Course of study for twenty something male in the triangle? (job market, theater)

[TheAtlantaTransplant]

With the economy being the way it is, and with a job that will allow me to better my education, I was wondering which areas most of you see the most growth potential in. I know a B.S. is required to make some money, so what way should I go..? I have a good grasp of technical and design related things. Any thoughts?

[lovebrentwood]

We need more clues to this puzzle.

What do you do now?

Do you have any college?

What work do you enjoy?

Do you like working with people? Data? Things?

[TheAtlantaTransplant]

Originally Posted by lovebrentwood

We need more clues to this puzzle.

What do you do now?

Do you have any college?

What work do you enjoy?

Do you like working with people? Data? Things?

Oh, okay. Sorry. ;]

1. Telecommunications Technician

2. No college

3. Design, conceptual things, etc.

4. All of the above.

Thank You!!

[no kudzu]

do something in the medical field. that is the most secure and will always be expanding especially as baby boomers age.

[eloyfan]

Twenty-something? I would visit armed forces recruiters, just to say you did. There are some great, secure programs for you there and you don't necessarily have to be in harm's way. Just thinking out loud.......the U. S. Navy would be a great possibility.

[sacredgrooves]

Well, networks are basically here to stay and with your current telecom background maybe look into transitioning into a more advanced field of that line of work. I understand it is a flooded job market right now, but you are looking long-term. Find a niche area and become an expert. You can save the 25k(easily) in school costs for a B.S. and take specialty certification programs. You can also start your own telecom service business and work for yourself....you will never have a better boss.
If you want to go into a completely different direction, I agree with the above suggestions. People will always be sick, and the military can set you up for life if you are willing to put some time in.

[lovebrentwood]

Military -- in wartime? Hmm. Not my first choice.

Go through all the technical offerings from local colleges and then search the job boards to see if there is any matchup.

I heard recruiters are finding it tough to find engineers. With your technical ability PLUS your interest in design, perhaps that is a career path to explore.

Here is a link to offerings in the Engineering School at NC State:
Engineering News at NC State

Good luck. Tell us how it works out.

[eloyfan]

Lovebrentwood,

It's misleading to think every member of the military is in a battle zone getting shot at. I don't think the OP is looking at an infantryman's position in the active theaters of war.There are hundreds of thousands of service members in other parts of the world as well.

This is exactly the BEST time to join with all the incentives they offer. Fifty K for a 2 year commitment toward your education. The standards for enlistment are higher today because they are done with GED and only take high school grads, FWIW.

Put in 20 years (or more) and learn a skill in a respected, FREE and highly technical manner, walk away with a pension and beenies for life and I don't see how you think that could be construed as a bad option.

I did just waht I recommend when I was 18 and served 4 years. If I could dial it back I would be first in line, but I'm 50 now, so can't follow my own advice.

I suggested speaking with recruiters to get the info, not sign on the dotted line. My 13 year old will get a major push from me in a few years to join the ranks. I think he needs that direction. Time will tell.

I work with an ample number of longtime and/or recently discharged veterans and they are glad they followed that path because now their skills are in high demand and currently heavily utilized by the defense industry, supporting today's military and technology. It surely is not for everyone, but the OP is looking for options/advice and I humbly assert that my suggested option is totally viable.

[TheAtlantaTransplant]

Thank you for all the thoughtful replies. IT is flooded right now, and it even with current trends it seems like it will always be flooded, don't you agree?

[lovebrentwood]

I know many people who have done very well in the military.

I also know recruiters have lied through their teeth in giving people "advice" and "information," then got them to sign on the dotted line, and the new recruits WERE placed in harm's way. There is never any guarantee that you won't be. Never.

No one should sign up if they aren't ready for that possibility.

Originally Posted by eloyfan

Lovebrentwood,

It's misleading to think every member of the military is in a battle zone getting shot at. I don't think the OP is looking at an infantryman's position in the active theaters of war.There are hundreds of thousands of service members in other parts of the world as well.

This is exactly the BEST time to join with all the incentives they offer. Fifty K for a 2 year commitment toward your education. The standards for enlistment are higher today because they are done with GED and only take high school grads, FWIW.

Put in 20 years (or more) and learn a skill in a respected, FREE and highly technical manner, walk away with a pension and beenies for life and I don't see how you think that could be construed as a bad option.

I did just waht I recommend when I was 18 and served 4 years. If I could dial it back I would be first in line, but I'm 50 now, so can't follow my own advice.

I suggested speaking with recruiters to get the info, not sign on the dotted line. My 13 year old will get a major push from me in a few years to join the ranks. I think he needs that direction. Time will tell.

I work with an ample number of longtime and/or recently discharged veterans and they are glad they followed that path because now their skills are in high demand and currently heavily utilized by the defense industry, supporting today's military and technology. It surely is not for everyone, but the OP is looking for options/advice and I humbly assert that my suggested option is totally viable.