College majors

[Mac Leod]

Ohh boy, every one says I need an idea of what I want to do for a living, Simply put I need to find a major or somthing like that for college (Almost there). The way I see it all of us stakers, for the most part have the same general interests and with this in mind I ask you to toss out ideas for what I may find interesting as a job. so far stew-bum-Mac is out along with professional burger fliper for McDonalds and office work/ computer work is not a logical option seeing as I care for nether. The other thing to consider is what I would like to end up with...600 acres of good land (in Ca.), machine shop/huge barn all that good stuff (traction engines/ H&M engines...) and maybe a nice card board box to live in

Thanks for any and all suggestions

Mac Leod

[Zach Williams]

Well at the moment i am in college, and let me tell you, I have changed my mind about what i wanted to do about a billion times.

First off i thought about being an engineer but i am not very good at math so that kinda took that out of the picture. If you are good at math then I would recommend something along the lines of Mechanical Engineering.

Then i thought about being a pharmacist, but the job would get boring (standing around counting pills and looking up interactions) and if i would do that i would go to a school with a pharmacy program and do pre-pharmacy there since you only need 2 years of pre-pharmacy, but a college offered me a mostly free ride so i decided to go there and drop the pharmacy idea. If you like science, and like making around 100,000 a year after 6 years of schooling then that would be a great job and it has almost 100% placement out of college since there is a pharmacist shortage.

Then i thought about being a geologist, or an environmental scientist since i really like environtmental subjects and science, but the job market was too shady, and the pay isnt all that great. But as you put more years in then the higher the pay like most jobs.

Then i went into business/computers since im pretty good at that stuff and find it interesting. But what i am really going to school for is for medical school. I am taking all of my business classes along with my pre-med classes. I want both financial rewards and personal satisfaction, the feeling that I actually helped someone today, and that i'm not just a paper pusher. Since i didnt do pharmacy i did the next logical thing med school, hopefully i will get in to a med school but if not i still have a highly marketable MIS degree (management informations systems).

However sounds like you dont like business or computers. So i would suggest thinking about what you like doing. Maybe you could be a teacher, but dont expect the 600 acres, or maybe do something in the medical field, a mechanical engineer, or something environmental. Options are endless when it comes to careers, what it boils down to is what you want.

Really no matter what a person does one can still make a decent living, the question is, how much work do you want to put into your education, and what do you want to get out of your work, such as financial rewards, personal satisfaction or a secure job market?

Just my two euro's worth.

Zach

[Gene Fisher]

Everything must start with a dream, all of the things we have and enjoy today took a lot of effort by someone but they all started with a dream. I would say to set your goals within reach, almost, and wonderful things will come to you from your efforts. Have you ever been in a antique shop and stood in wonderment at the ideas and items you see there? Take a simple thing like a paper bag that we throw away, the machine that makes it may cost a zillion dollars but someone made the machine that makes the bags.

[Sky]

do what you love to do, engine work, do it, machine shop work, same as engine work just about, do it, racing, engine builder, do it, pursue the job you like to do, i did, and it's 2 out of this category, it hasn't let me down yet! as long as you stay in there and pursue it, don't let nothing stop you if there is some thing that you would like to do for a job/carier and you enjoy doing that, what ever it is you like or enjoy doing.

my thoughts.

[Jonathan Widelo]

Mac,
I just finshed up four years of college, I majored in Criminal Justice, I found it a geat major in college. Take some advice from me enjoy college while you can because like high school it will go by real fast and then all you have left is grad school or job applications to fill out plus, once your gradulated you don't get to hang around with the incoming hot girls anymore the main thing I miss from college.
Just my thoughts
~ Jonathan

[Jeramea]

I am currently finishing up a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. It does not have math that is in a strait engineering degree. I am not that good in math but I am getting through it. Plus now I am working at a little engine company in Columbus, Indiana by the name of Cummins. So my free time is almost gone. But it will be over soon.

[Simple_serf]

I am currently in college for Digital computer technology. I myself hate computers and electronics. I didn't want to go into engine/mechanical repair for fear of ruining the one thing that I really do enjoy. The DCT major was a fairly good compromise for me because it is a 2 year program at my local college, and, everything (and I do mean everything....) has a computer in it these days. My goal is to work in building Maintenance (hopefully for my current company), which in today's world, means being knowledgeable in modern industrial controls. Basically, my degree will show that I am trainable in whatever my employer needs me to be. The math is a little high end for me (I really Really REALLY hate Calculus), but in the end it will be worth it.

As much as it pains me, engines and parts are expensive. Living even fairly comforterably these days is expensive (I know one can argue this, but, no matter how you choose to live, it is expensive) Keeping that vehicle you go to shows in running/safe/legal is expensive. I don't want a mansion, or a HUGE shop. I just want to go to work every day knowing that I genuinely EARNED my $$$, and come home and not worry about where my food is gonna come from or if I can pay the electric bill.

As to the cardboard box....make sure you put it on high ground and get the thickst cardboard you can find...Refridgeator boxes are NOT good!

Hope my ramblings helped a little.

The Simple Serf

[Craig A]

Hey Mac!!! College is not for everyone. That's why there are Technical Schools. The prime advantages being less expensive AND you get more of what you are going there for besides. In a Tech School you would get a minimum of 4 times the instruction in your field in half the time. Not only that, here in Central Wisconsin MOST graduates of NCTI (North Central Technical Institute) have JOBS when they graduate. Beat THAT!
Craig

[Paul Spence]

Mac: Go for a college degree in Business and Mechanical engineering or a trade school at a minimum. Education beyond high school is a good thing to do. Remember everyone needs food, shelter and clothing at a minimum followed by medical/dental services etc.. Then find yourself a niche market that serves the public in these areas and set yourself up in business to serve that niche. Or, be like my son who quit high school at 16, got his GED and started his own "NICHE" business. He has owned several houses along the way and now has 6 wooded acres to share with dad and his toys. He's now 36 and easily supports his life style and still has time for fun. Don't get me wrong, it came with a lot of sacrifices and he still has to work at it, but who doesn't. Just my thoughts while working on 3rd. shift, and taking a "BREAK" .

[Ken Erman]

I have worked for 2 different Software companies for the last 19 years. I started as a Technical Support person and have over time worked my way up. My jobs have always been in technical areas where trouble shooting skills are worth gold.

When i hire people i look at their hobbies as well as their education and work experience. Mainly i want people who work hard, are willing to learn, and are willing to do the grunt work without complaining.

- What do you like to do?
- What do you do well?

You never know where those 2 things will take you. Besides farming and construction work (Family business) as a teenager, my first "independent" job was fixing a manure spreader for someone. Over the years that took me to several labor intensive jobs, then to fixing blue-print machines, then to software. All my jobs have centered around trouble-shooting problems and solutions, that's what i do well, and i use it faithfully in everything i do.

Get some sort of education after high school, use your natural skills and abilities to direct you, and no matter what you do, apply yourself. Make your boss thankful every day you walk in the door, be the person they can trust with anything. Opportunities will come your way. I have 3 guys working for me that are like that, their word and their ethic is gold. I have another guy with all kinds of credentials, work expererience, and pedigrees that look good on paper. But his word is crap, he does just enough to stay ahead of the reaper, i look forward to the day he leaves, either on his or my accord. There is a proverb that goes "Like smoke to the eyes, and vinegar to the teeth is a sluggard (lazy worker) to those who send him"

Sorry for getting carried away...

[Elden DuRand]

I went to College and studied engineering - for all of one quarter!

I liked the engineering but the math and the attitude of the professors ran me off.

After working in a gas station for 6 months, I decided I wanted something between college level engineering and changing oil and checking tires.

The draft was a reality in the late 1950's so, at 17, I joined the Air Force and got some really good training in electronics technology.

While I was in the service, I again thought about that college degree but, after discovering broadcast engineering, I changed my mind. After getting out of the service, I studied and got my FCC "First Phone" license and went to work for a Louisville, KY radio and TV station.

While there, I dabbled in audio recording and industrial controls as a sideline. After one job change and 13 years, I went full time with my circuit design company and just retired last year.

It's been a good run and I don't much regret the lack of a degree. I quickly got used to the condescending attitude of some of the degreed engineers I worked with and; sure, it made it a little harder to be a success but I think that with a fire in your belly and a real liking for what you do, you can succeed at anything. Ain't this a GREAT country??!!

Now, I'll get down off my soapbox.

Good luck and take care - Elden

[Dan Crist]

There is a college in Kansas that offers a degree in Antique Auto Restoration. I attended a class there several years ago and it was great.
http://www.mcpherson.edu/technology/
Dan

[Kevin O. Pulver]

Hey Mac, Don't let the fact that you like old Junque limit your selection of a career. Doctors and lawyers can enjoy engines just as much as an engineer or mechanic and possibly have a lot more time and money to pursue the hobby. On the other hand, it's gotta be something you enjoy, because life is too short to be in a field you hate. Making lots of money is never enough if you don't enjoy it. And remember, job security is largely an illusion. You may appear to have a secure future, but the company could "go enron" by tomorrow morning. Outside of Christ, there is no real security. Whatever career path you choose, don't forget to study the book that has done more to change western civilization and the world than any other book. The Bible! It's a best seller, and more than that, the Author designed you, and I'm sure he'd have some insight as to what career would be good for you! raycomfort.com would be a good place to start your search. I've been out of high school since '84 and often times wished I'd have had more direction when I was freshly graduated. And I like your aspirations of 600 acres of ground with a big shed. You're a man after my own heart.
Kevin in Nebraska

[Jake Lessen]

I'm in my second year of college, majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Bradley University. I wondered about my choice at first, because I'm not too good with math, but now I'm starting to get into a groove and its going pretty well. Ever since I was able to hold a wrench, I knew I wanted to be an engineer. When I go here, I realized that there were two main types of engineers: The ones who want to sit at a computer and CAD stuff out all day, and the ones who want to get their hands dirty and create stuff. I'm the type that wants to build things. I would really like to find a niche to fill, but in the event that that doesn't happen, Bradley is in Peoria, Illinois, the home of the great yellow father, Caterpillar. There's more truth to that nickname than it seems, because just about every student that comes out of Bradley could go work there. I know I'm rambling, but here's the gist of it. Do what you like to do. My motivation for becoming an engineer came as I was working on our equipment at home, both old and new, and I kept thinking "there's gotta be a better way to make this work". Don't let something stupid keep you from your dreams. If I had picked a different major because I was behind in math, I wouldn't be nearly as happy as I am. Also, just because something seems hard, don't give up. The payoff is much greater in the end.

[Mike Monnier]

I graduated with a B.S. degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from the University of Dayton in 1998 and wouldn't change my mind if I could do it over. I wasn't the sharpest pencil in math, but I scratched and clawed my way through it to get to the core classes. Guess what? In the six years since I graduated I've never once needed calculus. Don't get me wrong, I use a good bit of math in my job. However, most of it is simple equations to calculate stresses or very basic trigonometry to resolve force components. I'm fortunate to work for a small company so I can get my hands into machinery when I get bored with making AutoCAD drawings. I guess I'm trying to say the sky's the limit. I was pretty fortunate to know what I wanted to be when I grew up at an early age. Thanks Dad for setting the example. Mike

[Pat Barrett]

You touched on a topic that I have often thought about. I desperately wanted to be a "Mechanic" but my parents from the depression era wanted me to have a college education, they pumped that in my head, day after day. Whenever I tried to do anything else they told me I couldn't do anything without a college education, or ammount to anything more than a "ditch digger" After I returned from Vietnam, I tried my hand at racing round track, on dirt. I built and maintained the car. Stopped doing that when my money ran out and family began, but, but, I supprised myself at how much I had learned, taught myself, and had progressed. At that point I realized that my parents, altho good intended had held me back from believing I could do what I wanted and achieve it, without a college education. Had I been allowed to persue my interest earlier, there is no telling where I would be today.

[Corey Robinson]

Mac:
Ya have to do what you like! I wanted to be a auto machanic since I can remember. I had the schooling and the tools, got into a shop....HATED IT, all I was was a re and re guy. I quit and went to work with a aero space company as a grunt and now I am a tool and die maker, with the ambition to go for my millwright lic. soon as well. But I love to get dirty, greasey and oily like the old toys we play with. One day I would like to get into casting steel as well, all in my own shop on 600 acres! And from all that.. engines and tractors, that I would have normaly stayed away from in the past, I dive all over just to see what I can make, cast, fix ect. But remember where ever you go, for a little bit you'll be the "grunt" making grunt money, but as time goes by everything gets easier and the money better!
Have a good one and see y'all at the shows.
Corey Robinson

[nar]

Another good thread Mac Leod,

Just go with what you feel is right, (college, tech school, work...ect.) There`s no wrong choice. There might not always be a class or a job that fits exactly what you like to do but just work with what`s available & learn from it. A little extra schooling might be a good choice right now & will buy you some time to find out what you really like to do but I also have friends who never went & are doing just fine.

-nick

[Tom Winland]

We'll I chose the college route and decided to become an Accountant and it has worked out well for me because I am an Accountant for a CAT dealer here in Ohio and with that comes benefits such as being able to afford lots of toys use of their large shops and equipment for my toys and I work behind a computer all day with Harry's in the background so I can keep up with everyone on here I go home in the evening and can't wait to get to work in the garage

Tom Winland
Ohio

[Jim L. Brown]

I have a law degree and practiced law for several years, but I have to say that working on old gas engines is one of my greatest enjoyments in life - next to my family and a relationship with Christ. Your major/degree don't really have anything to do with your ability to enjoy the old iron hobby - but do whatever you do well. Jim