College Course Help.

snoreborewhore

So, today my Mam comes home from a GP visit and informs me that our very old and very nosey GP asked her what I wanted to do in college - to which my Mam replies "English and History". Apparently this came as a huge shock to my ~lovely GP - who laughed and said that there's no chance in hell I would get any career out of that - seeing as there is such a high number of people graduating with a degree in English and History. I've never been sure as to what exactly it is I want to do - so I've always just said secondary school teaching to shut people up. But now this has kind of disheartened me. I know it's early days and I haven't even finished my leaving cert yet - but this has really dampened my spirits. English is definately something I'm determined to study, and I love history so I thought that would be a good combination, but now I'm not so sure. Can anyone offer me any advice?

silversky

Listen don't mind that GP. Sounds like a complete gobshíte. My sister did English and History and graduated last year. She has so many options with both subjects. At the moment she's working in a primary school but she's also interested in editing and the publicatin of books. English and History can open you up to anything. I'm sure if you wanted to travel with both you could. Even do a masters (if you have the money) to specialise in journalism/ film/ media/ research etc. when your older.

Don't mind him, keep going. At least you have an interest and that's something.

bscm

If you love it, go for it. Last thing you want is to spend 3+ years studying something you hate. Just do keep in mind it may not be an easy path.

I was thinking of studying English, but the recession did have me worried about job opportunities. A lot of English graduates go into media or teaching, so competition can be high (as I was told by several graduates on various open days). I was also told about the large amounts of English graduates who go on to do postgrads in areas such as Business due to the lack of job offers after graduation. It is an unfortunate truth that the recession can devalue an English degree greatly.

If you have to ask the question about whether you should study it, you should look at other options. I never considered the course I am currently doing until Christmas of 6th Year, and only put it as my 1st choice a few weeks before the CAO closed. I'm not trying to dissuade you from going for English and History, just do keep in mind that finding a job in a recession with any degree that isn't related to a hugely funded area (such as Science) will not be the easiest thing to do.

Patriciamc93

First off that GP shouldn't have said that.... what the hell do they know.

I am in college (1st year) and am unsure about my course. I don't like the subjects so will probably change. If you don't like or find what ever course you are doing interesting then your going to find college a nightmare.

No person who graduates from college these days will have a guaranteed job. They say there are loads of jobs for i.t graduates but there are still some unemployed. I mean if you don't mind going away for a year or two..... then you don't have anything to worry about.

If you want to do teaching, then you need to try your hardest to get top of your class. For the h-dip they tend to give it to those with a higher mark. I know of a case where there was two girls with the same course qualification one had a 1st class honors and the other had a 2nd class honors and the one with the 1st class honors got the h-dip. And this is not the only case like this I have heard of.

snoreborewhore

Thanks for all the advice I know it shouldn't be paying much heed to her comments - my Mam was quick to my defence anyway! I definately have my head set on English, and history or any other subject that may interest me will definately be an option. I suppose no one knows what career lies ahead of them until they're out of college! Thanks guys

Captain Morgan Freeman

If English and History is something you would enjoy doing then i would highly recommend it trust me. Actually liking a course is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a course yet it is rarely mentioned to Leaving Certs(at least not in my school). I went into first year of computer science and IT last year with the main motivation being the great job opportunities. Guess what? I hated it and detested studying it meaning my grades suffered as a result leading me to quit after my first year. Im now in a course i love and am doing way better putting in less of an effort then with the IT course.

As long as you do well in the course you're likely to have a good chance of getting a job in it and you're never going to do well in a course you don't like. Take down that GP's contact details and make sure to gloat to that GP when you do get a job out of that course.

snoreborewhore

Captain Morgan Freeman wrote: »

If English and History is something you would enjoy doing then i would highly recommend it trust me. Actually liking a course is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a course yet it is rarely mentioned to Leaving Certs(at least not in my school). I went into first year of computer science and IT last year with the main motivation being the great job opportunities. Guess what? I hated it and detested studying it meaning my grades suffered as a result leading me to quit after my first year. Im now in a course i love and am doing way better putting in less of an effort then with the IT course.

As long as you do well in the course you're likely to have a good chance of getting a job in it and you're never going to do well in a course you don't like. Take down that GP's contact details and make sure to gloat to that GP when you do get a job out of that course.

Believe me I will! And thanks - my Mam used to natter away at me trying to get me to put Primary Teaching in Pats down as my number one so i can practically emulate her life, but thankfully she's stopped now and is happy enough with what I want!

jmclee

snoreborewhore wrote: »

So, today my Mam comes home from a GP visit and informs me that our very old and very nosey GP asked her what I wanted to do in college - to which my Mam replies "English and History". Apparently this came as a huge shock to my ~lovely GP - who laughed and said that there's no chance in hell I would get any career out of that - seeing as there is such a high number of people graduating with a degree in English and History. I've never been sure as to what exactly it is I want to do - so I've always just said secondary school teaching to shut people up. But now this has kind of disheartened me. I know it's early days and I haven't even finished my leaving cert yet - but this has really dampened my spirits. English is definately something I'm determined to study, and I love history so I thought that would be a good combination, but now I'm not so sure. Can anyone offer me any advice?

Heya I've been creeping on your posts a bit cos you do all the same subjects as me and have similar things down on your CAO! I was thinking English and history too, although I've since forgotten about history and looking into film studies with it in trinity, but I'm the same as regards i kinda dunno what else to do.. I might do journalism or the likes after but I'm just thinking English will keep my options open! About what your man said, it's completely about what you do after your degree and what work you put into whatever profession ya wanna get into! So silly when people say that ugh
What you think about English media and cultural studies in iadt?

snoreborewhore

jmclee wrote: »

Heya I've been creeping on your posts a bit cos you do all the same subjects as me and have similar things down on your CAO! I was thinking English and history too, although I've since forgotten about history and looking into film studies with it in trinity, but I'm the same as regards i kinda dunno what else to do.. I might do journalism or the likes after but I'm just thinking English will keep my options open! About what your man said, it's completely about what you do after your degree and what work you put into whatever profession ya wanna get into! So silly when people say that ugh
What you think about English media and cultural studies in iadt?

Ah that's mad! Yeah journalism is something I have in mind too Yeah I have that IADT course down on mine - I think it's the last one but I only have 6 courses down and the other 5 are either Maynooth or Trinity! What about you?

jmclee

snoreborewhore wrote: »

jmclee wrote: »

Heya I've been creeping on your posts a bit cos you do all the same subjects as me and have similar things down on your CAO! I was thinking English and history too, although I've since forgotten about history and looking into film studies with it in trinity, but I'm the same as regards i kinda dunno what else to do.. I might do journalism or the likes after but I'm just thinking English will keep my options open! About what your man said, it's completely about what you do after your degree and what work you put into whatever profession ya wanna get into! So silly when people say that ugh
What you think about English media and cultural studies in iadt?

Ah that's mad! Yeah journalism is something I have in mind too Yeah I have that IADT course down on mine - I think it's the last one but I only have 6 courses down and the other 5 are either Maynooth or Trinity! What about you?

There's so many arguments about whether to do a journalism degree if you know that's what you want to do or doing it through the arts route, that's what I'm finding tricky like am I doing english for the sake of it, I mean it's my best subject in school but it's gonna be completely different in college.. gah
Was talking to a girl in the iadt course and she absolutely loves it, i like how it does dabble with everything but I wonder if it's at all well regarded.. well I'd prolly do a masters after but yeah it's low on my list

Dwellingdweller

jmclee wrote: »

There's so many arguments about whether to do a journalism degree if you know that's what you want to do or doing it through the arts route, that's what I'm finding tricky like am I doing english for the sake of it, I mean it's my best subject in school but it's gonna be completely different in college.. gah
Was talking to a girl in the iadt course and she absolutely loves it, i like how it does dabble with everything but I wonder if it's at all well regarded.. well I'd prolly do a masters after but yeah it's low on my list

Hey man, I was (am? idk anymore :rolleyes:) interested in doing Journalism too. The course in DCU looks great. BTW snoreborewhore I had a similar experience. I was at the doctor's back in September and my mum and the doctor started nattering away, as ya do. Mum started gabbing about how I was going to NUIG to do science (I never said I wanted to do that) and the doctor just lapped it up, talking about how I should do Medicine etc as a postgrad, that's what she did blah blah. Obviously I couldn't even get a word in. Mostly nodded my head and smiled (lol), but I'm a really arty person (:pac:) so I'd rather do something arty than sciency any day, I'm interested in science but I feel like my life's calling is in music, being on tour and that's what would make me happy. More power to you for going on to study what you actually have an interest in, 90% of the reason I'm going to study science is because of my science-mental family. I do get that there's jobs in it too though. Anyways the life of a journalist sounds awesome to me, I'd love to be a war correspondent or sth like that, travelling around the world and reporting on all the s**t that goes down. I also have a keen interest in languages so it'd give me a reason to sharpen my language skills. But yeah I'd love to do Journalism!

secretambition

Don't worry about what the GP said. But do think about the fact that you've only being saying it to shut people up. Think about what subjects you like. Read up on careers. See if you could get a couple of days work experience at different things.

snoreborewhore

Dwellingdweller wrote: »

Hey man, I was (am? idk anymore :rolleyes:) interested in doing Journalism too. The course in DCU looks great. BTW snoreborewhore I had a similar experience. I was at the doctor's back in September and my mum and the doctor started nattering away, as ya do. Mum started gabbing about how I was going to NUIG to do science (I never said I wanted to do that) and the doctor just lapped it up, talking about how I should do Medicine etc as a postgrad, that's what she did blah blah. Obviously I couldn't even get a word in. Mostly nodded my head and smiled (lol), but I'm a really arty person (:pac:) so I'd rather do something arty than sciency any day, I'm interested in science but I feel like my life's calling is in music, being on tour and that's what would make me happy. More power to you for going on to study what you actually have an interest in, 90% of the reason I'm going to study science is because of my science-mental family. I do get that there's jobs in it too though. Anyways the life of a journalist sounds awesome to me, I'd love to be a war correspondent or sth like that, travelling around the world and reporting on all the s**t that goes down. I also have a keen interest in languages so it'd give me a reason to sharpen my language skills. But yeah I'd love to do Journalism!

Doctors are awfuly nosey aren't they?! Journalism is so fascinating and I'd much prefer it to being a secondary school teacher - but I don't think I'd have it in me to do a pure Journalism course!
I hope Science isn't too bad for you :P And I'm sure your ~artyness will shine through in some form

jmclee

Dwellingdweller wrote: »

jmclee wrote: »

There's so many arguments about whether to do a journalism degree if you know that's what you want to do or doing it through the arts route, that's what I'm finding tricky like am I doing english for the sake of it, I mean it's my best subject in school but it's gonna be completely different in college.. gah
Was talking to a girl in the iadt course and she absolutely loves it, i like how it does dabble with everything but I wonder if it's at all well regarded.. well I'd prolly do a masters after but yeah it's low on my list

Hey man, I was (am? idk anymore :rolleyes:) interested in doing Journalism too. The course in DCU looks great. BTW snoreborewhore I had a similar experience. I was at the doctor's back in September and my mum and the doctor started nattering away, as ya do. Mum started gabbing about how I was going to NUIG to do science (I never said I wanted to do that) and the doctor just lapped it up, talking about how I should do Medicine etc as a postgrad, that's what she did blah blah. Obviously I couldn't even get a word in. Mostly nodded my head and smiled (lol), but I'm a really arty person (:pac:) so I'd rather do something arty than sciency any day, I'm interested in science but I feel like my life's calling is in music, being on tour and that's what would make me happy. More power to you for going on to study what you actually have an interest in, 90% of the reason I'm going to study science is because of my science-mental family. I do get that there's jobs in it too though. Anyways the life of a journalist sounds awesome to me, I'd love to be a war correspondent or sth like that, travelling around the world and reporting on all the s**t that goes down. I also have a keen interest in languages so it'd give me a reason to sharpen my language skills. But yeah I'd love to do Journalism!

I was thinking DIT, 4 years rather than the 3 and it seems like a very practical course like you're always out doing things! Dunno though I think I've given up on it now and I'll go back to it later.. I just hope english works out for me

I think you're mad to do science though just because of your family! Your results will suffer if you aren't passionate about it
Yeah with journalism it's so broad though ya could do radio tv publishing, all sorts, dunno what type I'd be into I read magazines a lot, it'd be a serious challenge getting into these days tho, take years to get a great job I'd say

Dwellingdweller

jmclee wrote: »

I was thinking DIT, 4 years rather than the 3 and it seems like a very practical course like you're always out doing things! Dunno though I think I've given up on it now and I'll go back to it later.. I just hope english works out for me

I think you're mad to do science though just because of your family! Your results will suffer if you aren't passionate about it
Yeah with journalism it's so broad though ya could do radio tv publishing, all sorts, dunno what type I'd be into I read magazines a lot, it'd be a serious challenge getting into these days tho, take years to get a great job I'd say

Agh, I know But I'll see it through to the end if I start it, I know that much. I kinda want to do it too because if I do my family won't have any ammo against me, if they ever complain that I'm not living my life the way they want me to I'll just remind them I did science in college :P and by their logic, doing science in college makes you a wonderful person :rolleyes: Aye magazines and design are so f**king cool man, especially design. I love it. I'm gonna start teaching myself the basics of it but aye, I just love creative stuff... If I go to college and study science and then do the creative stuff I'll be happy enough 'cos I'll feel like I'm balanced, if you know what I mean, like I can do science+art. It's a confusing time You seen the english w/ creative writing course in NUIG?

reznov

It's not about what skills you harness, but how you implement those skills.
If your passion and talent lies in English, then continue with your dream. Those who do not truly enjoy a certain profession will end up failures, unable to rise to glory as their determination and mind will not be able to overcome the most hindering obstacles.

Money will always be an issue. Even if you're a millionaire, you'll want billions. It's something that one is never absolutely content with. As a result, waste not the resource mortals cannot purchase, time, and dedicate yourself to your personal dream.

Dwellingdweller

reznov wrote: »

It's not about what skills you harness, but how you implement those skills.
If your passion and talent lies in English, then continue with your dream. Those who do not truly enjoy a certain profession will end up failures, unable to rise to glory as their determination and mind will not be able to overcome the most hindering obstacles.

Money will always be an issue. Even if you're a millionaire, you'll want billions. It's something that one is never absolutely content with. As a result, waste not the resource mortals cannot purchase, time, and dedicate yourself to your personal dream.

You do need some money, though, don't you? You know, enough to buy the things you like and stuff like that (and I'm a vehement anti-consumerist so I'm not even that keen on the idea of having s**tloads of money). But I need money to buy musical instruments and stuff like that. I honestly dunno what to do, sometimes I feel quite angry at my family because they haven't allowed me to find out for myself what I want to do, and they've railroaded me into doing Science. I like science, it fascinates me... but it's not my life's calling. Agh.

jmclee

Dwellingdweller wrote: »

Agh, I know But I'll see it through to the end if I start it, I know that much. I kinda want to do it too because if I do my family won't have any ammo against me, if they ever complain that I'm not living my life the way they want me to I'll just remind them I did science in college :P and by their logic, doing science in college makes you a wonderful person :rolleyes: Aye magazines and design are so f**king cool man, especially design. I love it. I'm gonna start teaching myself the basics of it but aye, I just love creative stuff... If I go to college and study science and then do the creative stuff I'll be happy enough 'cos I'll feel like I'm balanced, if you know what I mean, like I can do science+art. It's a confusing time You seen the english w/ creative writing course in NUIG?

Do you like science though? Cos still not convincing me here! But yeah exactly you can keep your own personal balance of creativity related things by just doing them in your own time you don't have to make a profession out of it, I'm not doing English purely cos I might be a lil creative it's just the only thing that could possibly be for me! I hate science I hate business I hate maths and computers I don't want to do foreign languages.. Leaves me with little else in like ucd or trinity

Ucd English and film I've looked into cos I dunno if I'm so much into creative writing as if yet, as opposed to journalistic writing but then I'm like well why aren't you doing a journalism degree turn?! It's seriously difficult this

jmclee

jmclee wrote: »

Dwellingdweller wrote: »

Agh, I know But I'll see it through to the end if I start it, I know that much. I kinda want to do it too because if I do my family won't have any ammo against me, if they ever complain that I'm not living my life the way they want me to I'll just remind them I did science in college :P and by their logic, doing science in college makes you a wonderful person :rolleyes: Aye magazines and design are so f**king cool man, especially design. I love it. I'm gonna start teaching myself the basics of it but aye, I just love creative stuff... If I go to college and study science and then do the creative stuff I'll be happy enough 'cos I'll feel like I'm balanced, if you know what I mean, like I can do science+art. It's a confusing time You seen the english w/ creative writing course in NUIG?

Do you like science though? Cos still not convincing me here! But yeah exactly you can keep your own personal balance of creativity related things by just doing them in your own time you don't have to make a profession out of it, I'm not doing English purely cos I might be a lil creative it's just the only thing that could possibly be for me! I hate science I hate business I hate maths and computers I don't want to do foreign languages.. Leaves me with little else in like ucd or trinity

Ucd English and film I've looked into cos I dunno if I'm so much into creative writing as if yet, as opposed to journalistic writing but then I'm like well why aren't you doing a journalism degree turn?! It's seriously difficult this

Oh sorry just seeing your previous post about liking science now hehe my bad

reznov

Of course you need money. But do you want to be human and enjoy the hours you spend working, or instead be in a profession for the sole reason of making money, perhaps regretting not following your "life calling"?

Dwellingdweller

reznov wrote: »

Of course you need money. But do you want to be human and enjoy the hours you spend working, or instead be in a profession for the sole reason of making money, perhaps regretting not following your "life calling"?

The problem is my family don't see music as "working" Anyways I've said enough. Thanks for your advice

reznov

Dwellingdweller wrote: »

The problem is my family don't see music as "working" Anyways I've said enough. Thanks for your advice

Are you your parents' slave? They don't live your life! Although I understand that making your parents proud is an achievement in itself, ultimately you will suffer or gain from the choices you personally make.

Music is an excellent career if you are talented. If it isn't work from which you can profit, then I guess Westlife, One Direction, Jay Z, Beyonce and etc., are unemployed and sitting on the dole!

secretambition

reznov wrote: »

Music is an excellent career if you are talented. If it isn't work from which you can profit, then I guess Westlife, One Direction, Jay Z, Beyonce and etc., are unemployed and sitting on the dole!

It's an excellent career if you're talented, if you've got the personality to be in the media and if you happen to get the lucky breaks. For everyone that makes it there are hundreds of "artists" who don't make enough to live on.

You have to look at the numbers and the success rate in every career you choose. What percentage of graduates get jobs? Are they in this country? Does that bother you? Never be taken in by the one in a million "inspirational" stories about a friend of a friend and believe that a career is a good idea based on this. Look for objective success rates on everything.

If someone wants to study music, fine, but if success as a band doesn't come, would they be happy as a music teacher or other more realistic option. Always make sure your Plan B is one you could genuinely cope with.

I'm not having a go at you reznov.

reznov

secretambition wrote: »

It's an excellent career if you're talented, if you've got the personality to be in the media and if you happen to get the lucky breaks. For everyone that makes it there are hundreds of "artists" who don't make enough to live on.

You have to look at the numbers and the success rate in every career you choose. What percentage of graduates get jobs? Are they in this country? Does that bother you? Never be taken in by the one in a million "inspirational" stories about a friend of a friend and believe that a career is a good idea based on this. Look for objective success rates on everything.

If someone wants to study music, fine, but if success as a band doesn't come, would they be happy as a music teacher or other more realistic option. Always make sure your Plan B is one you could genuinely cope with.

I'm not having a go at you reznov.

Well of course have a plan B. If no one took a risk in the beginning, there wouldn't be a single inspirational story! What's wonderful about music is that it's a skill which never changes. It's not an ever changing career such as IT, where you are constantly in a race to remain up to date with latest developments.

Of course, have a back up. Can you learn to play outside of university? If so, go for that and take a "normal" degree in university, such as science. Just in case.