to Dental School or medical physics for grad, or to do Engineering and maybe try to land a Petroleum internship. Whatever that can get me to drive one of these some day is the goal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NjYGtxClsM

 

[BlackMumbo]

Or build cameras for someone like Panavision.

Wow that is actually an amazing idea, I didn't even think a Mechanical degree could allow you to do that.

 

[Absurdity]

Wow that is actually an amazing idea, I didn't even think a Mechanical degree could allow you to do that.

Might want to focus more on electrical since the industry is going digital. I met a guy who invented a bunch of cameras and I'd say he has a pretty sweet gig. Builds them in his garage and sells them for outrageous amounts of money. The guy is all sorts of brilliant though.

 

[Beholder]

From the op, it sounds like you haven't learned yet that your life will not follow a predetermined course. I would suggest learning how much you don't know (especially about the future) before deciding. Take a gap year, go travel, talk to people from all walks of life, hear their stories, work in random places, get some real life experience before making very real life choices.
Us intps usually spend the first ~20 years of our lives as know-it-alls, until we learn the hard way that Ti is only accurate within precisely defined and predictable systems, and that life and other people and institutions are not something we can predict.

 

[BlackMumbo]

From the op, it sounds like you haven't learned yet that your life will not follow a predetermined course. I would suggest learning how much you don't know (especially about the future) before deciding. Take a gap year, go travel, talk to people from all walks of life, hear their stories, work in random places, get some real life experience before making very real life choices.
Us intps usually spend the first ~20 years of our lives as know-it-alls, until we learn the hard way that Ti is only accurate within precisely defined and predictable systems, and that life and other people and institutions are not something we can predict.

Haha even now I am experiencing that not everything goes according to plan, part of the reason I choose UGA is because I have to go to traffic court for a hilariously high speeding ticket.

Still in the end I decided to jsut do Mechanical at UGA, and hopefully if I get the grades I need I can do a petroleum masters. I've actually found another guy going to UGA who is intrested in cars just as much as I am and we are going to go through the CURO program to work on a hydrogen car Bi fuel system where you can either put gas or hydrogen in.

I understand not everything works out the way we plan but I guess all i can do is just take a leap of faith and see how things work out in the end, as worrying as that is. I just can't take a gap year and give up my admission.

 

[BlackMumbo]

Might want to focus more on electrical since the industry is going digital. I met a guy who invented a bunch of cameras and I'd say he has a pretty sweet gig. Builds them in his garage and sells them for outrageous amounts of money. The guy is all sorts of brilliant though.

Maybe a minor in electrical? I'll have to see, either that, film, or a minor in Geology to knock out some of the Pete classes for the masters.