Advice for Career Change: Going Back to School

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In summary, the conversation revolved around a 31-year-old who is going through a career change and is looking for advice. They have a degree in Political Science but have never used it, as they have been running their own construction company for the past 7 years. Due to the collapse of the new home industry, they are now considering a Master's program in Computational Science, as they are fascinated by technology and math. They are also open to other degree options and are strong in math. The conversation also includes discussions about the job market and whether this is a wise career change.
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Poker-face
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Hello all, I am 31 years old, and am going through a career change. I would appreciate some advice. I have a B.A. in Political Science that I have never used. I have owned and operated my own Construction Company in New Jersey for the last 7 years. Due to the collapse of the new home industry I find myself out of business and pondering what I want to do with the next 30 years of my life. I feel as though I have a blank page, and can write what ever story I want. I am definitely not interested in staying in the construction industry.

I enterntained furthering the degree I already have, but find myself fascinated by Technology, and Math and Science. The school I graduated from offers a Masters Program in Computational Science. For those of you that are like me and have never heard of this degree before, you use math and computers to create models. The director of the program said that I would need at most 2 years of Pre-req's to be ommited into the program. (Maybe less)

My questions are:
1. Does anyone have this degree and if so how is the jon market?


2. Do you think I am crazy for make such a drastic career, and academic change?

3. What other degrees do you recomened in my situation?

Note. I am pretty strong in Math, I took Pre- Calculus this summer and got the highest grade in the class.

Thanks,

Ernest G
 
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I really don't know how the job market will be for those skills in 3, 4, or 5 years. But that's true no matter what you do, even if you were to stay in the construction industry. It seems like it's not a bad field to go into.

No, you aren't crazy at all for wanting to change directions! You should see your state of being a "blank slate" as a wonderful opportunity to do explore new paths, IMO.

If you don't totally hate construction yet, you could look to leverage your value in the job market place by going into an engineering field that uses those skills. For example, structural engineering.
 

FAQ: Advice for Career Change: Going Back to School

How do I know if going back to school for a career change is the right decision for me?

Making the decision to go back to school for a career change can be a difficult one. It's important to carefully consider your personal and professional goals, as well as the potential benefits and challenges of returning to school. You may also want to speak with a career counselor or mentor to gain additional insight and guidance.

Will going back to school help me advance in my current career or switch to a completely new one?

Going back to school can be beneficial for both advancing in your current career and switching to a new one. If you are looking to advance in your current field, consider pursuing a higher degree or specialized certification. If you are looking to switch careers, research the educational requirements for your desired field and see if returning to school is necessary.

How can I balance going back to school with my current job and other responsibilities?

Returning to school while working and juggling other responsibilities can be challenging, but it is possible. Consider taking online courses or attending evening classes to accommodate your schedule. You may also want to talk to your employer about flexible work arrangements or a reduced workload. It's important to prioritize your time and stay organized to successfully balance your responsibilities.

What types of financial aid or support are available for adults going back to school?

There are various forms of financial aid and support available for adults going back to school. These include scholarships, grants, loans, and employer tuition assistance programs. It's important to research and apply for these opportunities to help alleviate the financial burden of returning to school.

How can I make the most out of my experience going back to school for a career change?

To make the most out of your experience going back to school for a career change, it's important to have a clear understanding of your goals and stay motivated. Take advantage of all the resources available to you, such as career services and networking events. Also, consider internships or part-time work in your desired field to gain hands-on experience and make valuable connections. Lastly, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace new opportunities for growth and learning.

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