What kind of education do you plan to follow /are you following/ have you followed?

[S.H.A.R.P.]

I'm only in high school, but if I can pass math (fuck you, math,) I plan to go to college for as long as I can afford, preferably studying whatever the hell I want, such as psychology, philosophy, etc.

I'm in the same boat, I want to go on to study English and Philosophy but first I have to pass bloody math, maybe if we combine our hatred of it it will burst into flames.

I'm up for anything.

It's really a shame that you are having a hard time with maths and therefore possibly hamper your progress in study. I have some friends who are in the same position, and they don't plan to do anything with the subject. Of course a basic knowledge of maths is always useful, but to fail because of it would go too far. May I ask with what subjects you are experiencing difficulties with? And please, DO NOT burn maths, you will leave me without any chance of work!

*snip*

Of course you can ask.
*snip*
Thats the reason why, in a nutshell there.

I see, well good luck in your studies, it's good to know there's still young people eager to tackle this major problem of society!

A DPhil (never heard it called that before but whatever lol) is a doctorate of philosophy... *snip*

A DPhil is the same as a PhD, just from Oxford.

Aha! Thanks for the explanation, I always thought a PhD was just an indication of a degree in something, not just specifically in philosophy.

As to what I want to *do* with it... *snip*

Oh dear I'm learning tons of things here, I even know what LGBT [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT] stands for! Nice you have such altruistic aspirations there! Good luck with everything .

]Well, I live in the USA myself... *snip*

Wow that's quite the story! I can't really imagine just leaving on a spur, but it seems like you made the best of things, and apparently it turned out quite all right! How do you finance it all though if I may ask? Are you living on yourself now? Is the government a sponsor in your studies? Or do you still receive support from your parents? Do you work after school/ in weekends?

*snip*..
Remember, money means less than you could ever imagine. Go to college for as long as you want.

QFT.

i'm a bit surprise to see how little people are heading toward the gaming industry on here!*snip*

I too am a bit surprised to see so many non IT related subjects represented on this forum. This is some sorts of a gaming forum after all isn't it? We only have a handful of people studying (or aspiring to study) in this direction. Perhaps you won't have too much competition in your further career!

*snip*

Ah we have our first historian! I wonder what career prospects you would have with solely this education. Though with your Land Administration Certification, and prospects for further study I?m pretty sure you have a various range of choices. My sister studied Cultural Anthropology, and actually has quite a nice job at the moment.

*snip*

Oh yes I remember those filler classes. We had quite a few too and I considered them utterly useless at the time. Now though during my internship, some of the things I learned there come quite in handy.

*snip*..being paid to write down my opinions sounded good at the time.

Haha! That is some awesome thinking there, good luck on getting into uni!

*snip*...the combination of a mental breakdown and an incredibly incompetent backwater college system has made me turn away from wanting any further education.

Damn that sounds rough... And too bad the college system is a bit off there, isn't it a possibility to follow a course somewhere else? Or perhaps some sort of home study? I used to study in a place 2 hours away by train from where I lived (didn't live on my own at that time), isn't something like that possible for you? It would be a shame if you stopped your further study because of this hurdle.

In college it's not about doing the stuff right and knowing how it's done right, but how your lecturer wants you to do it.

Even though it is not really applicable for me at the moment (most mathematics don't leave a lot of room for different interpretations), I know what you're saying, and I have been quite frustrated at that aspect of study. I learned to live with it fortunately, and managed al right, but it is a bit... strange.

*snip*

Good thinking to have something practical at hand. As far as I know there's always a need of technical people nowadays. Too bad though that you could not follow the study of your heart's desire. In the Netherlands, a student can get these really cheap and reliable loans, don't you have something like that in your country?
Also, if ever you got into gun manufacturing, wouldn't you feel some kind of moral dilemma about making stuff that kills people (however strongly those people deserve it, or not)? I'm not judging you here, I would just like to know if you have any doubts about it.

*snip*

(I don?t really know what you mean with being at year 10, I?m assuming you still have some time to make your choice of study) Impressive that you already have quite a good idea of what you would like to study. Half a year before I did my current study (I was about 17-18) I still had no idea of what I'd like to do... All the choices you mentioned seem very interesting, good luck in advance in making your choice!

*snip*

Hmm Roman archaeology in the United State, either you are going to be travelling a lot, or you won't be getting your hands on a shuffle any time soon. Is that part of the contract archaeology, getting out-sourced, and sent to some dig site in another part of the world? I always wondered how archaeologists got their work, and who finances it.

..*snip*
did you know carbon can have more than four bonds if its connected to boron? pretty sexy stuff.

Wow that is pretty cool, care to give a brief explanation? I always thought the covalent bonds were some kind of a fixed rule in nature, but I didn't really had any significant chemistry in the past. Oh and if ever you discover something new and exciting with respect to (hydro) carbon molecules (specifically those found crude oils), please inform me, new ideas receive major credit in my line of work, which I desperately need these tough days.

*snip* I must say my math classes leaves a lot to be desired, mainly since they are more calculation than math.

That makes sense I guess in technical school. There's no need for most technicians to be able to prove that when n approaches infinity, the limit of (1+1/n)^n approaches the mathematical constant e... I figure you'll get plenty of that stuff when you go for your bachelor though ^^.

*snip*

An actual residency at a hospital, meaning you would live there as well as work? Pff and that with all the infectious diseases around! Well thank you for wanting to take up The Hippocratic Oath (If I remember the correct name), but I'm quite comfortable behind my desk here. Good luck in the future times!

all i want to do is GTFO out of this never ending loop alive and sane so i can hurry up and rule the world

Oh but ruling the world is quite hard! Especially being a dictator, you would have to know a bit of everything! Economics, philosophy, psychology, etc. Sorry but you would need years and years and study before your plan can unfold. I suggest taking up something less... demanding if you are in no specific need to go study!

On a side note: Man I hate Monday mornings... Great time to make some posts though

 

[Kaboose the Moose]

*snip*

An actual residency at a hospital, meaning you would live there as well as work? Pff and that with all the infectious diseases around! Well thank you for wanting to take up The Hippocratic Oath (If I remember the correct name), but I'm quite comfortable behind my desk here. Good luck in the future times!

I think you are a bit confused with the terminology here, while resident physicians traditionally lived in hospitals they don't, nowadays at least, technically "live" in the hospital itself. Anyone on a residency program is provided with hospital-supplied housing and the term is more to do with the time spent in the hospital rather than actually living there. Although it is a fine line considering that there are 60-hour shifts that have to be pulled for 110-130 hours per week to adequately cover patient health care.

Still those that pick Medicine as a career choice know it's not all House MD or Grey's Anatomy. It is a militaristic culture of sorts and to some its a painful experience and for others, no other job in the wold will suffice. I for one can't see my self behind a desk for any significant period of time but everyone is different with their choices.

 

[Lukeje]

did you know carbon can have more than four bonds if its connected to boron? pretty sexy stuff.

I was gonna call bullshit but I googled it first just in case, and found this [http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/200423/000020042304A0833293.php] article. Is 'pentavalent' carbon your current research project then?

A DPhil (never heard it called that before but whatever lol) is a doctorate of philosophy... *snip*

A DPhil is the same as a PhD, just from Oxford.

Aha! Thanks for the explanation, I always thought a PhD was just an indication of a degree in something, not just specifically in philosophy.

Ahh, don't misunderstand; I don't actually want to study philosophy. It's just where the name comes from. You can indeed take a PhD in most subjects.

 

[justnotcricket]

I have a BA and a BSc, and now I have a couple PhDs in the cross-hairs. Uni is definitely my niche. =)

 

[Charli]

I took the International Baccaloriate Diploma and I plan to go for design oriented Game Design course and 3D Animation.

I'm not just taking this course for being a game nerd with no other options open to me, I've known exactly what I've wanted to do with my life since I was 13 years old (you may now be jealous, I've been told that for some reason it's a rare thing) and have been steadily working towards attaining good grades in Art, Science, IT and English (always a good thing to have just in case your employers are impressionable gits) Unfortunately some family circumstances have forced me to prolong my entrance to Collage/University, but my first applications turned out not one single rejection letter, so I figure I'm safe for a good while even with this unforseen setback.

In the mean time I continue to improve my artwork and understanding of the media I will be using through whatever means I can, and await the day I can begin an education I sat and endured all of that lame social farmhouse that calls itself school for.

I'm British, but unlike my fellow countrymen I'm not an America-o-phobe and plan to migrate there to receive my education since the industry for gaming in the UK consists primarily of EA...and perhaps Lionhead. I applied to Canada also but the sheer amount of paperwork to live there even under a students visa is utterly absurd, so despite my acceptances I feel next round I'll just stick to the U.S. Universities and Colleges.

 

[chaser[phoenix]]

Wow that's quite the story! I can't really imagine just leaving on a spur, but it seems like you made the best of things, and apparently it turned out quite all right! How do you finance it all though if I may ask? Are you living on yourself now? Is the government a sponsor in your studies? Or do you still receive support from your parents? Do you work after school/ in weekends?

Ooh I'll have to disappoint you, I think. For the moment, I'm still living with my parents.
You see, my entire intention upon leaving high school was to enlist in the United States Army.

I was actually preparing to leave; preparing to go to MEPS (the Military Entrance Processing Station) to finally sign my contract and soon thereafter ship out, but there was apparently an unwritten chapter in my story, you see.

One night I was driving to dinner to see my (at the time) girlfriend and her brother (who is in the Marine Corps).

Only problem was that on the way to this dinner, some impatient, ironically rich kid hit my car with his.
Coma, etc, etc, two years recovery later, here I am.

As far as college goes; for the moment, I am only taking one class. You see, it's been so long since I've done anything regarding school I wanted to start relatively slowly.
Either way, for the moment I have no scholarships and I'm not exactly sure if I'm eligible for any, having dropped out of high school.

The only support I receive from my parents is a roof over my head and the occasional meal.

And finally, for the moment, I don't have a job actually. Social Security has been paying my way and shall likely continue to do so until the economy recovers enough so I can actually get a job (unless of course there are people hiring now).

 

[S.H.A.R.P.]

*snip*

I thought it was a bit extreme indeed, thank you for the clarification!

Ahh, don't misunderstand; I don't actually want to study philosophy. It's just where the name comes from. You can indeed take a PhD in most subjects.

Ah so I was right after all, oh you and your country's confusing acronyms .

I have a BA and a BSc, and now I have a couple PhDs in the cross-hairs. Uni is definitely my niche. =)

For clarification towards other non English speaking natives: is a BA a Bachelor of Arts, and a Bsc a Bachelor of Science? If so, nicely done there! What kinds of PhD's do you have in mind? And since you are so comfortable in Uni, would you mind becoming a teacher of some sorts?

*snip*

Perhaps not exactly jealous, but it is indeed a rare asset to know exactly what you plan to do at that age. I was absolutely in the dark at that time, and just went in the money direction, which never seemed a bad idea.
Since other aspiring game designers here have mentioned their favourable game developer studios, what would your preferred one be to work for?

]*snip*

Oh dear, that missing chapter sheds an entirely different light on your story. I am very sorry that you had a part of your life stolen from you. Such a tragic happening

Good to know that you still have the support of your parents. I can imagine that you need time to recover, and slowly build up your life again. College seems like a great start, investing in knowledge while taking a job is far too impractical these times.

I wonder though, has your view on the future changed since your accident? Or perhaps you aren't legible for the army anymore, and therefore need to find a job? Maybe you are more on the lookout for a study, if you could get a job or scholarship to finance it?
Please slap me if I am out of line




Edited to include another reply

 

[Charli]

*snip*

Perhaps not exactly jealous, but it is indeed a rare asset to know exactly what you plan to do at that age. I was absolutely in the dark at that time, and just went in the money direction, which never seemed a bad idea.
Since other aspiring game designers here have mentioned their favourable game developer studios, what would your preferred one be to work for?

Not exactly decided in that particular area, I figure it's one of the factors you won't have a great deal of control over depending on where you live and study, and I have to know what my style of design is limited too, Lionhead studios was quite literally a walk down the road when I lived in Ye-Olde-Home Country. I used to have an aspiration to work there but now I'm more focused on the U.S. I'd be happy just to have a job doing what I love, I know and have tested how happy I am working in extreme financial difficulty circumstances on what I love, and it doesn't differ much from when I'm living comfortabaly. Having tested those waters, I'm not to concerned. I have a dream of being respected in that field since I generally see so few female names highlighted in a Game's credits. I set myself a path but I'm not going to contstrain it too tightly should somthing spontanious come along. (I mean if Pixar turn up one day and decide I'd make a decent storyboard animator, I'm sure as hell not going to think twice about turning somthing like that down.)

 

[thiosk]

did you know carbon can have more than four bonds if its connected to boron? pretty sexy stuff.

I was gonna call bullshit but I googled it first just in case, and found this [http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/200423/000020042304A0833293.php] article. Is 'pentavalent' carbon your current research project then?

Hexavalent, actually. And its room temperature and air stable.

Only works because the boron is so electron deficient that carbon is able to play ball.

 

[FinalGamer]

*snip*...the combination of a mental breakdown and an incredibly incompetent backwater college system has made me turn away from wanting any further education.

Damn that sounds rough... And too bad the college system is a bit off there, isn't it a possibility to follow a course somewhere else? Or perhaps some sort of home study? I used to study in a place 2 hours away by train from where I lived (didn't live on my own at that time), isn't something like that possible for you? It would be a shame if you stopped your further study because of this hurdle.

First off, it's very nice of you to reply to so many people, shows ya care.

And secondly, I'm really isolated and way out in the countryside with no license, sooooo nothing viable for now.

 

[Taniquel]

I am finishing my Masters in Biology (molecular/micro) and after working for a few years, assuming I can find a job in this wonderful economy, I will be heading off for a PhD in a similar subject.

I enjoy playing games but I would never want to be in on the creation. Too high stress for too little pay. I applaud those of you who are sacrificing their incomes and sanity to make wonderful products we can enjoy!

 

[justnotcricket]

I have a BA and a BSc, and now I have a couple PhDs in the cross-hairs. Uni is definitely my niche. =)

For clarification towards other non English speaking natives: is a BA a Bachelor of Arts, and a Bsc a Bachelor of Science? If so, nicely done there! What kinds of PhD's do you have in mind? And since you are so comfortable in Uni, would you mind becoming a teacher of some sorts?

They are indeed, as you suppose, an Arts degree and a Science Degree. My current PhD goal is in the Sciences, and my second one will be in Arts - I want the whole set! =D As for teaching, it's definitely my intention to become a Professor, so that will include, hopefully, a nice mix of teaching and research. I currently teach in the undergraduate laboratories, and it is SO MUCH FUN! =)

 

[PersianLlama]

I'm currently in high school. I plan on majoring in either Computer Science or Chemistry in college, and whichever I choose, I want to try and earn a PhD.

 

[Randomologist]

I'm doing A levels in college, next year on to University, and (hopefully) a MSc in Physics.

[Hexavalent bonding with Carbon]Only works because the boron is so electron deficient that carbon is able to play ball.

Hey, you learn something new every day

 

[S.H.A.R.P.]

Oh f*ck me, I pulled out the power cable of my PC with the heel of my foot while using it as a foot bench while typing some replies... Sorry if the following replies are a bit shorter, and possibly less courteous, then originally intended.

*snip*

Perhaps you won't be able to have a great deal of control in this matter, but you do have a preference right? Certainly there's a studio with a similar artistic impression! Regarding your post, you don't seem like you'll settle for less then the choice you made.
I do wonder, how would a lady be accepted into a studio these days? I once read an article about the supposedly good looking lady who was a major player in one studio or the other. But she was mainly 'exhibited' as a good looking female, almost used it seemed to attract young innocent male gamers. Something tells me that the 'respected' in your post, implies more the quality of work you deliver, instead of the parts dangling from your body.

*snip*

I do! What's the point of asking for people's opinion, if you just disregard them at first sight?
And with the internet around, can you really be isolated? It may sound silly, but isn't self education an option of some sorts? True, you won't gain any certificates, but if ever you go for further education, you haven't un-learned the use of your brain (not meant as offending, it's more a personal experience after not having used my brain for a while, and I needed to re-train it a bit). And you can always train on your journalism skills by entering some of the competitions on the Escapist here (if you haven't already).

*snip*

Is there a reason you go for a job before going for a PhD? Perhaps you need a way to finance it? Or some practical experience is required in that field of Biology?
And where do you get the idea from that game devs are hard workers? I always thought they just drank coffee 50% of the time, hence the delayed deadlines all the time with every game. Though my image might be distorted, since I haven't actually met any yet. Naturally I applaud them too for their much appreciated work!

*snip*

Oh yeah I'm finally getting my terminology straight here! Thanks for the confirmation .
How long will taking up those PhD's take for you? I can imagine you will be quite a few years older once you are finished. Great you're taking up the experience of teaching already. My brother does something similar, and also enjoys it quite much and actually earns a slight salary. Good luck in becoming a professor!

*snip*

Computer Science and Chemistry are quite the different subjects. Are there reasons for choosing the one or the other? Will your choice more depend on job prospects, or personal preference?

*snip*

Yeah fortunately we do! I wonder sometimes though of the practicality of these new discoveries, I mean, what can we do with Hexavalent bonding with Carbon?
Perhaps that would dramatically increase the Octane level [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating] of gasoline without increasing health and environment hazards, and in the same time fertilizing [http://www.spectrumanalytic.com/support/library/ff/B_Basics.htm] the ground around it!
*cough* Damn there I went again, me and my crazy idea's?

 

[DreadfulSorry]

*snip*

Hmm Roman archaeology in the United State, either you are going to be travelling a lot, or you won't be getting your hands on a shuffle any time soon. Is that part of the contract archaeology, getting out-sourced, and sent to some dig site in another part of the world? I always wondered how archaeologists got their work, and who finances it.

Haha, I knew going into this job that I'd never make any money.
That is exactly what contract archaeology is. For example, if there is a large scale building project (like building a subway), a contract archaeologist (or a team of archaeologists) is called in and normally given a specific number of days to find whatever is there before it is destroyed. The firm that I'm looking at does some work overseas, as well as work in the US.
As for financing, a lot of times archaeologists will get a job teaching at a University, which could provide grants to fund their own research and excavation projects. Also, sections of the US government, like the Dept. of the Interior (mainly the National Parks Service) also hire archaeologists and culture resource management staff to work at many of the Historical Sites in the US.

 

[DoctorNick]

*snip*

Good thinking to have something practical at hand. As far as I know there's always a need of technical people nowadays. Too bad though that you could not follow the study of your heart's desire. In the Netherlands, a student can get these really cheap and reliable loans, don't you have something like that in your country?
Also, if ever you got into gun manufacturing, wouldn't you feel some kind of moral dilemma about making stuff that kills people (however strongly those people deserve it, or not)? I'm not judging you here, I would just like to know if you have any doubts about it.

We have a system for student loans here, but I'm disinclined to use it. I have a bunch of reasons why, but I don't really want to get into it at this time. Biggest reason though is I'd like to avoid going into a massive debt I may or may not be in a position to pay off. My sister left law school with more than $80,000 in school debt that she's still working to pay off, I have no desire to get into a situation like that.

As for any sort of moral dilemma in manufacturing firearms, all I am making is a neutral tool. Someone might use a gun to go hunting, target shoot for recreation, defend themselves from those who would do them harm or, deplorably, use it in a violent crime. I have no control over, and therefore take no responsibility for, the actions of others and thus I don't plan on losing much sleep over the issue.

 

[Hunde Des Krieg]

Something that involves motorcycles!... VRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!!!!!111!!!!1!1111!

 

[Lord_Ascendant]

Hopefully I plan to attend a two year college to study English. Or any place I can go to learn to be an author.

 

[Izerous]

Graduated Highschool with honors in gr 10/11 and slacked gr12.
When to a technical college for 4 years and received a bachelors degree in programming.
Received my Adobe Certified Expert classification for Flex 3.
Probably attempt to get masters degree in a few years.