Well, I’ve graduated. I’m out. I am a college graduate.
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Well, what now? I don’t know what to do! I have a temporary job (which I’ve held for 3&1/2 years).
My degree is in History, and I write well. I have extensive experience in using computer programs and doing tech support, but I want a more grown-up job. I’ve been doing some networking for the last few years, but I’m not experienced with real administration (despite my efforts to get involved). I did take the lead in doing tech support for the NJATC program, and have experience in supporting online classes for the U. I’m writing a book to sell, and I think I can at least get something from that, but it won’t be done for months. I have an intership with Polygon magazone (buy copies!) and I’m published in that. And I’m real sharp. I was as stubborn as a mule, but I’ve gotten over much of that in my time here. Its done wonders for my manners - you’d be amazed what the threat of firing and real concern by people who want me to succeed did.
It might help us to know what you want to be when you grow up. Or what you absolutely don’t want to be.
If you’re that thoroughly confused and undirected, hie thee to a career counselor. Or you could do what I did and spend some time in the military - it’s a way to earn some money and experience a different life while deciding what you want to do.
Well, i wouldn’t dislike being almost anything. I want to make a decent wage, but if I retire Upper-Middle Clas its more than I need. I just want a challenging job that doesn’t involve sheer mind-numbing tedium. I love history, but I’m cool with a lot of other things. I wouldn’t mind working in government or with a corporation.
Caveat: I’ve considered going to law school, but i"m not sure I really want to be a lawyer: I’ve seen the kind of hours rich lawyers have to put, and, as I think I may want to get married someday, i don’t think my family life could afford that. I need to actually have free time.
Well, i wouldn’t dislike being almost anything. I want to make a decent wage, but if I retire Upper-Middle Clas its more than I need. I just want a challenging job that doesn’t involve sheer mind-numbing tedium. I love history, but I’m cool with a lot of other things. I wouldn’t mind working in government or with a corporation.
Caveat: I’ve considered going to law school, but i"m not sure I really want to be a lawyer: I’ve seen the kind of hours rich lawyers have to put, and, as I think I may want to get married someday, I don’t think my family life could afford that. I need to actually have free time.
I’m actually considering trying to go back to school and getting a Computer Science degree…
So, are you looking to stay where you are, or is relocation an option? You could use your history degree with a museum or in the Army Corps of Engineers. A close friend of mine works as a historian for the Corps and she got the job because of her archaeology and history background. What are you more interested in - computer science or history?
Also, what sort of publication is Polygon? Is it a history mag, a gaming mag or what? For some reason, I thought it was a magazine about computer games, but I could be wrong. Anyway, a gaming magazine might help you if you look for something in the tech world, but I’m not sure how relevant it would be to a career using your history degree, though it might be a useful way to show that you can write intelligibly.
And I can understand your hesitancy in becoming a lawyer. I recently quit a job at a corporate law firm. I’m not an attorney (I wrote web copy for them), but the associates I was close to worked almost as much as many of resident MDs I’m friends with. Although, that can depend upon which type of law you decide to practice and who you’re working for.
I work in State Government and history degrees are only useful to the Department of Archives and History. Figures. But State Government (at least the ones I’m involved with) are not hiring - big bad budget woes.
The only other people I know with History degrees are in the military or are college professors.