University course choice?!?!
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University course choice?!?!
Hello,
This coming sept I have a place to study a BSc Geography with the aim being to begin a career as a financial advisor and then, by modular route, train to become a pilot.
Over the past days I have been looking into a Law degree instead and think that maybe a law degree would be best due to the money earnt from potential careers in that field such as a lawyer etc.. In other words, I am thinking a law degree and going down a law route, it would allow me to fulfil my dreams quicker and more effectively.
Do you believe that going down the legal route is a good path to take and will allow me to reach my ultimate goal faster, or is a legal career to much for a temporary career that I will just be using as part of the 'stepping stone process'. Any advice will be greatly appreciated
This coming sept I have a place to study a BSc Geography with the aim being to begin a career as a financial advisor and then, by modular route, train to become a pilot.
Over the past days I have been looking into a Law degree instead and think that maybe a law degree would be best due to the money earnt from potential careers in that field such as a lawyer etc.. In other words, I am thinking a law degree and going down a law route, it would allow me to fulfil my dreams quicker and more effectively.
Do you believe that going down the legal route is a good path to take and will allow me to reach my ultimate goal faster, or is a legal career to much for a temporary career that I will just be using as part of the 'stepping stone process'. Any advice will be greatly appreciated
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Speaking from life experience, I would ditch university and get a job and start earning.
The graduate jobs market right now in the UK is the most competitive in Europe and therefore by no means is a job after university a guarantee. I've seen so many students take the poor advice to do a university degree under the presumption that getting a job is a formality afterwards. For me I graduated from a Russell university with a first and an MSc in Engineering only to start a job 3 months later on £18,000 a year which really isn't far off what I could of started on after leaving college.
On the minimum wage you could earn £60,000 over 5 years and with promotions/pay rises it would probably be even more. That is more than enough for a modular course with a MCC/JOC thrown in. Obviously you won't save every single penny but starting to earn now and early will get you to the dream far quicker than you might think.
Sorry if this doesn't really help but aside from that I would select the option with the best job prospects rather than merely the money because despite what our government says, the true outlook of the jobs market for those just starting their careers is rather grim.
The graduate jobs market right now in the UK is the most competitive in Europe and therefore by no means is a job after university a guarantee. I've seen so many students take the poor advice to do a university degree under the presumption that getting a job is a formality afterwards. For me I graduated from a Russell university with a first and an MSc in Engineering only to start a job 3 months later on £18,000 a year which really isn't far off what I could of started on after leaving college.
On the minimum wage you could earn £60,000 over 5 years and with promotions/pay rises it would probably be even more. That is more than enough for a modular course with a MCC/JOC thrown in. Obviously you won't save every single penny but starting to earn now and early will get you to the dream far quicker than you might think.
Sorry if this doesn't really help but aside from that I would select the option with the best job prospects rather than merely the money because despite what our government says, the true outlook of the jobs market for those just starting their careers is rather grim.
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Contrary to the above, I advise the opposite.
A degree isn't just about the money, it will give you the foundation to build upon and prove to prospective employers you have the ability to study and achieve results. It will serve as a backup for anything you chose later in life, be the flying or any other route you wish to peruse. In addition to this, university is usually a big wake up call for most, giving you not just the life experience, but also maturity needed to succeed in both employment and personal life.
What I would advise though is that you do consider your degree choice carefully. From the above you have named two completely different courses, both of which have different prospects. I would be interested to know your background, A-Levels and interest wise, but here is my opinion.
Let's start with Geography, you have stated you would like to move into a career as a financial advisor, this would mean further qualification post university (more fees, more study time). How would you manage this? Are you able to answer the "why didn't you do accounting / economics at university?" question?
Law - Similar to the above, a Law degree on its own right doesn't have too much weight, it's what you do post graduation will determine your path. How will you do your BAR? Requires a masters? (Again further fees). Assuming you succeed in achieving a placement with a Law company, your salary will not considerably climb until you have the experience, which may take 5 years. This is fine but as long as you're happy with this and appreciate everything can't happen at once. Unfortunately, Engineering "sort of" fits into this bracket as well, if you don't specialise sometimes you may get stuck.
In regards to flying, a degree will serve as a good backup and an income provider if things don't work out. You're correct in stating the modular route will save you considerable money. May I advise you to do your PPL first and then consider your options? If possible, fund this by working whilst at university / Uni Flying Squadron / Gliding club etc.
Post university jobs can be challenging for some, for me personally and my group of friends, most of us have been succesful and obtained graduate roles. These varied in salary but these were all above the minimum / average wage discussed above and ALWAYS provided much greater career potential. I have always found that anyone who has a good degree, good mixed experience with clubs / socialising etc will find a good graduate job. It's unfortunate the above post doesn't suggest that but some luck does come into it.
Graduate roles - This is where a good degree, good a-levels, even good GCSE's come into play. To get into the biggest companies you need to stand out, get involved in clubs, get involved in charity work, it's all vital experience and not something to turn your nose up at.
Finally, I fully advise chosing your degree carefully, make sure it's interesting for you and not just "What makes me the most money" - remember you're doing this for 3+ years! If it doesn't interest you now, don't think it will on that cold rainy January day when you have 15,000 words to write.
Just for info, my background:
Graduated - 2007 (Computer Science 2:1)
Grad Job - Nov 2008, accelerated quickly, travelled Europe visitng sites doing system implementation / project management
Moved into a major UK bank above graduate level (customer facing role)
Now - 2015, about to start a Project Manager job for one of the UK's biggest banks.
Yes my flying dream hasn't fully taken off, it never will for me (I can't justify the risk), but I will be working more towards my PPL and if things do fall into place, you never know.
P.S. I'm sure others will tell you, keep a look out for any tagged flying schemes, BA FPP will re-open in January (though be warned competition is tough) - bring your a-Game!
Good luck
A degree isn't just about the money, it will give you the foundation to build upon and prove to prospective employers you have the ability to study and achieve results. It will serve as a backup for anything you chose later in life, be the flying or any other route you wish to peruse. In addition to this, university is usually a big wake up call for most, giving you not just the life experience, but also maturity needed to succeed in both employment and personal life.
What I would advise though is that you do consider your degree choice carefully. From the above you have named two completely different courses, both of which have different prospects. I would be interested to know your background, A-Levels and interest wise, but here is my opinion.
Let's start with Geography, you have stated you would like to move into a career as a financial advisor, this would mean further qualification post university (more fees, more study time). How would you manage this? Are you able to answer the "why didn't you do accounting / economics at university?" question?
Law - Similar to the above, a Law degree on its own right doesn't have too much weight, it's what you do post graduation will determine your path. How will you do your BAR? Requires a masters? (Again further fees). Assuming you succeed in achieving a placement with a Law company, your salary will not considerably climb until you have the experience, which may take 5 years. This is fine but as long as you're happy with this and appreciate everything can't happen at once. Unfortunately, Engineering "sort of" fits into this bracket as well, if you don't specialise sometimes you may get stuck.
In regards to flying, a degree will serve as a good backup and an income provider if things don't work out. You're correct in stating the modular route will save you considerable money. May I advise you to do your PPL first and then consider your options? If possible, fund this by working whilst at university / Uni Flying Squadron / Gliding club etc.
Post university jobs can be challenging for some, for me personally and my group of friends, most of us have been succesful and obtained graduate roles. These varied in salary but these were all above the minimum / average wage discussed above and ALWAYS provided much greater career potential. I have always found that anyone who has a good degree, good mixed experience with clubs / socialising etc will find a good graduate job. It's unfortunate the above post doesn't suggest that but some luck does come into it.
Graduate roles - This is where a good degree, good a-levels, even good GCSE's come into play. To get into the biggest companies you need to stand out, get involved in clubs, get involved in charity work, it's all vital experience and not something to turn your nose up at.
Finally, I fully advise chosing your degree carefully, make sure it's interesting for you and not just "What makes me the most money" - remember you're doing this for 3+ years! If it doesn't interest you now, don't think it will on that cold rainy January day when you have 15,000 words to write.
Just for info, my background:
Graduated - 2007 (Computer Science 2:1)
Grad Job - Nov 2008, accelerated quickly, travelled Europe visitng sites doing system implementation / project management
Moved into a major UK bank above graduate level (customer facing role)
Now - 2015, about to start a Project Manager job for one of the UK's biggest banks.
Yes my flying dream hasn't fully taken off, it never will for me (I can't justify the risk), but I will be working more towards my PPL and if things do fall into place, you never know.
P.S. I'm sure others will tell you, keep a look out for any tagged flying schemes, BA FPP will re-open in January (though be warned competition is tough) - bring your a-Game!
Good luck
Last edited by 4KBeta; 27th Jul 2015 at 13:27.
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I agree with above as opposed to the first. Depending on degree subject there is more competition than others, geography is competitive as is law. I did an aero eng degree, finding a job was easy, similar for my coursemates. Starting salary £25k, increasing to over £30k in a fairly short time.
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Thank you for all the info!
I am planning to go and do my PPL while at Uni so I will be in a better position to know then. I have decided to go with the Geography degree even though I don't know what exactly my plans are after
I am planning to go and do my PPL while at Uni so I will be in a better position to know then. I have decided to go with the Geography degree even though I don't know what exactly my plans are after
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Which is the right University Course?
Totally agree with 4kBeta.
Only consider courses which you are genuinely interested in. This will be the area where you will be most likely to excel (and also not drop out of - which is always a risk).
The idea of a University education is not to cram your head with 'facts' but to teach you how to think. This will be of great value to you in later life - but possibly not financially.
It is always wise to have a back up plan. In aviation the risk of losing your medical is always there. You have to minimise the potential risk.
What A levels did you enjoy ? What does that tell you about what areas of life you want to learn more about?
Good Luck
(a University Economics Lecturer)
Only consider courses which you are genuinely interested in. This will be the area where you will be most likely to excel (and also not drop out of - which is always a risk).
The idea of a University education is not to cram your head with 'facts' but to teach you how to think. This will be of great value to you in later life - but possibly not financially.
It is always wise to have a back up plan. In aviation the risk of losing your medical is always there. You have to minimise the potential risk.
What A levels did you enjoy ? What does that tell you about what areas of life you want to learn more about?
Good Luck
(a University Economics Lecturer)
