How did you guys figure out what you wanted to be?

From my other thread, I gathered that a lot of the people on this board are in the same demographic as me: young and Chinese. I'm just wondering how you guys decided what degree and careers to pursue?

I'm at a loss right now with no direction. I really don't like engineering and would not like to pursue a pure-science degree in university. I really like interacting with people and really enjoyed my experience last summer teaching English in Shanghai. I can't imagine working the same job for the rest of my life, I need variety. I was thinking business would suit me. I like challenges when I'm actually doing something, not just scribbling numbers down on a page and I thrive under pressure. Do you guys think I should pursue a business degree, if so, which school should I go to and what courses should I take in my last year?

Thanks a lot guys. You don't know how much I appreciate it.

Do what you enjoy doing or what you are good at.

What about looking for work in a 'trade'? The work is often challenging, you meet new people every day, and you're not stuck working from the same office every day? The pay is also comparable to most people graduating out of non-engineering disciplines.. except that you're earning money doing an apprenticeship while your neighbour is paying to go to school.

I think my family would disown me if I told them I was going to be an electrician.

Originally Posted by Slimfast

I think my family would disown me if I told them I was going to be an electrician.

Is it the stigma of being an electrician or the stereotype that white collar jobs pay more than blue collar trades that would bother your parents? Besides...who is living your life? You or them? I mean I understan they're your parents and all, and maybe it's just chinese culture, but I would never let my folks tell me I couldn't do a certain job. They were'nt exactly thrilled when they learned I joined the Air Force, but they knew that's what I wanted and they understood that.

Originally Posted by slc95

Is it the stigma of being an electrician or the stereotype that white collar jobs pay more than blue collar trades that would bother your parents? Besides...who is living your life? You or them? I mean I understan they're your parents and all, and maybe it's just chinese culture, but I would never let my folks tell me I couldn't do a certain job. They were'nt exactly thrilled when they learned I joined the Air Force, but they knew that's what I wanted and they understood that.

You don't know how powerful Chinese parents are man.. they have level 67 Guilt. =/

And I found accounting to be rather fun for me (It's my program choice for university) because I thought it was rather fun and challenging to manage books while keeping many rules and what not in mind. Meh, I'm just a typical asian nerd. Minus the marks. =D

Originally Posted by slc95

Is it the stigma of being an electrician or the stereotype that white collar jobs pay more than blue collar trades that would bother your parents?

Unfortunately I think most Asian parents are like that, plus the perception that white collar has a higher earning ceiling (climb the coporate ladder) than blue collar jobs.

Originally Posted by FearSonic

You don't know how powerful Chinese parents are man.. they have level 67 Guilt. =/

I don't think im the typical Asian nerd. I'm alright at math, but I want to avoid it as much as possible. I'd say I'm pretty extroverted. I was looking at International Business. China is booming and I want to get in on it! Wouldn't you agree that a lot of us first generation kids are poised to do so? Maybe I'm just dreaming..

Originally Posted by Slimfast

From my other thread, I gathered that a lot of the people on this board are in the same demographic as me: young and Chinese. I'm just wondering how you guys decided what degree and careers to pursue?

I'm at a loss right now with no direction. I really don't like engineering and would not like to pursue a pure-science degree in university. I really like interacting with people and really enjoyed my experience last summer teaching English in Shanghai. I can't imagine working the same job for the rest of my life, I need variety. I was thinking business would suit me. I like challenges when I'm actually doing something, not just scribbling numbers down on a page and I thrive under pressure. Do you guys think I should pursue a business degree, if so, which school should I go to and what courses should I take in my last year?

Thanks a lot guys. You don't know how much I appreciate it.

You do what you like. Go that direction and never look back.
If your parents do not like that, listen to their point of view, think about it, digest it, think again, then go for the gut feeling and find what is right for you.

I don't know of a job that I like...except something silly like a wet t-shirt judge

I thought you only get three choices: Doctor, Engineer or a Lawyer

Originally Posted by Slimfast

I don't know of a job that I like...except something silly like a wet t-shirt judge

Nobody can find a job you like without being you. If you can't answer that question, nobody can.
You may as well just take your parents' advice. At least, somebody in your family will like it even though you may not.

I think I remember seeing a census statistic somewhere (no I don't have a link) that only 5% of white collar employees, including executives, make over 100K a year. I'm sure tradespeople make less than that, comparatively, but the gap isn't as wide as it used to be due to shortages of trained tradespeople.

FWIW, I'm going back to school on company (IE government) time to switch to an "executive" (Read: Officer) job. Has nothing to do with not liking what I'm doing. I just want to go back to school and make more money/get a better pension when I am done working.

I was just reading through university calenders and could not find a degree that I would want. I just look at them and say, "What could I do with that!?"