I've been forced to make a big decision today. I've decided to prolong my graduation date to Fall 2008. I should graduate a little over a year from now. I came to this decision after talking with my academic adviser, my faculty mentor, and doing some job searches on the internet. I was actually trying to decide if it would be worth completing an extra semester just to get my Chemistry minor. But after doing the job searches, I realized that if I graduate this summer, I will be missing several key courses that could keep me from being able to get a job when I graduate. So I decided it's worth the extra 5 months of college. So instead of graduating August 08, I'll graduate December 08.
I think it's going to make a big difference when it comes time to apply for jobs. While doing job searches, I noticed a lot of openings for fisheries biologists. In order to get those jobs, I will need to have taken at least 2 courses directly related to fish. I did manage to sign up for the fisheries class offered this spring (the class only seats 10 students, so it's a good thing I got in), which will be a big benefit if I apply for a fisheries job. But I still need to take ichthyology, which is only offered in the fall. Basically, I won't be prepared to apply for jobs with the BLM or USFWS unless I take a few more fish and wildlife courses. And that way, I can get my Chem minor, too.
I've talked to Miguel about it already and he agrees with me. Of course, he's a pretty agreeable person.
I think I've been in such a hurry to graduate lately because Miguel's been gone, and I'm tired of all the crime in Corpus Christi- between my ghetto neighbors and a classmate getting beaten within an inch of her life in her own home, I'm pretty much ready for the mellow Pacific Northwest. I'll gladly work in a fish hatchery and reek of fish all the time if it means living in a quiet area closer to family and getting government benefits (family insurance, paid holidays, etc.) Ooh, and if I keep my current GPA, I'll qualify for a higher pay grade, too. Pretty sweet.
Well, it's time to go soak some squirrel bones in gasoline. Yippee.
5 comments:
Working in a fishery sounds like it might be pretty fun and yeah, I bet there are loads of jobs closer to Idaho. I really hope you can find what you're looking for, you deserve it after all your hard work.
I am glad you met with so many advisor types to help with this big decision. I think it is better to be safe than sorry plus it is only a few more months of school. Nice work on having such a high GPA- I am not surprised at all. Plus smelling like fish is the new cool thing...if smelling like fish is cool consider me miles davis....sorry that doesn't really fit here does it..:)
I too am glad that you worked through the process and came to a determination about what will be best in the long run. It's very tempting to just go for the quick end and hope for the best. But, seems like there really is a lot to be said for preparation.
You'll be able to get a lot more figured out in that time too.
Seems kind of poetic that you will end up working with fish - you who complained anytime we ever dared to cook fish for dinner. :0)
4 more months is nothing in the long run. It looks like you did your homework on the job market, and that is what is important.
Hopefully Miguel will find a way to stay in Corpus and that should take some of the pressure off. (if only mentally)
Wow, if my pay were based on my GPA..... well undergrad anyway.... I wouldn't be gettin much!
Great decision. You have so much of our life to be working. Just think about it for a minute and you will realize it's true. Taking a little more time to make sure you have the right schooling is nothing (and it is only a little time compared to how long you will be working)! Getting married somewhere in the NW will possibly allow the Chandlers to attend!
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