Going back to school?

[dualthreat]

I graduated from ISU in 2013 but then worked landscaping for a year. My psych degree didn't get me what I wanted, but during that time I had a moment of realization-- what I really wanted to do. I decided I should go back to school immediately and pursue a 2nd BA. So, so glad I jumped in with both feet. I graduated #2 in just 2.5 years and go around #2 was infititely better for my development as a person and career.

Thankfully I was young when I had to make that decision.

 

[Cyclonepride]

I'd have to go back for a first, lol. I don't think my wife would let me get as distracted with the coeds though!

Actually considering learning computer programming.

 

[VikesFan22]

I graduated from ISU in 2013 but then worked landscaping for a year. My psych degree didn't get me what I wanted, but during that time I had a moment of realization-- what I really wanted to do. I decided I should go back to school immediately and pursue a 2nd BA. So, so glad I jumped in with both feet. I graduated #2 in just 2.5 years and go around #2 was infititely better for my development as a person and career.

Thankfully I was young when I had to make that decision.

I graduated with my psych degree in 2013 as well. I worked for a few years before deciding to return to school. I knew I wanted a business degree but wasn't sure what to do. An advisor at ISU suggested that I look into getting an MBA so I talked to someone in the graduate programs office and liked what I heard. I left my job where I felt stuck and went back to school full-time and I don't regret it one bit. I graduated with my MBA in 3 semesters and received a job offer that I wouldn't have gotten without my new degree. I also met my girlfriend in grad school so all in all, definitely worth it for me.

 

[CarlHungus]

Yes. Soon after graduating, I realized how worthless my Sociology degree was, so I took night and online classes at AIB to get a business degree. I only did a couple classes at a time since I worked full-time. The only thing I regret is choosing a school that no longer exists.

Look around. Many places offer night and online courses, which make it convenient for working adults.

 

[LivntheCyLife]

I'm just guessing but two possible reasons you may be attracted to engineering:
1) You'd like to do more quantitative work and you like the logical approach and thought process
2) You'd like to work on designing and building physical things

Figuring out which of these or if it's something else will hopefully help with a plan. And just a warning, I think a lot of people choose engineering for 2 and find that 1 is the more what many engineering jobs are really like.

Also, in addition to the people that suggested masters programs, I'd also consider certificate or training programs. If you want more of 1, I'd consider data science certificate programs or other online programs that have high demand right now. If you want 2, I'd consider whether there are any technical skills you could get training in for your current employer or other jobs in your field to get to working with things and out of the office more.

 

[SCNCY]

I'd have to go back for a first, lol. I don't think my wife would let me get as distracted with the coeds though!

Actually considering learning computer programming.

I am currently trying to do this. I figured if I wanted to make more money and continue to grow in my career, I need to be able to understand programming. So much of a business is reliant on technology that having this skill is very important.

I purchased Programming for Dummies as a starter. Once I finish that, I want to pick up a Python book.

 

[Cyclonepride]

I am currently trying to do this. I figured if I wanted to make more money and continue to grow in my career, I need to be able to understand programming. So much of a business is reliant on technology that having this skill is very important.

I purchased Programming for Dummies as a starter. Once I finish that, I want to pick up a Python book.

You can pretty much learn online for free (Code Academy or Khan Academy). Can at least get a huge taste of it and see if it’s for you.

 

[CtownCyclone]

Agree with the comments around doing the math at community college. Those should transfer and you're more likely to be in a smaller setting where you can get help easier. Two guys I went to high school with went to the local community college prior to enrolling at ISU. The both got the same physics and calculus classes that I got at ISU. The difference is that at least one of those guys is not very good at all in those subjects and still did OK. I am (well, was, I guess) very good in those classes and had to work hard to get the grades at ISU.

 

[SpokaneCY]

Has anyone gone back to school for a second bachelors degree? I graduated from ISU 3 years ago and unfortunately I'm second guessing my passion, interest, and happiness in my field.

I've always thought ag engineering or biological systems engineering was interesting but I was unsure of myself when it came to the math so I never pursued it and chose a different major. Now that I have a degree and thinking about going back, I feel as if I wasted 4 years of my time and 4 years worth of college tuition to figure out that this maybe isn't for me. I also feel like engineering is on a level of it's own as far as difficulty. My degree is in STEM so I don't feel like I'm going from finger painting to engineering but my degree was also very heavy in the sciences and there had very little math. Math 140 was the only math I ever did and that was in high school. Needless to say, calculus does make me a little nervous and I wouldn't say I'm a strong math mind; should that disqualify me from even thinking about it?

So, does anyone have any experience with going back to school at 25 or even older? Are you glad you did? Did you feel like an outcast in anyway? What was it like to hit the books after you thought you would never take another exam in your life? ...Was it difficult or did you find your maturity helped? What would you recommend to someone wanting to make sure they are making the right decision?

I flunked out of engineering in the early 80s. Did the military thing and came back to ISU 6 years later for my accounting degree. I hate accounting - kinda knew it then. BUT the background in accounting and business opened a lot of doors.

Being a lifetime learner should be everyone's goal, but you may see if you can leverage your current education and experience in a different direction to find a better fit before committing to the new venture?

I made the switch out of accounting/auditing/finance 10 years ago and have found my fit in the natural gas industry.