Job vs Uni

divine` · 19 Dec 2006 at 20:34

I'm not going to explain it all here, but for various reasons it's on my mind that I might not continue my degree past the second year.

What I don't know though, is what on earth is out there for me to do should I take this course of action?

Basically, if I did stop, I would most likely have a failed first year and a failed second year (don't ask how I got into the second year after failing the first, I don't actually know) along with my 4 A levels (Computing B, Electronics B, Maths C, Physics C.)

It's been on my mind for a few weeks that I might not (be able to) carry on this degree (Civil Engineering BEng at Southampton Uni) but I honestly have no idea what options are really available to me if I don't.

Any help/advice would be great.

Biohazard · 19 Dec 2006 at 20:37

Never stick your hand in a vat of boiling oil. That should heed you well.

divine` · 19 Dec 2006 at 20:39

Biohazard said:
Never stick your hand in a vat of boiling oil. That should heed you well.

Very helpful. Thanks.

ArmyofHarmony · 19 Dec 2006 at 20:41

You could switch to a less demanding degree and just have a good time

but, if you really cant be bothered to stick it out... then just become an accountant or something... you don't need a degree for that, and the pay is good

Since im no doubt gonna get a bad grade at uni, thats what im going to do!

Combat squirrel · 19 Dec 2006 at 20:42

Carry on uni, ull gain experience there that you carnt get in more 'normal' jobs, + its only another year or 2, stick it out, you will also be in a better position then to do what you want

Biohazard · 19 Dec 2006 at 20:43

Help or advice on what though?

Your post has no real question.

You don't know what your options are, how are we?

Dolph · 19 Dec 2006 at 20:45

Uni vs Job... Tricky one.

These days the vast majority of students don't go into jobs after university that actually require their degree, or any degree. You can probably leave now, and walk into the same sort of job that most people with a degree will end up in, and get a years experience on them for next year.

However, if you are trying to work your way up, you'll constantly find yourself against people with a years less experience but a degree, and that's where it will be confusing. Depending on the industry and the company, this can make a big difference.

Only you can really decide what to do though.

Nazbit · 19 Dec 2006 at 21:14

You say you dont want to go in to the details, but its kind of hard to offer advice if you dont.

Its hard to juggle a job and a degree course at once, but in the long term its probably best for you.

It all depends upon where you want to end up and what your ambitions are.

calnen · 19 Dec 2006 at 21:15

If you're going to fail your degree anyway then theres no point in finishing it surely? In which case you're left with either getting a job, or starting another degree from scratch.

Del Lardo · 19 Dec 2006 at 21:23

This is a rather tricky one. In hindsight I should have quit Uni after my second year as it was apparent that I had little interest (and as a result even less ability) in the Electronics side of my degree (80%). As it was I ended up completing and failing my degree and getting a job that was in no way related to my degree (and I can honestly say that I have never used anything that I learned). Having said that I would never have been offered the job had I not completed University, I was able to explain why I had failed my degree and what I had learned from the experience (not to be so bloody minded) and as a result got the job.

The only advice that I can really give is that you shouldn't consider dropping out of Uni as the end of your life, if you can find a job that you are good at and enjoy then you stand a good chance of doing OK for yourself.

electric ant · 19 Dec 2006 at 21:23

My advice would be if you are not enjoying the course then don't continue it. It's going to get far worse if you don't, I know someone who is in their 4th year at uni but only in their 2nd year of the course after failing twice (mech eng). I personally don't understand why they would continue when they clearly aren't enjoying it. Uni is a big commitment and costs mount up! :eek:

Maybe talk it over with your senior tutor about the course and where it is heading, there may be a chance you could switch courses at the same uni. Or if you want to forget about uni, take a gap year working or gaining experience and maybe then you can decide what you want to do in life. Look around, what you're interested in, and take advice from family and friends.

electric ant · 19 Dec 2006 at 21:26

Del Lardo said:
The only advice that I can really give is that you shouldn't consider dropping out of Uni as the end of your life, if you can find a job that you are good at and enjoy then you stand a good chance of doing OK for yourself.

Top advice! I can also honestly say I've learned more in the first few months at work than anything i ever learnt at uni.

whitecrook · 19 Dec 2006 at 21:52

You should have Credits awarded alrady. See hoe many you have and see if you can convert to HND or something simil, then get a qualification, then start working. (and earning money instead of borrowing it)

hendrix · 19 Dec 2006 at 21:59

Unless you've got a crystal clear idea of a job you want to do now/after this year, i'd stick it out until you get a better idea. Pull your socks up and finish the year off

I've no idea about careers as of it, and as such I intend to stick with ed. until I run out of money