REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

MindBomber · 10-05-2011, 02:54 AM

Hey everyone,

I'm in a difficult situation at the moment and hopefully Revscene can come to my rescue by providing suggestions for careers that one could attain with a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. Here's a run down on my circumstances, I've completed two years of my bachelor of arts degree and plan on applying to grad school eventually. Two years ago I was severely injured at work, and as a result I am permanently disabled and unable to return to my previous occupation, leaving me entitled to vocational training from worksafe. Worksafe is only willing to direct the funds towards an education that allows for direct entry into an occupation, my plan of graduate school does not fit that description. In order to direct the funds towards completing my undergraduate degree, I need to provide a plan that shows I will be able to enter the work force with it. The job cannot be physically demanding, other than that I'm completely open to any suggestions. The only suggestion worksafe is willing to provide is abandoning school and becoming a heavy equipment operator, no thanks.

Coles notes:
I need suggestions for an occupation that one can enter with a bachelors degree in art of science and is not physically demanding.

A huge thanks to anyone who can give suggestions, it's greatly appreciated!

Levitron · 10-05-2011, 09:18 AM

You enter more into a "knowledge sector" once you get a degree; that is, if you decide to take on something that you actually went to university for. At least that's what I have noticed. In other words, you will be valued more for your head rather than your muscles.

Its good that you're aiming for grad school two years into your BA. Most people treat grad school as an afterthought (i.e. "I don't know what to do with my life so I'll just go to grad school."). It'd be nice if you can tell us also what you're doing your BA (or if it's a general one) in so that we can give you a better analysis of the situation.

melloman · 10-05-2011, 10:53 AM

Just a question.. why don't you want to be a heavy equipment operator? All you do is sit in a place for all day, and have the possibilities of making a lot of money.

(Best job would be a longshoreman doing crane work at one of the Ports.)

!Yaminashi · 10-05-2011, 10:57 AM

^Some people just simply dont enjoy sitting 8 hours a day doing mindless work

MindBomber · 10-05-2011, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melloman

Just a question.. why don't you want to be a heavy equipment operator? All you do is sit in a place for all day, and have the possibilities of making a lot of money.

(Best job would be a longshoreman doing crane work at one of the Ports.)

It's not intellectually fulfilling, there are more important things in life than money. Aside from that, I'll make more when I finish school than I would as a equipment operator.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Levitron

You enter more into a "knowledge sector" once you get a degree; that is, if you decide to take on something that you actually went to university for. At least that's what I have noticed. In other words, you will be valued more for your head rather than your muscles.

Its good that you're aiming for grad school two years into your BA. Most people treat grad school as an afterthought (i.e. "I don't know what to do with my life so I'll just go to grad school."). It'd be nice if you can tell us also what you're doing your BA (or if it's a general one) in so that we can give you a better analysis of the situation.

My BA is a major in policy studies with a minor in literature, my current intention is applying to law school. I have been seriously considering a transfer to sciences and pursuing med school instead however, as is the case with many students, my career goals have changed somewhat since I began school..

Before anyone asks, yes, I've maintained a very high gpa throughout my entire scholastic career.

haha13 · 10-05-2011, 06:17 PM

I would suggest you to stay in BA and take an extra year to fulfil the course requirements for med school. Honestly no difference whether you have bsc or ba, both pretty much useless tbh

MindBomber · 10-05-2011, 06:58 PM

Thanks, I got the undergraduate plan under control, I just need suggestions on exactly what to tell worksafe so I can gain access to the funds I'm entitled to. Kind of getting screwed by them right now..
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Levitron · 10-05-2011, 08:18 PM

I see. So in essence it's more a thread about "how to not get screwed by WorkSafe" rather than "what should my career be".

MindBomber · 10-05-2011, 09:44 PM

Well, sort of, maybe my first post wasn't clear. The bachelors degree will not be the end of my education, it's just a stage of it. In order to recieve the funds from worksafe the bachelors degree needs to be the end of my education, so I need to propose a career I could enter with only it to them. It's a substantial sum, close to double the average annual income of British Columbians, so I would like to apply it to something that would help me achieve my long term education goals and not just something temporary.

What types of jobs does a BSc or BA qualify someone for?
I was thinking I could propose entry level lab work for a BSc or perhaps something related to a government agency, with a BA would I be qualified for anything government related or maybe something in business..
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MindBomber · 10-05-2011, 09:56 PM

I know this situation is a bit strange and I don't want it to seem like I'm trying to take advantage of worksafe, it's just pursuing an education in something like heavy equipment operation won't benefit me in the long or short term.

If there were a short program that would help me enter a job that I could work well in school and earn the income I had pre-injury I'd be all for that, but due to the size of the sum I'm not able to think of anything that fits that description.
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hypercube · 10-06-2011, 12:01 PM

you could try computer science. UBC and SFU offer a 2 year diploma i think

Tapioca · 10-07-2011, 09:17 AM

Have you explored co-op options? You can still enter the program if you're only halfway through your degree. If you get into the program, you'll have 3 or 4 work terms so you can try your hand at different types of jobs.

Quote:

Just a question.. why don't you want to be a heavy equipment operator? All you do is sit in a place for all day, and have the possibilities of making a lot of money.

(Best job would be a longshoreman doing crane work at one of the Ports.)

Longshoreman make good money (6 figures if you count overtime), but I imagine your typical heavy equipment operator makes less than that. Besides, what's considered good money? 80K? You can make that with a regular degree if you have people skills and are willing to work hard.

GLOW · 10-07-2011, 10:31 AM

i read your response to the home inspection thread and it sounds like you have experience in the trades for construction. if that's the case, with your degree and experience in construction you could say you plan to apply for an office job at a contracting company, i.e. administrator, coordinator, assistant PM, estimator etc.

I think there is a wide range of people in the office side of that industry - from senior tradesmen, to ppl w/ degrees in administration to engineering. Maybe purpose to take a CAD course as an elective and say you can get in to a company being a CAD/estimator with a science degree?

MindBomber · 10-07-2011, 04:36 PM

Thanks guys, last few posts have been really helpful.

They have me thinking.