Best Degree Now?

Oldernotwiser

Bennifred wrote: »

Wouldn't a horticulture degree course require at least basic science qualifications?

Once upon a time it would, but not necessarily in the mad world we live in now!

Volcano

blue_ashleigh wrote: »

I've just got a .....

Just? As in this Summer? Then you've not spent anytime at all looking for a job, come back in 12 months and tell us if you're still struggling.

I can understand your boredom and frustration but, to be honest, if you have no real desire to go to uni (you seem quite unsure abuot what to study if you went!) then I don't think it's the best way to alleviate that boredom and frustration.

I must have missed the bit where the OP said they were 'bored and frustrated'. 'Unsure what to study' doesn't equal 'no desire to go'.

"I didn't get a job instantly on leaving" and "it's costly" has to be the worse reasons I've heard for not going to university.

bristol_pilot

There have never have been any jobs in psychology, not in significant numbers anyway. There are far too many graduates in this non-subject. The psychiatrists get all the best jobs.

There ARE jobs in maths IF you have an excellent degree from a top university - then you can work as a 'rocket scientist'. My organisation employs many of them, nearly all Oxbridge or PhDs though.

LizD_2

To become a chartered planner or surveyor you will HAVE to study a RICS or RTPI accredited degree. You're unlikely to get a job in either of these areas without being accredited. There is scope for conversion at Masters level, but this is aimed at people who've completed a related degree e.g Geography. You would face stiff questions as to why you wanted to swap from horticulture to planning/surveying and would be unlikely to be accepted. If you're unsure about planning, maybe look at something more general like geography.
I would echo what the others have said - study something you'll enjoy, uni will give you a lot of skills and experience in addition to your degree subject. There's nothing to stop you working part-time while studying - uni usually have job shops for students.
Don't look at teaching just because you think there's jobs - teaching (like nursing) should be a vocation: you do it because you care about education.

daz100

Top_Banana wrote: »

As I'm struggling to get a job, I'm thinking about going to uni'. My interest lies in surveying or planning, but the industry is on it's knees. I'd be taking a huge risk by hoping that it will have picked up by the end of my degree. If it doesn't then I would pretty much be in the same situation that I am now.

So, I've started to look at other degrees.

Which area would you say would provide the most realistic chance of employment upon graduation?

I'm not keen on nursing, and teaching seems to be a non starter due to my lack of Science GCSE.

I have average grades, so cannot think about things like law, medicine, etc. I have been made an offer to study a surveying degree, and they have told me that I can move to another course if I decide that's what I want to do. It's at Wolverhampton Uni'.

I have seen a Horticulture BSc which I'd be genuinely interested in, but again- this industry has poor employment chances. I don't want to go to uni for 3 years to just end up weeding someones back garden.

Any tips?

Do not go to Wolverhampton would be my first tip. It is not a good University!

spendapennyortwo

Nursing or teaching and you can't go wrong with either of those options! You would have a guaranteed work after graduation. no doubt. Sorry haven't read all the posts, but hope you can figure out what you plan to do soon. It's a hard decision.

p00hsticks

Top_Banana wrote: »

The thing that is holding me back is my lack of experience and references.

And you won't get either of those at university....

Top_Banana wrote: »

I don't particularly want to go to uni', but I also don't want to stay like this- just rotting away.

I sympathise with your dilemma but from what you say I really don't think university is the answer for you. You don't really have much idea of what course to do, and unless you have a way of funding your way though, then you could end up in debt at the end of it with no better job prospects.

I don't really know much about career paths in horticulture but if that's what interests you I'd say try to find a job that'll get you on the bottom rung. If you can't find anything paid straight away is there any volunteering you could do - gardening or something ? Sorry I can;t be more help, but I wish you luck.

Volcano

p00hsticks wrote: »

And you won't get either of those at university....

So no references from tutors or experience from summer placements then?

and unless you have a way of funding your way though, then you could end up in debt at the end of it with no better job prospects.

Only the very rich get through university with zero debts, that's why the government provide a 'student loan'. Having a degree opens up masses of jobs that, well, require a degree as a prerequisite at the very minimum.

if that's what interests you I'd say try to find a job that'll get you on the bottom rung. If you can't find anything paid straight away is there any volunteering you could do - gardening or something ?.

You're suggesting that the alternative career move to going to university, is to dig and weed someone's garden for free???

Sazzyukrafc

Don't choose a degree that will be in demand in the next few years. Do something you want to do and will enjoy.

People seem to think university is easy, it's not. You spend three or four years every single day studying the same subject. I don't see the point in doing that for something you're not interested in. University can drive you insane and make you stressed when you're doing something you enjoy, so imagine what it would be like if you didn't enjoy the subject.

I general degree as mentioned earlier could be a good idea, e.g. English. That gives you a broad range of possible careers. I strongly advise you look at what universities are good at what subjects, as this makes a huge difference when it comes to employment.

I always wanted to be a writer since I was a child and I decided to do Journalism. I decided on my university because it is one if the best for Journalism in the country and employers recognise this.

This allowed me to continue my dream of becoming a writer while at the same time improve my skills and gain a good qualification. Since leaving university I've worked in various editorial roles and walked straight into jobs every time.

Again, please don't just do a degree in a random subject because you think it'll be a demand industry in the future. Do something you enjoy, otherwise you'll end up hating it and dropping out.

Sazzyukrafc

p00hsticks wrote: »

And you won't get either of those at university....

Of course he will get them at university! A lot of university degrees now require you to do a work placement as part of your degree. Ours was two months, others were one year. That work placement got me my first job and an excellent graduate portfolio.

Employers love graduates who have done work experience, it shows enthusiam for the job and a real drive. Not only have you got experience of the industry, but you've proven that you really want to work in that job.