What career would suit me?

[MatthewD]

*An identical thread exists here: http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/showthread.php?p=7236416#post7236416, I appologize for making a 2nd identical thread, so can a moderator please delete the one from the Homeless Section thanks*

Hello everyone, and thank you for taking the time to check out my thread. I really enjoy browsing this forum, so I have decided that it's about time I register and get involved a little more.

I'm currently 17 years old, and I live in Queensland, Australia. I finished Year 12 between 7 and 8 months ago, and it's about time I try to rectify and further my education (career wise).

I didn't do too well at school, as I pretty much gave up half way through the year (I don't know what got into me). Consequently I didn't qualify for a QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education), which is one of the main requirements to get into most/all university courses, and I believe some Tafe courses.

However, I am willing to rectify this through almost any means possibly, which to my knowledge will involve redoing, or completing Year 12 through Tafe. Which then leads me to my issue; what career am I going to pursue? I understand that it's the kind of decision that only yourself can make, but I'm sure that with a bit of help and guidance, it will be a lot easier to decide.

For a long time now, I have had a thorough interest in drugs (no, not an addiction to them ). I'm interested in just about every aspect of drugs, from learning about how they effect us, to how they are produced, and even the spiritual insight that some have.

So what do you people think? Please suggest any career options that you think may be suited to me.

I was thinking of getting into Organic Chemistry, although it seems that I'd need to work very hard to even get into the course, and I feel I probably lack the maths and basic science knowledge as I never did advanced Maths or science in my senior years. Also, I'm not that interested in the broad spectrum of Chemistry, mainly the drug related stuff.

 

[RedLeader]

First off, welcome to Bluelight MatthewD, as well as to E&C Don't worry about the double-threading - it will be taken care of by staff.

From reading your post, you sound like the type of guy (I'm making sexual judgement based on your username) who is confused about what comes next. Clearly, you've demonstrated that you've both got ambintion and the ability to write well, so I feel bad for you as one of the people who has essentially been "screwed over" by the education system.

But you are only 17 - you sound very mature for your age, and people WILL respect this.

My first suggestion is to make an appointment with a TAFE admissions person. Even if you go into the interview knowing that you don't meet the requirements, a mature and passionate attidue can go a long way. This person is the one who will be able to give you the best advice for your situation, whether you can retry for a QCE, or get into TAFE another way.

However, I am willing to rectify this through almost any means possibly, which to my knowledge will involve redoing, or completing Year 12 through Tafe

This is what you need to express in such an interiview. Be passionate, and any reasonable admissions worker will see that you stand out. I guarantee you that such people have delt with cases like yours before, and they're willing to work with you to try and give you a path. And heck, if that goes really well, you can always try to do the same type of inteview with admissions to Unis in Queensland, or other areas in OZ.

As for the career stuff. In general, you have to suck it up for some time and just blend in with the general chemistry majors. If you push the drug interest at too young a level, the school will more likely than not judge you. There a few recent merged threads in E&C similar to this type of education I'd suggest you check out. It might give you more ideas/inspiration.

But ya, If you do get into TAFE and/or then to Uni, I'd stick with as general of a program as you can, and then do drug-related topics as indipendent research topics/summer internships/independent learning, etc. And then who knows, if you make it to post-grad, you then get a lot more freedom to do what you want.

Again, my first suggestion is to get an interview with TAFE and be honest. And based on that, you'll know where you need to (re)start.

Good luck, and feel free to post more around here if you have more questions. I know we've got some OZ lurkers..

 

[MatthewD]

From reading your post, you sound like the type of guy (I'm making sexual judgement based on your username) who is confused about what comes next. Clearly, you've demonstrated that you've both got ambintion and the ability to write well, so I feel bad for you as one of the people who has essentially been "screwed over" by the education system.

Thank you for your quick and helpful reply. You're correct in assuming that I am a guy. Basically, I'm the type of person who says a lot of stuff - but never really ends up getting around to it. As Burgen ad's put it, I'm a "gonna", not a "doer".

I never took school seriously in my earlier years, and throughout the first years of high school. I smartened up a bit around the middle of grade 11, but I still left everything to the last minute, which was what started my downward spiral in grade 12 (to cut a long story short).

But you are only 17 - you sound very mature for your age, and people WILL respect this.

In a lot of areas I would say I am immature, but I try my best to be the most down to earth, and realistic person possible. I'm pretty honest with myself and others, and that's one aspect I really respect in myself.

My first suggestion is to make an appointment with a TAFE admissions person. Even if you go into the interview knowing that you don't meet the requirements, a mature and passionate attidue can go a long way. This person is the one who will be able to give you the best advice for your situation, whether you can retry for a QCE, or get into TAFE another way.

I'm glad to read that, because I suspected the same myself. Once again, I never got around to organizing any sort of meeting with a TAFE officer, or careers counselor. I've definitely got to get off my ass and do that. I hope I can just finish off where I left off, so to speak. I did pass MOST of my subjects though (4 of 6 I believe).

This is what you need to express in such an interiview. Be passionate, and any reasonable admissions worker will see that you stand out. I guarantee you that such people have delt with cases like yours before, and they're willing to work with you to try and give you a path. And heck, if that goes really well, you can always try to do the same type of inteview with admissions to Unis in Queensland, or other areas in OZ.

That gives me new hope :D. I guess a little personality can go a long way, so lets hope luck's on my side. Although, as creepy as it sounds; my passion is drugs. Like you have mentioned later on in your post, pushing the "drugs" point may not be the most wise approach. When I found out about Organic Chemistry, and pictured it as a career, I got a nice feeling inside thinking of being able to synthesize my own drugs (I know this is illegal), so that I could learn more about them, and more about myself etc. I hate buying drugs on the street. I especially hate the idea of not knowing 100% what's in them, and I mean, sometimes it's not even the same drug you thought you were buying.

As for the career stuff. In general, you have to suck it up for some time and just blend in with the general chemistry majors. If you push the drug interest at too young a level, the school will more likely than not judge you. There a few recent merged threads in E&C similar to this type of education I'd suggest you check out. It might give you more ideas/inspiration.

I understand what you mean, even typing this I feel like you guys may see me as a drug "fiend" and somewhat of a lowlife. But I'm more in it for the knowledge and the insight, not to just get "fucked up". I'll have a look when I have time and see if I can find the threads you're talking about.

But ya, If you do get into TAFE and/or then to Uni, I'd stick with as general of a program as you can, and then do drug-related topics as indipendent research topics/summer internships/independent learning, etc. And then who knows, if you make it to post-grad, you then get a lot more freedom to do what you want.

I basically have no idea how University works. I thought you just pick a subject/course or two, and do them for 3+ years, part or full-time. I've got a lot to learn, so if you could put it to me simply, I would really appreciate that.

Well I look forward to everyone's replies, and to all of the threads/posts I am yet to read.

Thank you again, I really appreciate your post.

 

[RedLeader]

In a lot of areas I would say I am immature, but I try my best to be the most down to earth, and realistic person possible. I'm pretty honest with myself and others, and that's one aspect I really respect in myself.

Make sure to sell yourself through your positives, and to not speak about what you perceive to be your negatives in any interviews and/or information requests you make in your near future. Even if it feels cheesy and such, a positive self-reflection and a show of ambition CAN and WILL go a long way in life, either with school, a job, or otherwise.

I'm glad to read that, because I suspected the same myself. Once again, I never got around to organizing any sort of meeting with a TAFE officer, or careers counselor. I've definitely got to get off my ass and do that. I hope I can just finish off where I left off, so to speak. I did pass MOST of my subjects though (4 of 6 I believe).

Ya, you sound like me. Making the first step is the hardest part. Once you've done that you're on cruise-control with motivation, but it's tough to get started. You just gotta do it. I mean screw motivational speeches or rewards afterward or whatever. You have to stop thinking about it, and just stand up and do it. Even if it means that you're 5 minutes out of your house before you realise what the :bleep: is going on, you just need to do it.

I basically have no idea how University works. I thought you just pick a subject/course or two, and do them for 3+ years, part or full-time. I've got a lot to learn, so if you could put it to me simply, I would really appreciate that.

Well I look forward to everyone's replies, and to all of the threads/posts I am yet to read.

Thank you again, I really appreciate your post.

Ya, that's essentially how it works. It's what you compliment your basic Uni program with that can allow for more personal interests to be turned into academic successes. Again, summer internships, research under a given lecturer during a semester, graduate school (where oppertunities are much wider), etc.

You can PM me if you have any very specific questions, which might otherwise turn this thread into a personal conversation. But ya, again, find a way to get motivated enough to ask around about admissions criteria and such. You got the courage/motivation to ask on BL, good first step. Ride on that

 

[**hAyzzZZ**]

Tafe is fucking wonderful, and I will never stop advocating it.

Tafe can get you ANYWHERE. You just have to be seriously willing to study your ass off, find a pathway into university (if that is what you decide you want) and be willing to delay something for a few years, or go it the hard way. It is really worth it in the end, it teaches you skills you don't learn at school, and some you wont have from University.

I hope you decide something. Dont worry about school, it never matters in the end if you fucked it up or not, or got a shitty ENTER. You always have options. I hope it all works out for ya :D

 

[MatthewD]

Thank you both for your replies. I'd quote, but I'm in a hurry at the moment and the quotes are getting huge haha. TAFE sounds like a great thing, so I most definitely have to give it a try. If I make any progress I'll be sure to post here and let you guys know :D.

Best of luck guys, see ya'.