Tlen
Aug18-11, 08:58 AM
Hey Guys,
I've browsed this forum occasionally in my spare time, but it is only now that I register in hopes that one of you could help me, and perhaps guide me along.
I've just finished High School, and I did rather well. I finished second in my year, and first for Physical Science, and second for Mathematics. However, when it came to deciding upon what to study, I really hit a crossroads.
I happen to be very multifaceted, and as such I went from Engineering, to BSocSci, to Law, to BSocSci and Law, until I finally came full circle and ended up back in Engineering.
I think I could really enjoy Engineering, as I enjoy learning how things work, be it physics or electronics, just as much as I enjoy literature and philosophy. I think what sums it best, is that ultimately I love knowledge.
At the moment I'm even designing a system to automate the problem areas of where I work :)
One of my passions when I was younger, and more immature, was the Military and all things related to it. I still get that jolt from things of that nature, but I've lost the "Lets be Special Forces and combat is awesome aspect.
So, I was thinking of tentatively aiming to merge these two aspects of me in a career in the Arms industry, designing cutting edge military technology, such as planes or vehicles, weaponry etc etc.
On that note, would a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering be a good start? And beyond that, to anyone with experience in this regard, how would being a foreigner affect employment opportunities in this field? I'm South African for the record, and I would love to be involved in DARPA/Skunkworks type of operations.
I also have ambitious financial goals, and with Engineering, i've read that around 50 - 60 K USD is the average for early in career, leading up to just under 100 k later on. Does this sound correct? Money is not the most important thing to me in a career, as I plan to expand upon my base salary via investments and side businesses.
Establish my empire :)
Sorry for the verbose post, I just could really do with some sound boarding with people who have been there and done that.
Any comments would be appreciated :)
I've browsed this forum occasionally in my spare time, but it is only now that I register in hopes that one of you could help me, and perhaps guide me along.
I've just finished High School, and I did rather well. I finished second in my year, and first for Physical Science, and second for Mathematics. However, when it came to deciding upon what to study, I really hit a crossroads.
I happen to be very multifaceted, and as such I went from Engineering, to BSocSci, to Law, to BSocSci and Law, until I finally came full circle and ended up back in Engineering.
I think I could really enjoy Engineering, as I enjoy learning how things work, be it physics or electronics, just as much as I enjoy literature and philosophy. I think what sums it best, is that ultimately I love knowledge.
At the moment I'm even designing a system to automate the problem areas of where I work :)
One of my passions when I was younger, and more immature, was the Military and all things related to it. I still get that jolt from things of that nature, but I've lost the "Lets be Special Forces and combat is awesome aspect.
So, I was thinking of tentatively aiming to merge these two aspects of me in a career in the Arms industry, designing cutting edge military technology, such as planes or vehicles, weaponry etc etc.
On that note, would a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering be a good start? And beyond that, to anyone with experience in this regard, how would being a foreigner affect employment opportunities in this field? I'm South African for the record, and I would love to be involved in DARPA/Skunkworks type of operations.
I also have ambitious financial goals, and with Engineering, i've read that around 50 - 60 K USD is the average for early in career, leading up to just under 100 k later on. Does this sound correct? Money is not the most important thing to me in a career, as I plan to expand upon my base salary via investments and side businesses.
Establish my empire :)
Sorry for the verbose post, I just could really do with some sound boarding with people who have been there and done that.
Any comments would be appreciated :)