Decide Markus6's future

[Markus6]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Basically I graduated a year ago and I'm not happy in my current job so I'm trying to decide what to do when I grow. Don't worry I'm not actually going to let you guys decide, I'm just looking for different perspectives, advice, and any relevant knowledge you guys have.

Mods - I realise this isn't totally on topic for the forum (although there's a small relation) but I've put it here because most of the people who's input I want are in this forum.

So to give you an idea of where I'm coming from here is some background info:

I was born and raised a Christian in the Church of England. I've sat through (and hopefully taken in) a LOT of sermons and teaching.

I was pretty strong all round at GCSE (14-16) and A-level (16-18) at school but particularly at mathematics. I scored 98% on my maths GCSE beating the current school record holder who turned down an offer to be Stephen Hawking's research assistant. I got A's (top grade) in all my A-levels - maths, further maths, physics and chemistry scoring 596/600 in further maths. My one regret is that I didn't take any Biology during this time.

My Dad was a maths teacher so I decided not to do a maths degree as I didn't want to be a maths teacher and I couldn't see any other career path from the degree (not saying I was right). I decided to do general engineering as the next best maths based option and considering I hadn't decided what type of engineering I wanted to specialise in (though I was already leaning towards structural engineering (pun not intended)).

I was accepted into Cambridge and in the first year was awarded a scholarship (ish) from a marine engineering company.

At Cambridge I unfortunately slacked off and failed to live up to any potential I had - mostly due to complacency, lack of enthusiasm for the subject and discovering Civilization III. I did OK in my first year, bottomed out in the second, and crawled back in the next two years specializing in civil and structural engineering. In my last year I got a 1st in my project (50% of the year) and only just missed out by 0.4% on a 2.1 in the exams which gave me just a 2.2 overall (they take your minimum grade ).

In the summer of 2005 whilst on placement with the marine engineering company I stumbled across the creation-evolution debate in the off-topic sub-forum of a forum about Civilization. The whole thing fascinated me and I found myself automatically on the side of the evolutionists. I soon found my way over here when that forum didn't have enough threads on religion for my liking. Science and religion has become a major interest of mine and I've read a lot on the subject.

After graduating I took a position with the company who had sponsored me without sending out any other applications (they're offering me more money as part of my scholarship). I ended up moving to Houston and have since been doing marine systems engineering on the detailed design of an oil rig. It's really not my thing and lack of enthusiasm is causing low motivation. I looking to find my calling and something I'm really interested in.

Since moving here I have developed an interest in bible study and theology even to the point where I am wondering if I am being called into ministry as a teacher or pastor.

Here's a rundown of my options as I see them:

• Stay where I am (not an option)
• Get a job as a structural engineer (I'm not sure I want to throw away a 4 year degree without even trying it)
• Get a job doing something else
• Study some more either:
  • Science or maths
  • Theology or something related
  • A combination

I've look at this course as a possibility:
http://mls.rice.edu/mls/Default.asp
Which would allow me to continue working an perhaps try structural engineering. Gives me a nice broad range of subjects to investigate and would get me back on an academic footing (hopefully with a better grade than my last).

Now what I'm looking for from you guys is:

• Prayer
• Ideas - other paths I haven't considered, courses I may find interesting
• Advice

Please feel free to ask any questions that will help you get an idea of who I am, what I know and what interests me.

 

[Tinker Grey]

I'm afraid such advice is beyond me. I'd say simply do what you think would be the most rewarding psychologically. Better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable.

In short, *bump* for more responses.

 

[Markus6]

Thanks Tinker!

Does anyone know any good Science and Religion degrees that don't have a particular bias? Also any advice on what level of degree I could get into in America with an English MEng (and not a great grade) would be good. I'm not quite sure how these things translate.

 

[Molal]

I think the thread can stay here for a while.

If you want it moved in the future, let me know via PM.

Good luck in your search - praying for you.

 

[metherion]

If you did so fabulously well in the projects as to get 1st in them... you might want to pursue whatever a career in whatever specialization of either civil or structural engineering they projects dealt with... if you really enjoyed it.

For example... I enjoyed junior lab (our group got best in the class and I got a 500$ stipend for it ^^), and my favorite project in it was the catalyst experiment... so I'm gonna try to get a lab job... specifically with catalysts. If you apply that to your favorite class or project from your engineering specialization courses... you might wind up where you are happiest.

Praying for you.
Edit: I suppose this would be either the 2nd or 3rd option on your list.


Metherion

 

[Anglian]

Stay where I am (not an option)
Get a job as a structural engineer (I'm not sure I want to throw away a 4 year degree without even trying it)
Get a job doing something else
Study some more either:

• Science or maths
• Theology or something related
• A combination

Dear Markus,

There is no need to think that what you do now and for the next few years is what you will do for life - so the second option has much to be said for it.

Do you really want to study more now? Your first degree suggests that unless you are really motivated, your natural talent will take you through, but not much more than that; I suspect you would have achieved a 1st in more than your dissertation had you been really motivated. So don't go there yet - unless you are really sure. So it may be worth working at your engineering job until and unless you are sure you are called elsewhere.

If you do feel a call to the ministry, it is still worth testing that vocation by working elsewhere first; if it is real, it will be there is a couple of years time.

One possibility, given your talents, would be to see if you could do voluntary work overseas with a Christian organisation; that might help you in a variety of ways - and help others.

My prayers are with you,

Peace,
Anglian

 

[Markus6]

If you did so fabulously well in the projects as to get 1st in them... you might want to pursue whatever a career in whatever specialization of either civil or structural engineering they projects dealt with... if you really enjoyed it.

For example... I enjoyed junior lab (our group got best in the class and I got a 500$ stipend for it ^^), and my favorite project in it was the catalyst experiment... so I'm gonna try to get a lab job... specifically with catalysts. If you apply that to your favorite class or project from your engineering specialization courses... you might wind up where you are happiest.

Praying for you.
Edit: I suppose this would be either the 2nd or 3rd option on your list.


Metherion

The project involved creating a computer program for a structural engineering application. I did always really enjoy the computing and programming that I did so this probably would be a good idea to consider. Of course the issue is that it is quite a narrow area.

[/list]Dear Markus,

There is no need to think that what you do now and for the next few years is what you will do for life - so the second option has much to be said for it.

Do you really want to study more now? Your first degree suggests that unless you are really motivated, your natural talent will take you through, but not much more than that; I suspect you would have achieved a 1st in more than your dissertation had you been really motivated. So don't go there yet - unless you are really sure. So it may be worth working at your engineering job until and unless you are sure you are called elsewhere.

If you do feel a call to the ministry, it is still worth testing that vocation by working elsewhere first; if it is real, it will be there is a couple of years time.

One possibility, given your talents, would be to see if you could do voluntary work overseas with a Christian organisation; that might help you in a variety of ways - and help others.

My prayers are with you,

Peace,
Anglian

Thanks for making it over here and for your advice which does seem very wise and useful. I think your analysis of my academical potential is pretty spot on, it'll probably be a complete waste unless I find something I'm really interested in.

I hadn't really thought about overseas voluntary work, perhaps I'll look into it.

I have downloaded the application from for the course I linked to, which is due by October 31st and would require quite a bit of work (a personal statement and 3 writing samples). However, I have to say I'm quite tempted by it. Of course if I took it I would be stuck here for 2 and a half years minimum (working rather hard). I'll probably start working on the samples anyway (they sound pretty interesting), and maybe just apply for the hell of it. They also have a question and answer session at the beginning of september which might be interesting.

A big thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread. Keep up the good work .

 

[picnic]

I have a similar background to you. Did the same A-Levels, had maths teachers for parents. Went to Cambridge (did NatSci, got 2:2 at Part III although 2:1s in prior years). I went on to do a PhD elsewhere, which took 4 years, and absolutely hated it but given that you did well in your project then you might enjoy it better but finding the right supervisor and project is essential. I applied for graduate training schemes with various accountancy firms and landed a job with one of the big four and that's what I've been doing for the past year and so far no regrets although I have another two years before I qualify. Just make sure you think through things carefully and try not to make rash decisions. With hindsight I probably shouldn't have done a PhD but it was something I'd always wanted to do, more to be called doctor rather than for any other reason.