Anonymous
Post 04/17/2018 10:26     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
OP, how did things go with this? Did you talk?

To the poster who said they are letting their child take out loans and will only pay for courses with As and Bs, I think that's fantastic

I'll do the same thing
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2018 10:26     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
OP, how did things go with this? Did you talk?

To the poster who said they are letting their child take out loans and will only pay for courses with As and Bs, I think that's fantastic

I'll do the same thing
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 18:14     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
Anthro.
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 18:14     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I honestly have no idea what business grads do anyway. Apart from accounting, it is all foreign to me. Maybe your DD feels the same?


Strategy Consulting
Investment Mgmt/hedge funds
Corp Dev leadership programs
Marketing research
Brand management
Investment banking
Management consulting
Private equity
Start a company
Supply Chain operations
Direct sales in tech, med devices
Restructuring failed companies
Product development



Thanks, still all Spanish to me. Which I don't speak. I am not saying these are not legitimate jobs, not at all. I am just incredibly challenged to understand any of it. Give me literature and history, philosophy and I get it. I was in a similar position as OP's DD, but in HS. In my country regular grammar school after 2 years takes either math/science emphasis or language/philosophy emphasis. I could get an A in any subject, math and biology if I worked hard. I just hated it so much. My mom and dad tried everything to convince me that I am wasting my life, I enrolled in science program first... after couple of weeks, I was just screaming inside. Even school physiologist told my mom I am stupid for wanting to change because there is no money in social studies...I switched and have never been happier since. But, yes, money wise, not a smart choice, yet I could never continue on math or similar path. I am happy and have never earned a ton of money, so there is that. OP is right, and her DD might feel like me, just hating every minute of her life studying something she hates. Just maybe have an honest conversation with your DD, op, see if she feels like I felt. BTW, I have a DS, in college, also hoping to be in business school, but not because he loves it, but because there is money in it. I hope he doesn't regret it.


The thing with "business" is that it's so general that you can find a lot of different paths in it but it will depend on the exposure you get through teachers, classes, projects, internships.

I was the top math student in my school and got a lot of pressure to go into engineering but by the end of HS I hated math (was in differential equations). Wasn't sure what I wanted to do so I majored in business because it was "practical". Fortunately, once I took statistics I discovered I LIKED this kind of math and that combined with finding my consumer behavior classes really interesting led to a career in marketing research. But, if I had to do it over again -- knowing now what career was a good fit for me -- I think I'd have preferred to do a double major in psychology and statistics and save the other business classes for an MBA.


Hey, I did the same as a Chinese language and author major, ending up in consumer behavior marketing and research. Love it.
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 18:12     Subject: Re:Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
Anonymous wrote:Here is something to think about.

Can a neurosurgeon teach 5th grade math? The answer is a resounding yes

Can an education major perform surgery on someone? The answer is absolutely NO

Therefore, study and become a doctor. It that does not work out, you can become a 5th grade teacher. The reverse is not possible.

I have nothing but respect for teachers. Lot of work and underpaid. I think most teachers make less than a high school drop out doing IT work. So unfair.


I know many many public and private companies that would hire a math or engineering major any day over some other major. The signaling to the market is that you have the academic horsepower to master difficult subctmstter, are teachable, and work hard. Very hirable in any discipline.

I do not understand why someone senior year of college would not complete her math major, then take a breather try something and if you want Ma in Ed apply next year. Your 20s are for trying different things, hopefully within the same discipline, but if you want to totally pivot at least get the credentials you already mostly earned. Those are strong credentials in any global market and any day for teaching.

As for the poster who doesn’t understand economics or business, start reading the WSJ. The degree of impact one can make through a small or large company will outweigh most other options, esp teaching history.
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 14:48     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
It's incredibly unfair. But to value a business degree over an education degree is part of the problem.

OP, my father blew a gasket when I changed my major from computer engineering to English 25 years ago.

25 years later, I'm doing exactly what I wanted to do, working in the software industry with that English major. And while I have a highly technical job, my analytical writing skills are what has made me successful. My point is that your major doesn't really determine a heck of a lot over the long term. And finding your passion at 19/20 is amazing.
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 14:46     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
It's incredibly unfair. But to value a business degree about an education degree is part of the problem.

OP, my father blew a gasket when I changed my major from computer engineering to English 25 years ago.

25 years later, I'm doing exactly what I wanted to do, working in the software industry with that English major. And while I have a highly technical job, my analytical writing skills are what has made me successful. My point is that your major doesn't really determine a hell of a lot over the long term. And finding your passion at 19/20 is amazing.
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 14:25     Subject: Re:Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
Here is something to think about.

Can a neurosurgeon teach 5th grade math? The answer is a resounding yes

Can an education major perform surgery on someone? The answer is absolutely NO

Therefore, study and become a doctor. It that does not work out, you can become a 5th grade teacher. The reverse is not possible.

I have nothing but respect for teachers. Lot of work and underpaid. I think most teachers make less than a high school drop out doing IT work. So unfair.
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 13:55     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
The title of this thread says a lot. “Angry”? Really? I get disappointed, worried, concerned, even frustrated, but if you’re angry, it doesn’t sound like you have a healthy relationship with your kid. Sounds too controlling.
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 10:44     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I honestly have no idea what business grads do anyway. Apart from accounting, it is all foreign to me. Maybe your DD feels the same?


Strategy Consulting
Investment Mgmt/hedge funds
Corp Dev leadership programs
Marketing research
Brand management
Investment banking
Management consulting
Private equity
Start a company
Supply Chain operations
Direct sales in tech, med devices
Restructuring failed companies
Product development



Thanks, still all Spanish to me. Which I don't speak. I am not saying these are not legitimate jobs, not at all. I am just incredibly challenged to understand any of it. Give me literature and history, philosophy and I get it. I was in a similar position as OP's DD, but in HS. In my country regular grammar school after 2 years takes either math/science emphasis or language/philosophy emphasis. I could get an A in any subject, math and biology if I worked hard. I just hated it so much. My mom and dad tried everything to convince me that I am wasting my life, I enrolled in science program first... after couple of weeks, I was just screaming inside. Even school physiologist told my mom I am stupid for wanting to change because there is no money in social studies...I switched and have never been happier since. But, yes, money wise, not a smart choice, yet I could never continue on math or similar path. I am happy and have never earned a ton of money, so there is that. OP is right, and her DD might feel like me, just hating every minute of her life studying something she hates. Just maybe have an honest conversation with your DD, op, see if she feels like I felt. BTW, I have a DS, in college, also hoping to be in business school, but not because he loves it, but because there is money in it. I hope he doesn't regret it.


The thing with "business" is that it's so general that you can find a lot of different paths in it but it will depend on the exposure you get through teachers, classes, projects, internships.

I was the top math student in my school and got a lot of pressure to go into engineering but by the end of HS I hated math (was in differential equations). Wasn't sure what I wanted to do so I majored in business because it was "practical". Fortunately, once I took statistics I discovered I LIKED this kind of math and that combined with finding my consumer behavior classes really interesting led to a career in marketing research. But, if I had to do it over again -- knowing now what career was a good fit for me -- I think I'd have preferred to do a double major in psychology and statistics and save the other business classes for an MBA.
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 10:40     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
You can do teach for America without a major in education or elementary education. They love math majors. If she did that program she would have a two year teaching assignment and they would also pay for a Masters degree in education. Many people do you teach for America and then they go on to law school or graduate school in another profession was some state in education, often in educational administration. In short it's a great way to explore whether not teaching is really for you
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 10:36     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
You look down on teachers, op. It’s clear from your post.

I am also very smart, received tons of awards in school, and chose teaching as my profession. I have heard lots of comments like yours. They show that you do not have your priorities in order.

You also did a disservice to your daughter by not also encouraging liberal arts education.
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 10:34     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
I know of several STEM grads who've gone back to college to get teaching certificates.
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 10:32     Subject: Re:Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Are any of you actually teachers (or nurses?).

I work as a nurse in DC. I can afford to live in DC because (by luck) I'm married to a high earner. 98% of my coworkers live an hour+ out of the city because that's where they can begin to afford to buy a house (and generally a townhouse). All of my kids' teachers live there as well except for those married
to a high income earner. Many of the rest leave the DC area entirely when they hit 30 and want to buy a house, have kids, etc.

Look, I'm all in favor of kids following their passion. But I'm torn. I know the reality of making a salary that many (most?) on DCUM openly mock. I'm honestly torn about what I'll tell my own kids when they're choosing college majors.



I'm not torn at all. I'm a RN married to a high earner living in NoVa. I have told my kids that nursing is very stressful work lot work for little pay. I don't want them going into nursing.


You can move anywhere as a nurse and find a job. There will always be a demand for your skills and your profession. Some of the ridiculous salaries in other professions that we hear about on DCUM are not going to be found just anywhere.

If my kid had an interest in the field of nursing (or teaching) I would tell them to pursue it - IF that is what they wanted to do.


+1 My sister is a nurse (although now in administration, managing nurse training for a hospital and working on a doctorate) and encourages people to go into it but ONLY if they've had some real exposure to the field and really want to do it. It's not something you pick just because there will always be jobs. She used to teach in a nursing program and often had students who were upset that they finished the degree and couldn't find a job in their city. The city has several nursing education programs so that particular market was saturated with new nurses. There are plenty of nursing jobs but you may have to move for the best opportunities.

I know plenty of teachers who are happy with their careers but agree with PPs that OP's daughter should keep her math major and either double major or minor with elementary ed. Will give her much more flexibility in the future, either to teach at a higher level or to work in another aspect of education or to leave it and do something different. And, if she has not had direct experience working with ES kids she needs to get it now -- work at a camp this summer, volunteer at an after school program, something to get a sense as to whether or not she really wants to spend her career working with kids.


Sure you "always have a job" as a RN or teacher. But let's face it. Both are low-pay, high-stress professions. Until this country figures out that we need to actually value these two professions and reward them accordingly, there will always be a shortage of good nurses and teachers. Teachers in Oklahoma have 1-3 side jobs just to live. How is this sustainable?
Anonymous
Post 04/16/2018 10:32     Subject: Angry at college sophomore for changing to lower paying major
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I honestly have no idea what business grads do anyway. Apart from accounting, it is all foreign to me. Maybe your DD feels the same?


Strategy Consulting
Investment Mgmt/hedge funds
Corp Dev leadership programs
Marketing research
Brand management
Investment banking
Management consulting
Private equity
Start a company
Supply Chain operations
Direct sales in tech, med devices
Restructuring failed companies
Product development



Thanks, still all Spanish to me. Which I don't speak. I am not saying these are not legitimate jobs, not at all. I am just incredibly challenged to understand any of it. Give me literature and history, philosophy and I get it. I was in a similar position as OP's DD, but in HS. In my country regular grammar school after 2 years takes either math/science emphasis or language/philosophy emphasis. I could get an A in any subject, math and biology if I worked hard. I just hated it so much. My mom and dad tried everything to convince me that I am wasting my life, I enrolled in science program first... after couple of weeks, I was just screaming inside. Even school physiologist told my mom I am stupid for wanting to change because there is no money in social studies...I switched and have never been happier since. But, yes, money wise, not a smart choice, yet I could never continue on math or similar path. I am happy and have never earned a ton of money, so there is that. OP is right, and her DD might feel like me, just hating every minute of her life studying something she hates. Just maybe have an honest conversation with your DD, op, see if she feels like I felt. BTW, I have a DS, in college, also hoping to be in business school, but not because he loves it, but because there is money in it. I hope he doesn't regret it.