Need Some Advice About Going Back to College

C

Charlie Vinzenzius

Three
MBTI
INFJ
Hi my INFJ friends... :)
I need some advice here.
I'm a 24 year old guy. I have diploma in Computer Engineering, but I started to feel like this is not my natural field, especially programming. I have tried for years to love this field but nothing happened. I wanna go back to college to learn finance/accounting. Is that fine to go back to college when you're 24 years old.
Or any advice how an INFJ can love Computer Engineering/Programming field?
I appreciate every input here.
Thanks so much.
 
24 is not too young to return to school. I'm late 30s, and just returned this past year for a second degree. Don't feel weird about it. Returning students are a larger portion of the college population. Retraining in Finance/Accounting can't hurt. You'd be making yourself much more marketable than many of your colleagues in the field. It will add another dimension to your background and experiences, and I think you'll likely get more opps in the future because your knowledge is diverse. Consider an MBA. It would likely be a nice complement to your Computer Engineering/Programming Degree.
 
With the extinction of jobs for life came lifelong learning. You're never too old to go back to school!
 
Charlie Vinzenzius said:
Hi everyone...

Sorry for this late reply.

Thanks so much for spending your time to respond my question. I really appreciate every input here.
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Anytime! :) I wish you luck in your venture back into education.

You're definitely not alone. I'll be 29 this year and am headed back to uni to get my bachelors in september.
 
I went back to school to further my education at 26. I was so worried and self conscious that I would be the oldest there. Lo and behold, we had a 70 year old in class too! As Kat mentioned, you're never too old to go back to school. Now on the other end of my thirties, I have the itch again. @Charlie Vinzenzius, go for it, and the best of luck to you! <3
 
ruji said:
School is expensive. There are more jobs these days that don't need it. If none of this applies to you, then #justdoit #fuckdapolice
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True! Motives should be considered as well. Is it the pay increase, or a better job description, or the education itself? That's different for everyone.

*still paying student loans.... sigh*
 
I know this is going to sound a little out there, but it's one avenue to take. I think people want to rely on merit of their competency, but what I learned in life is that you will go farther on average competency, and being likable. But building your character is hard. Most people don't do it.
 
I didn't get my first degree until 2015, at 36 years old and I'm hoping to continue for my BSN in the fall. There were multiple people in my classes who were much older than me. You're never too old to continue learning or to learn a new trade. It keeps your neurons busy! However, I will be paying off student loans until the day I die, but it's worth it.
 
Ryso89 said:
On a better note, sometimes it takes years to find yourself, to know what you like and what your mind is geared for. I'm 28 and will likely be going back to school. Keep optimism high and persist. It will pay off.
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Also, to add to this.... the more research you conduct on careers that might interest you, the better. Knowledge is power. It is wise to spend a lot of time in the planning stages. Some things to entertain... would I enjoy this type of work? Is it meaningful to me?

Basic advice... hope it helps.
 
ruji said:
I know this is going to sound a little out there, but it's one avenue to take. I think people want to rely on merit of their competency, but what I learned in life is that you will go farther on average competency, and being likable. But building your character is hard. Most people don't do it.
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Agreed. I've sold myself on my convictions and values about work while maintaining a pleasant energy during interviews... I also suspect my outward appearance to have given me an edge in scenarios where the interviewers were female. Not that I would ever rely on the subtleties of attraction to give me an edge.

It's more important to me to have a polished and tailored resume as far as I've experienced. People often want the cold, hard data. They often don't care about the human behind the paper. If you get yourself in the door, it is paramount to be honest in all situations during an interview. You can be charismatic, pleasant, easy going and likeable during interviews, provided you appeal to the prejudices of the interviewer herself. Interviewers are human too, and many of them are quite stupid, jaded, biased, prejudiced. In such cases, move along. We're not always going to appeal to everyone.

In the case of applying for a job without experience or an education in the field you're applying for... you are gambling your time and efforts. It's all a game of luck. With that in mind...a serious question to ponder. Can I move forward in this company / field without education, and how much more of an edge would I have WITH an education suited for this?
 
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I'm gonna go against popular opinion and say yes, you are too old to go back to school. I had taken a break from college and changed my major. I just recently graduated and the thing that bothered me the most was my fellow students. I loved my new major but being around 19 year olds was very exhausting. Not to mention the fact that academia often gets in the way of learning more than it helps. There are papers to write and stupid assignments to turn in. If you really want to learn accounting, then buy a textbook and teach yourself for almost no cost at all. You'll be better for it in multiple ways.

I took accounting in high school and it was really easy. A lot of places use quickbooks and other software so you could start learning those.

However, if you are just looking for a career change, there are plenty of ways to do that without getting a degree.
 
Whatever you do don't waste your time doing a degree in finance/ accounting since you've already got a degree, just apply for grad roles that pay for your accounting qualification (ACA etc). College/ University is a waste of time since it doesn't teach you what you need for the job and you'll need to spend 3 years after doing the qualification anyway.
 
I wouldn't bother unless you are going to get a Masters in Accounting. As a programmer you should have enough math and logic knowledge to do entry-level accounting right now.
 
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