I said I'm interested in making lots of money. But don't assume that's the only reason I'm going to school. While money is a large motivation, I have higher priorities.
I value advice from people who have gone down similar paths that I may go down, and I'd like to hear their experiences. And while the idea of American materialism is bluntly printed on my brain, I have yet to see an ultimately unhappy rich person.
Hopefully that didn't seem too defensive.
I'm setting up a career for the rest of my life (I know I can change whenever, but still). So I want to be as informed as possible.
I'm with you here. Making a lot of money is a goal of mine, but it's also not something I want to do just to roll around in it and such. Unfortunately, some of the things I am passionate about in life, such as travelling, adoption, charity donations, making sure that my parents can retire comfortably, etc. require money - the more the better. A lot of people are going to be quick, sure, and label you this or that for saying that making money is a goal, but that judgement's pretty crude.
And also, it can come down to how much of your own money you're shelling out for your schooling, as opposed to having family help at your disposal, when it comes to how important making money is once you graduate. If, for example, your parents aren't helping you much, then it's perfectly understandable for you to want to earn enough so as to pay off those loans and such ASAP.
If you want to see an "ultimately unhappy rich person," you should come meet my dad. They exist, trust me.
Haha, though, what comedian was it who said "Money might not buy happiness, but it sure can buy a Waverunner. Try frowning while on a waverunner!"
from what you said, in that you are good at math and science...
engineering.
a decent uni will give you foundation in mechanical, electrical, electronic, civil, telecommunications and then let you specialise afterwards.
i got the feeling that you might be suited towards electronic if you are intrested in nanotechnology. these degrees are often tied in or closely related to electrical.
in the UK, the best electronic engineers get the oppertunity to work for the secret service in developing the latest spy gadgets with major funding.
electronics also lets you branch into telecomms (mobile phone development) and its worth still involving electrical because its a bigger industry.
lastly, engineers are often considered for stock broking jobs so if you want to make big money you can always apply for wall st as they need strong mathematicians.
good luck.
Haha, not so much right now as we're in a recession and Wall Street's laying off their math/computer guys left and right
I agree about electrical engineering, especially if you like math. I have a higher degree in math, and my advistor for my thesis also did a lot of work in partnership with electrical engineers. You get some really, really cool math out of that field, trust me (though I'm a nerd
)
And also, I like the aerospace engineering idea, especially if you like space. Heck, learn how to build satilites (that is a booming industry).
I'm also really worried about how hard I can motivate myself to work. I know I won't do well if I put the same effort into this that I did high school. What have you guys done to get yourself going (if you've ever had that problem).
Staying motivated is HARD. Very hard. But just, in the end, be proud of yourself for what you are doing. You're going to college, something a lot of people don't get the chance to do, and/or don't bother to even try.
Getting a boy/girlfriend who is also into wanting to stay motivated can also help a lot, as you can push each other to do well.
Try and keep the partying to the weekends, and do the best you can to not let your sleeping patterns go all haywire.
If you really do feel like focusing is a true test for you, you can talk with a doctor about possibly trying some type of ADD drug out (though that is, as we know, playing with fire). Sometimes a good ol' coffee and a few ginko biloba I've found to be just as good, though!
SF
