Career Choices

[DevilMayCry42]

I am totally lost. I've been told that I need to start looking at uni courses as I have to prepare and complete my UCAS in October. The problem is, I'm totally lost for where I should go!
I've been getting A's and the odd B (which I'm re-sitting to get that A) in my mocks/end of topic tests so I've been told I should look at the top uni's.
I'm currently taking maths, physics, chemistry and geography (I didnt take ICT because the course they do here is rubbish and you don't need it for a CS degree [right?])
The problem is I have interests in all of my subjects, AND in computers so looking for a degree/course/prospective job is becoming really hard!
I've been looking at stuff like computer science, aeronautical engineering, medical science, cybernetics, forensic sciences, robotics....so pretty much everywhere, and they all seem interesting.
How many of you took Computer Science? And where did that take you [in terms of jobs]?
What about the other job areas?

Prolly coz' I is watching too much 24, I thought a job in military intelligence (a la Bourne Ultimatum) would be really cool, or a job in the computer games industry. I've been told these are just childish dreams coming through but I want to give them real thought, but again I have no clue whether a) its possible or b) i'll be able to do it.


EDIT: oh and before you tell me to, I've been to see my careers advisor...He's rubbish

[SiM]

To be honest, you might get a biased opinion here (towards computer science) so I would take all advice with a pinch of salt. It might be worthwhile posting this in "the student room" forums too.

Two obvious options:
1) Do the subject that most interests you or a mix of two. eg maths and physics (this would usually have some computer science options in too). Its probably best to do something flexible if you are unsure what you would like to do.
2) Decide what job you would like and choose course accordingly. I would not recommend this for most people as they won't have a clue what they would like to do after graduation. (there are exceptions eg medicine)

It would be good if you could actually speak to people in the courses that you are interested in. Uni is very different to A Level. Some people get near 100% in A Level Maths and Further Maths and still fail Maths at uni.

I be careful about going for a 24/bourne identity type job as the films portray them more glamorous than they actually are.

[TheAnimus]

I did Computer Science & Cybernetics at reading, i didn't want to do straight CS because, well i'd of been bored ridged, the speed those lectures went at was equatable to that of the average daily mail reader.

I found the Cybernetics intresting, but a fair bit harder than the CS. So by taking half of it as the piss easy CS, i knew i wouldn't end up with a 3rd.

Job wise it put me on the fence, i could of gone into engineering, or as i did developing. Thanks to doing very well with a team in the imagine cup, i've got a nice gravey train, which with any luck will of brought my earnings to 6 figures by the end of next year (or within 3 years of graduating).

[Zadock]

thought about becoming a civil engineer? you stand a good chance of getting a job, your paid well and if your lucky you may get sent all over the world. I'm an environmental consultant but I work for an engineering firm, and some of the stuff we do is amazing and theres so much variety.

Have a look at the following firms: Halcrow (who I work for), WS Atkins, Arup, Scott Wilson.

With geography, physics and chemistry your probably well set for civil engineering e.g. river morphology, flood modelling... also if your interested in the computing element you can do modelling (including 3d structural) and cad.

Just an idea.

[Moby-Dick]

I did Computer Science & Cybernetics at reading.

Did you find Kevin Warwick as good a cure for insomnia as he's reputed to be ?

I spent 4 years doing Materials Science & Engineering - worked in it for a year, but didn't really get on with it - went for Plan B ( IT ) and never looked back.

[DevilMayCry42]

How hard is CS in terms of learning the languages? I had a shot at teaching myself Java, but that was an utter failure (but then again, i know very well that i cannot teach myself new concepts) but it still worried me.
It seriously made me wonder whether I'd survive the course. Also, do you need an imagination to program? As in, thinking of solutions for a problem that you have to code for, because that's also a small thing that has me worried

[LWA]

I spent 4 years studying Software Engineering at Aberystwyth. I thoroughly recommend doing a degree with a placement year as it not only gives you experience but also stands you in good stead when you are applying for jobs after graduation (or in some cases you may wish to continue with your placement company)

After graduating a worked as an Oracle Forms developer, then Intranet manager and finally an IT Project Manager.

[Wh@l3fish]

If you haven't decided on what you want to do yet in your life, and you're under pressure to choose a course quickly, have you thought about doing a 'traditional', broader ranging academic subject like maths or physics. This way, you will have the basic skills needed for almost anything you want to do, people will bow down and say 'omg, you must be sooooo cleva!', and then you can look to specialise later by doing a one years masters degree, once you have a better idea of what to do. Otherwise, could you take a gap year and decide after?

[kidzer]

i've got a nice gravey train, which with any luck will of brought my earnings to 6 figures by the end of next year (or within 3 years of graduating).

Damn touchpad, I thanked you by accident!

Gee, why do I dislike Software Development, if I could get good at it - it seems theres plenty money to be made!

In terms of going to Uni, the suggestion of a more 'broad' degree may be a wise choice - as I understand it, some employers will be sufficiently impressed by any degree, as is shows you can learn well, not much more - I could well end up with a 1st from my degree - but if all I do is the bare minimum to get the grades - it doesn't mean I'll be able to do the job well, that bit is down to your own extra efforts I'd say.

A course with a placement is probably also a good idea, it helps a bit with the Catch 22 of now job without experience, no experience without a job.

[SiM]

Gee, why do I dislike Software Development, if I could get good at it - it seems theres plenty money to be made!

He is making money because he works for a bank - not because he is doing software development. Of course he is good at what he does too so that's why its rewarding.
The real money is in prop trading. They let you keep around half the profit what you make for them.... 6 figure after one year of graduating is not unimaginable...

[DevilMayCry42]

Otherwise, could you take a gap year and decide after?

I'm planning on taking a gap year, but applying this year with deferred entry means that if I run into any problems or need any advice, I can still turn to any of my teachers (and if I have to, the careers advisor) to talk to...


I think I may end up doing a broad degree then, or if I get into an american uni, then a broad major with some fun minor. Thank you for all your advice, but if anyone has any more, please do tell!

[Monks]

Telecomms Engineering loved every minute of it tbh

[Clockwork_Killa]

The best advice I can give you here is apply to a uni that has a good range of courses, or one that at least has courses in a few other subjects that interest you. I jumped right into uni straight from school doing French and Spanish as thats what I was good at in school and I was interested languages, but about 1 month in I realised it wasnt what I wanted to do at all. I finished the year took a years leave and then after finally figuring out what it was that I actually wanted to do I simply switched courses and started my first year again. Im now in my final year doing new media (interactive design, web design etc) and Im much happier for it.
Basically, if you find that you are not happy with your course, its really not that hard to switch courses within the same uni, you dont have to stick with your first choice.
Hope that helps a bit.