College Degree Suggestion
- Thread starter CJP
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Welcome!
Many things in the medical field will always guarantee employment. Nurses never lack for jobs.
Many things in the medical field will always guarantee employment. Nurses never lack for jobs.
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Engineering
Ben
Ben
Find an apprenticeship in a trade school that interests you. Screw college.
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Civil engineering, you won't have a problem finding a job and make lots of money, but you do need to be good at math and smart enough to pass the PE exam after college
( it made it possible for me to do what you plan on doing, I worked around 20 years, and now own a farm debt free)
( it made it possible for me to do what you plan on doing, I worked around 20 years, and now own a farm debt free)
For a farm you will need some education in "no till farming" or "sustainable agriculture" but along with that you may want some animal husbandry.
Soil biology is key to farming and the most profitable and economical farming is done using good management of the natural soil, plants that add to the soil and managing stock to maintain it,\
I am planning on moving to a property where I can raise my own food. That includes beef, pork, and chickens, their feed and pasture land along with agriculture in the form of wheat, oats, barley, buck-wheat, alfalfa, apples, pears, apricots, cherries, oak, walnut, maple and a year round vegetable garden and berries. Pigs and chickens are wonderful because they typically always use the same area to defecate so it can easily be composted with the straw used for bedding. The pigs help keep the area in the forest clear of clutter and need only two or three areas to browse.
Chicken will provide eggs until they get old and then they are a meat source. I plan on having breeding populations so I don't just buy animals each year, raise them and send them to market, I have a perpetual source of food.
The ground will likely need to be regenerated before I can grow anything and I will need the food that is grown to feed my animals.I am selecting only heritage plants so with each harvest I can set aside seed to plant the next years crop. The animals I am looking at will be old breeds suited well to the environment and ability to forage for food. It will get cold so Scottish Highland cattle are my first choice and much like goats they will browse and graze in separate parcels giving time for each area to regenerate. They don't require help to breed or give birth and are hardy smaller cattle with good to friendly demeanor that are eager to learn and like people and other animals. Along with a few donkeys they can take most of the predators in the area. The pigs are Irish Tamworth for many of the same reasons as the cattle and the chickens are Chantecler and are cold hardy and lay all year.
All the animals will have to be bred wisely to keep the biodiversity within their genes to remain a viable breeding stock. I am working out a spreadsheet to help with that. It will mean keeping the genders separate until it is time to breed and tracking the offspring while watching for divergence. Divergent offspring will not be bred and will be a dead end for that line. If one hen, sow or cow continuously produces divergent offspring it will be harvested and the same goes for the bulls, hogs and roosters. (chickens can provide eggs for eating but won't be bred again)
So there are a few points to consider in your education. It might serve you to get a veterinarian degree. That may help keep expenses down and provide an income if you have the time.
Soil biology is key to farming and the most profitable and economical farming is done using good management of the natural soil, plants that add to the soil and managing stock to maintain it,\
I am planning on moving to a property where I can raise my own food. That includes beef, pork, and chickens, their feed and pasture land along with agriculture in the form of wheat, oats, barley, buck-wheat, alfalfa, apples, pears, apricots, cherries, oak, walnut, maple and a year round vegetable garden and berries. Pigs and chickens are wonderful because they typically always use the same area to defecate so it can easily be composted with the straw used for bedding. The pigs help keep the area in the forest clear of clutter and need only two or three areas to browse.
Chicken will provide eggs until they get old and then they are a meat source. I plan on having breeding populations so I don't just buy animals each year, raise them and send them to market, I have a perpetual source of food.
The ground will likely need to be regenerated before I can grow anything and I will need the food that is grown to feed my animals.I am selecting only heritage plants so with each harvest I can set aside seed to plant the next years crop. The animals I am looking at will be old breeds suited well to the environment and ability to forage for food. It will get cold so Scottish Highland cattle are my first choice and much like goats they will browse and graze in separate parcels giving time for each area to regenerate. They don't require help to breed or give birth and are hardy smaller cattle with good to friendly demeanor that are eager to learn and like people and other animals. Along with a few donkeys they can take most of the predators in the area. The pigs are Irish Tamworth for many of the same reasons as the cattle and the chickens are Chantecler and are cold hardy and lay all year.
All the animals will have to be bred wisely to keep the biodiversity within their genes to remain a viable breeding stock. I am working out a spreadsheet to help with that. It will mean keeping the genders separate until it is time to breed and tracking the offspring while watching for divergence. Divergent offspring will not be bred and will be a dead end for that line. If one hen, sow or cow continuously produces divergent offspring it will be harvested and the same goes for the bulls, hogs and roosters. (chickens can provide eggs for eating but won't be bred again)
So there are a few points to consider in your education. It might serve you to get a veterinarian degree. That may help keep expenses down and provide an income if you have the time.
A degree in business management would be a good addition. It will help in running you homestead.
First off welcome aboard and thank you for your service.
This is a great place to hang out.
Do your 20. A lot will change between now and then. Start taking basic required classes online.
College is something that never interested me.
If I was 21 and looking toward the future I would concentrate on learning to sail and after I got out I would see the world one island and country at a time.
This is a great place to hang out.
Do your 20. A lot will change between now and then. Start taking basic required classes online.
College is something that never interested me.
If I was 21 and looking toward the future I would concentrate on learning to sail and after I got out I would see the world one island and country at a time.
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See where your interests are and what the world looks like when you're done. Twenty years is a very long time.
Welcome. I can't tell you what's in your heart. I have 3 degrees and don't use them. I've gained more knowledge from the library than I have from any classroom. (Sorry, just being honest.) That said, solid math skills both financial and geometrical/engineering will serve you with or without a degree.
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Welcome
I don't have a good college suggestion without more info. But I second a good trade school.
First off what skills will the military teach you, electronics, mechanics, logistics, self defense, weopons etc. That may determine what would round out your skills. Definitely learn what you can for hobbies while you are in such as outdoor stuff, gardening, animal care etc.
And for God's sake bank some money while you can.
I don't have a good college suggestion without more info. But I second a good trade school.
First off what skills will the military teach you, electronics, mechanics, logistics, self defense, weopons etc. That may determine what would round out your skills. Definitely learn what you can for hobbies while you are in such as outdoor stuff, gardening, animal care etc.
And for God's sake bank some money while you can.
Do what @Cascadian said. Forget buying fancy cars or other dumb crap with your re-enlistment money. Bank it, or invest it. You can come out of your service with a degree, a nest egg, and a decent retirement.
If you want to have your own little business, you could combine a couple 2 year degrees together. Like an associate's in business and a welding or electrician's degree. You could also get something in commercial transport. (Just stay away from anything that has to do with railroads!)
I would not recommend "farming" as a business. The start up cost vs the profit potential is way out of whack. If you can find something to grow on a small scale, you might do ok. Think vegetables or beekeeping for the local market. My family is all farmers. My oldest brother farms over 1,000 acres now, and most years doesn't profit enough to live on. He and his wife both have to have outside jobs. This year has been good so far, if it keeps up he'll probably profit around 200k. But that comes after years of barely breaking even or losing money.
If you want to have your own little business, you could combine a couple 2 year degrees together. Like an associate's in business and a welding or electrician's degree. You could also get something in commercial transport. (Just stay away from anything that has to do with railroads!)
I would not recommend "farming" as a business. The start up cost vs the profit potential is way out of whack. If you can find something to grow on a small scale, you might do ok. Think vegetables or beekeeping for the local market. My family is all farmers. My oldest brother farms over 1,000 acres now, and most years doesn't profit enough to live on. He and his wife both have to have outside jobs. This year has been good so far, if it keeps up he'll probably profit around 200k. But that comes after years of barely breaking even or losing money.
I agree with SheepDog. If you are interested in Farming look into Agriculture or Animal Husbandry. I have a very close friend who got his degree in Agricultural Economics, and he did very well. If you decide on the college route I would recommend minimizing the cost. Go to a Junior College for two years, and then two more at a State school. You can get the sheepskin without having mortgage sized debt when you are finished.
Welcome to the forum. Good to have you with us.
Welcome to the forum. Good to have you with us.
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Lady Locust is spot on.
My daughter’s classmates, the ones who got multiple job offers and out of this world money to start, had math/engineering degrees. Most other students are simply looking for a job, any job, to pay the bills.
If you can balance the means to making a living with creating the life you want to live, you’ll do well. Make a plan, have goals, and have someone by your side who supports you.
I don’t know many people with a useful piece of paper from a college, myself included, but I know many who have made their way by making the most of what they have, knowing where to get knowledge (books or others around them), and being willing to work more than the average person.
Carpe diem.
My daughter’s classmates, the ones who got multiple job offers and out of this world money to start, had math/engineering degrees. Most other students are simply looking for a job, any job, to pay the bills.
If you can balance the means to making a living with creating the life you want to live, you’ll do well. Make a plan, have goals, and have someone by your side who supports you.
I don’t know many people with a useful piece of paper from a college, myself included, but I know many who have made their way by making the most of what they have, knowing where to get knowledge (books or others around them), and being willing to work more than the average person.
Carpe diem.
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I have a BS degree in soil science and agronomy (double major) and a MS degree in soil science. Even though I did not go into an agricultural-related career, my education has been very beneficial in my 40-plus year environmental career. I would do it all over again.
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When I was thinking about going to college a seasoned friend suggested that I make a list of my likes and dislikes. Then share the list with different people you know who are in different walks in life to get their view of the type of job the list describes. I did this and it helped me a lot. I would also look at earnings data for different job paths/ you don't want to focus on a job that you are going to hate, but you also would want something that is going to pay well. In my opinion getting a $100,000 education for a job that pays $30,000 a year is not a wise choice.
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Hi CJP. Welcome and thank you for your service. I see you've only posted once. I hope you stick around and join our community here.
You've gotten some great advice so far. I would remember the saying.....Do what you love and you never have to work a day of your life! What do you really want to do? What excites you? No matter what you do, there's going to be days that aren't so great. However, if you can do something that makes you continually want to get out of bed every day, you'll thank yourself for it later. Life is short, so have some fun. And yes, work can be fun and rewarding. The good news is that you can always change your mind. In fact, most people do, several times over. So just go for it and if it doesn't work out, go ahead and change course.
The trades like plumbing, building, welding, trucking, excavating, mechanic, etc., will always be needed. All of those jobs pay well around here and are in great demand. Some medical positions are also lucritive and in demand, especially nurses, NP's, and PA's. Having those medical or trade skills and knowledge will always be an asset in your life, so even if it's something that turns out not to rock your boat, you'll still be ahead of the game if you change your mind later.
You've gotten some great advice so far. I would remember the saying.....Do what you love and you never have to work a day of your life! What do you really want to do? What excites you? No matter what you do, there's going to be days that aren't so great. However, if you can do something that makes you continually want to get out of bed every day, you'll thank yourself for it later. Life is short, so have some fun. And yes, work can be fun and rewarding. The good news is that you can always change your mind. In fact, most people do, several times over. So just go for it and if it doesn't work out, go ahead and change course.
The trades like plumbing, building, welding, trucking, excavating, mechanic, etc., will always be needed. All of those jobs pay well around here and are in great demand. Some medical positions are also lucritive and in demand, especially nurses, NP's, and PA's. Having those medical or trade skills and knowledge will always be an asset in your life, so even if it's something that turns out not to rock your boat, you'll still be ahead of the game if you change your mind later.
^^^This is smart thinking.
Another thing to remember: you're likely not to end up doing exactly what your degree qualifies you to do. Keep that in mind when you make your decisions. Ans since you're only 21 right now, you've got a bit of time...
Hi, CJP,
Welcome and thank you for your service. You've been given great advice here, and I'd like to add my 2 cents. It's been said the medical field just about guarantees a job, and that is true... but unless you feel a calling for it, don't waste your time getting a degree in that field. I spent almost 4 decades in the medical field as a nurse, and I adored it. I also worked with a lot of folks who didn't have a calling for it, and they were utterly miserable. I agree with the folks who said to begin with the basics. Getting a general education that exposes you to many other fields, including fields you may never have even thought about, can give you direction to other opportunities. Just because you want to farm now, you may not want to do that in 20 years. Getting a comprehensive and broad education allows you to pursue a career for which you have passion, rather than being "stuck" into a narrow path. My first masters was in nursing, but with a focus in health education. This allowed me to teach at the university level, as well as increased my other nursing opportunities. My second masters was an MBA - not in nursing at all, but it opened leadership doors to me. My doctorate in health administration (also not in nursing) opened additional doors to me. Don't think you have to stick with one field. Your horizons are only as big as the paths you choose! Choose many paths while you can so you can make the best choices for you when you are done with Uncle Sam! Best of luck to you, and good luck with your studies! I hope we see you around - this is a wonderful forum with terrific folks!
Welcome and thank you for your service. You've been given great advice here, and I'd like to add my 2 cents. It's been said the medical field just about guarantees a job, and that is true... but unless you feel a calling for it, don't waste your time getting a degree in that field. I spent almost 4 decades in the medical field as a nurse, and I adored it. I also worked with a lot of folks who didn't have a calling for it, and they were utterly miserable. I agree with the folks who said to begin with the basics. Getting a general education that exposes you to many other fields, including fields you may never have even thought about, can give you direction to other opportunities. Just because you want to farm now, you may not want to do that in 20 years. Getting a comprehensive and broad education allows you to pursue a career for which you have passion, rather than being "stuck" into a narrow path. My first masters was in nursing, but with a focus in health education. This allowed me to teach at the university level, as well as increased my other nursing opportunities. My second masters was an MBA - not in nursing at all, but it opened leadership doors to me. My doctorate in health administration (also not in nursing) opened additional doors to me. Don't think you have to stick with one field. Your horizons are only as big as the paths you choose! Choose many paths while you can so you can make the best choices for you when you are done with Uncle Sam! Best of luck to you, and good luck with your studies! I hope we see you around - this is a wonderful forum with terrific folks!
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[QUOTE="SheepDog, post: 350779, member: 32"
So there are a few points to consider in your education. It might serve you to get a veterinarian degree. That may help keep expenses down and provide an income if you have the time.
[/QUOTE]
Are you actually doing all that now, or just thinking about doing it? It sounds good on paper, good luck to you. Sounds like a LOT
We had grand plans on being "self sufficient" when we first started this, but now we are basically a small commercial farm , only raising what is profitable and not too much aggrivation.
One comment, you don't need to go to vet school ( well, unless you want to be a vet) . They have ag extension offices everywhere, plus you can learn from other farmers, plus some universities have classes for specific things for farmers. We took a class on goats and sheep ( one day thing cost $20 each) at the local university when we started. THey have it every year. They will also test your soil for you and tell you exactly what it needs.
So there are a few points to consider in your education. It might serve you to get a veterinarian degree. That may help keep expenses down and provide an income if you have the time.
[/QUOTE]
Are you actually doing all that now, or just thinking about doing it? It sounds good on paper, good luck to you. Sounds like a LOT
We had grand plans on being "self sufficient" when we first started this, but now we are basically a small commercial farm , only raising what is profitable and not too much aggrivation.
One comment, you don't need to go to vet school ( well, unless you want to be a vet) . They have ag extension offices everywhere, plus you can learn from other farmers, plus some universities have classes for specific things for farmers. We took a class on goats and sheep ( one day thing cost $20 each) at the local university when we started. THey have it every year. They will also test your soil for you and tell you exactly what it needs.
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Plumbers and electricians make a good living in our country setting.
