take a break or transfer?
I'm a sophomore in college. I no longer wish to pursue the career I once thought I wanted so I plan to graduate with an associates degree in May 2008.
My question is, should I transfer to another university to "figure out" what I want to do, or should I take a break and try and "figure out" what I want to do?
(Please note-- I am 110% sure I want to graduate in May 2008 with the degree I am in now, I just need some suggestions, I also am going to have ~$28,000 in student loans at the end of May if that matters.)
Update:Haha, I meant the 28,000 is including both the first and second years of all that stuff.
Comments
Just an addition to what has already been said. . . . taking a break means having to begin paying back student loans, so obviously that has to be considered.
May is still a long time away. Can you use the time between now and then -- especially the next three or four months -- to try to determine a career goal?
Interview your parent's friends, your friends' parents, the person behind you in the grocery checkout. . . . anyone and everyone you can think of. What do they like about their job? What do they dislike? What do they do differently if they could start all over again?
Ask the professors who have gotten to know you for their opinions. What do they see as your strengths? Are there options they might suggest that you could research?
You don't have to wait to figure this out. You can make it an assignment right now. Think of it as investigative reporting. It's actually a fun task because almost anyone likes to talk about him or herself.
Good luck.
I transferred colleges, then I also ended up switching majors at my new school. It all depends on your personal choice. If you feel you need a break, then take one. Some schools will allow you to take a leave on absence, however your funding sources may start expecting payments as well if you are not enrolled. Being so close to graduation, try to stick with it. $28,000 is not really to awful bad, I graduate in Jan of 08' and i'm already looking at 40k..lol Another point is be careful if you do decide to transfer.. some credits may or may not. Talk to your academic advisor or counselor, they may know something you don't.
Also remember that even though you are going to school for one thing, many companies are looking for just a degree. It really wouldn't matter for some if it was for Underwater Basket Weaving..lol The degree shows that you can stick something out..
You came so far now, if you feel you must, switch majors into a more generalized degree. I am going for my B.S. in Business Admin. with a major in IT Management and Human Resources. Good luck in whatever you decide!
Transfer. After getting the degree. Also, try looking for a less expensive school. I got loans for grad and undergrad and they were only about 35,000. Try choosing a field that allows you some flexibility like Interdisciplinary Studies. It may also be possible to get a work study position that may turn into a real job after graduation. If you make friends in certain departments they will help you move up the ranks.
Whatever you do, don't stop your schooling. Your classes expire after five years or so and it's harder to get back into school if you stop. Trying to find what you want to do may take years and years...even people in their 40's change careers often. Just because you get a bachelors degree doesn't mean you have to work in that field. Nowadays, a bachelor's degree is equivalent to a high school diploma. Use those years in obtaining your bachelors degree to figure out what it is you want to pursue after college and enroll in your masters degree program with what you have chosen to do for the next 10 years or so. Just stay in school unless you have a job lined up for you that can give you invaluable experience.
Transfer - you don't want to start paying back those loans yet.
its better if u graduate with the present degree....after that u got plenty of time to figure out wat u actually wanna do!!! everybody goes through the same path...they learn or do something they dont like inorder to learn or do something they like!!!! that how life is!!!!best of luck!!