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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
Posts: 17,918
Loc: woodwork
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so I figured out my major, finally
#7606797 - 11/07/07 12:41 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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I am 90% sure I am going to try and get a Biological Engineering degree. I have been stumped for a long while. I really want to do something in engineering, but I also want to somehow affect the enviroment in a postive way. This degree is for me. I could work on biofuels, polution, waste management and the list goes on.
I love the idea of an engineer but most of the degrees do jack shit for the enviroment you know. I think this will really fit me. Starting salary is estimated around 35-45k, which is not alot for an engineer, but I think I can take the loss and actually do something I actually enjoy.
I was going too do metallurgical engineering or chem. engineering but decided against it.
It feels good to have that out of the way. Like a huge burden off my shoulders.
What, if any, are you all majoring in or have majored in?
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OneMoreRobot3021



Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 61,024
Loc: the sky
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7606801 - 11/07/07 12:42 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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3 years ago I graduated with an M.A. in English and American Literature from a pretty good university.
Know what I do with that ridiculously expensive degree?
I sit in the basement of a music venue and count money all day. Weird.
-------------------- Acid doesn't give you truths; it builds machines that push the envelope of perception. Whatever revelations came to me then have dissolved like skywriting. All I really know is that those few years saddled me with a faith in the redemptive potential of the imagination which, however flat, stale and unprofitable the world seems to me now, I cannot for the life of me shake. -Erik Davis
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
Posts: 17,918
Loc: woodwork
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ah but the difference is, I am getting a degree in a field that is actually needed. English degrees are just meh. i am not knocking you down or anything, just degrees like english, social science, etc are sort of hard to find jobs in and I know plenty of stories of people who got degrees like that and did not use them at all.
Still OMR(or OLF i guess) your job sounds sweet. Pay good? I assume yea b/c your place looked nice.
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gENERIX
/usr/bin/drinking?


Registered: 10/18/05
Posts: 5,697
Loc: Skyward Bound
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7607536 - 11/07/07 03:56 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Its great to hear you have finally decided on the degree you want to pursue.
Quote:
Tangerines said:Starting salary is estimated around 35-45k, which is not alot for an engineer, but I think I can take the loss and actually do something I actually enjoy.
It sounds like you have a real positive attitude and it always makes it easier studying something you enjoy.
I am currently studying Software Enginnering at a fairly good University at the moment but its not really something i enjoy which doesn't help matters!
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
Posts: 17,918
Loc: woodwork
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: gENERIX]
#7607559 - 11/07/07 04:02 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Thanks for the support man. My school has a pretty good engineering department. I think it is in the top 15 in the nation.
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ivi


Registered: 01/30/03
Posts: 9,089
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7607636 - 11/07/07 04:22 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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I'm sorry, but as a student of biology I'd very much like to know what exactly is "biological engineering"?
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Apollyphelion
Dungeon Master/Princess(1009)


Registered: 03/15/07
Posts: 16,757
Loc: Festival of Deaths
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7607655 - 11/07/07 04:25 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Congrats, Brother! 
Biological Engineering is one of the most noblest and revelant things a person could do with their life.
Pursue and RULE, Bio-Geek!
Don't worry, I'm a geek, too
--------------------
"I'm looking at you looking at it" SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL PLEASE! www.youtube.com/apollyphelion Creator of the World's Worst Comic Book
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: ivi]
#7607670 - 11/07/07 04:28 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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basically studying biological systems and developing technologies to enhance enviromental health, creating enviro-healthy machines, working on cures for diseases. There are many applications a bio-engineer can do.
Basically design technologies that are in harmony with nature as opposed to technologies that collide with nature.
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7607679 - 11/07/07 04:30 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Ha, I am a bio/chem geek. I loathe physics though
bio and chem go hand in hand though.
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D4NK
Omni-Potent




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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7607765 - 11/07/07 04:48 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Wow, I didn't know bio-engineering was that low. I figured it was the same as biochem which is much higher isn't it?
I mean, I'm in EET and we start out at ~50-60k if you have a decent GPA/experience.
-------------------- Moderation is key "There is no god higher than truth."
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
Posts: 17,918
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: D4NK]
#7607780 - 11/07/07 04:50 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Yea I am not sure on the accuracy of that figure. I am actually going to meet with a counselor tommorow and ask him. I gotta ask myself the Q though: Is 10-15k a year really worth doing something I do not enjoy and really has no positive impact overall?
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nolongerinuse


Registered: 05/14/06
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7607824 - 11/07/07 04:55 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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I decided on Civil Engineering for my major. Because i will be outside a lot and see many areas of the United States, and get paid like 50K+ starting salary- mad bank= lovely ladies!
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VisionsToReality
RIBBONS


Registered: 09/22/07
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: nolongerinuse]
#7607840 - 11/07/07 04:59 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Now that you've pretty much figured out the content of your major...you need to make sure you will enjoy the work you do in a career that applies to that major. That's the other half of the coin that you need to make sure upon
-------------------- Life is one big road with lots of signs, So when you're ridin' through the ruts, Don't you complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy Don't bury your thoughts, Put your vision to reality, yeah!
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
Posts: 17,918
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: nolongerinuse]
#7607844 - 11/07/07 04:59 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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I was considering CE for the very fact of being outside and such. It is the easiest engineering degree I have heard from just about everyone. Good luck. I figure as long as I can work with living things like animials, plants or even those pesky humans I will be happy.
Engineer Love!
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VisionsToReality
RIBBONS


Registered: 09/22/07
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7608009 - 11/07/07 05:29 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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You need to make sure that you can actually work with animals/plants/humans and that this is a realistic path...rather than an idealistic one.
You also would benefit from thinkinig about whether or not you plan on doing post grad education. Doing it/not doing it can really shape your career options. After deciding post grad was not for me I realized just how much it narrowed down my choices & salary.
I say this because it seems easy for undergrads to go to college thinking about majors....and then looking at the words that describe those majors...or the idealistic generalist ideas about those majors..and quickly (too quickly) come to a conclusion on that major without really truly thinking about it. I've seen that mistake happen a bunch of times, not saying you have made it, but rather just warning you so you're at an advantage! Good luck and only do what you love to do, that's my rule.....not worth it to me to be miserable at a job just for the money - if you do that - what's the point of living? You spend so much damn time at work it'd be like you're wasting your life awway..
-------------------- Life is one big road with lots of signs, So when you're ridin' through the ruts, Don't you complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy Don't bury your thoughts, Put your vision to reality, yeah!
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Leanin
Student of theIron Game


Registered: 04/18/06
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7608058 - 11/07/07 05:44 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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im going for a finance bachelors right now.
i love money.
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CokedUpHobit64




Registered: 10/01/07
Posts: 2,053
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Leanin]
#7608102 - 11/07/07 05:54 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Anybody have experience with Psychology or possibly Philosophy majors? I like science alot, but am horrible with math which greatly narrows anything I could o with science.
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So good to see you, I've missed you so much.
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
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I appreciate your post VisionsToReality. I have taken this into consideration. It is hard to know because a bio-engineer can do so many different things. I realize that my perception of it may be askew, but in one way or another I will be doing something positive for a living thing. That is the whole idea of a bio-engineer and that is what i care about. Use my math and science skills to better mankind to some extent. It all depends on the job I am offered of course whether it from working on a new cure for a disease to creating eco-friendly products. I could certainly live happily off of 40k. I can like modestly very happily.
Your posts are always brutally honest man. its a good thing.
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Prisoner#1
Even Dumber ThanAdvertized!


Registered: 01/22/03
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7608226 - 11/07/07 06:19 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Tangerines said: Is 10-15k a year really worth doing something I do not enjoy and really has no positive impact overall?
Quote:
Tangerines said: That is the whole idea of a bio-engineer and that is what i care about.
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badchad
Mad Scientist

Registered: 03/02/05
Posts: 13,372
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Prisoner#1]
#7608394 - 11/07/07 07:07 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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So, compare and contrast the difference between a "bio-engineering degree" and a "biology" degree. How does the coursework differ between the two?
More importantly, what is the difference in the job market? As others have said, prospects for a simple biology degree are somewhat limited If you want to do actual research).
-------------------- ...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge. It is an indellible experience; it is forever known. I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did. Smith, P. Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27. ...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely. Osmond, H. Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436
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nolongerinuse


Registered: 05/14/06
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: badchad]
#7608414 - 11/07/07 07:11 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Civil rules all, get it in 4 years, make serious bank, live on your own, pretty much anywhere in the U.S, get some xp. then choose where u want to spend the next 10 years, working on some big project, make much more bank... retire...unless the Federal Reserve makes us all their slaves before then, thats the plan
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: badchad]
#7608426 - 11/07/07 07:15 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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well bio itself has less to do with actual creating 'things.' As an engineer one is confronted with a problem and must create a solution. For example maybe I would be confronted on making a new biofuel for cars of the future. or create a mechanical system that is more eco-friendly. biologist do not actually create things(am I correct in this statement).
Your question is like asking "What is the difference between a mechanic and a mechanical engineer?"
The engineer creates what the biologist integrates. Where there is heavy math and science involved, that is where I come in.
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: nolongerinuse]
#7608433 - 11/07/07 07:17 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Good dreams, but make sure they will become a reality and you are not stuck working for the state government surverying bridges for your life. (I know some civs like that).
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nolongerinuse


Registered: 05/14/06
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7608444 - 11/07/07 07:18 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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... yes or you come in where ther is an infinate number of children within a an infinate number of that child's mouth...... they do appear quite happy tho....
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
Posts: 17,918
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: nolongerinuse]
#7608456 - 11/07/07 07:20 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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it is mesmerizing ain't it?
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nolongerinuse


Registered: 05/14/06
Posts: 947
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: nolongerinuse]
#7608462 - 11/07/07 07:21 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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no those 'stuck' surveying are the low level morons civil engineers, those with some experience, with knowledge, but without adaquete expertese. I plan on graduating with a B.A, working for a for a few years, i dunno really ~5 or so, then gooing back for a masters degree.
Then i will not be disapointed with my life carreer.
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
Posts: 17,918
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: nolongerinuse]
#7608469 - 11/07/07 07:22 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Yea master degree is nice. Only take 2 years or so after B.A. I would never go for Phd though....that is insanity. Though I would love to be called Dr. Tang
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badchad
Mad Scientist

Registered: 03/02/05
Posts: 13,372
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7608487 - 11/07/07 07:26 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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But consider that a PhD is paid for.
Also, doing thesis work is just like going to work: you work on your thesis. In the grand scheme of things, the extra 2 years isn't much.
In traditional science fields a master's doesn't get you a whole lot more than a BS.
-------------------- ...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge. It is an indellible experience; it is forever known. I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did. Smith, P. Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27. ...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely. Osmond, H. Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436
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nolongerinuse


Registered: 05/14/06
Posts: 947
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: badchad]
#7608501 - 11/07/07 07:28 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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i plan on following my educational carrer to the peak of my feild- i see no real reason not to expand my knowledge of my life's work to the farest reachs of human experience.
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
Posts: 17,918
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: nolongerinuse]
#7608507 - 11/07/07 07:30 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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Both you new2grow and badchad have a point. It also helps if the place you are working at is actually willing to pay for you to go to school for your masters/phd. That would be ideal to work, get paid, and get more education for free. Of course it will take longer is you are working as well, but free=good.
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nolongerinuse


Registered: 05/14/06
Posts: 947
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7608521 - 11/07/07 07:35 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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yeah, but i dont really give a damn if i go into debt getting my PhD- i mean, you only live once- dont let this illusion of money trick you into average subimission.
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DieCommie


Registered: 12/11/03
Posts: 29,258
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#7608535 - 11/07/07 07:39 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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A lot of the science grads I know go into engineering masters. I think its a great idea, makes you marketable right away and in a much better position than a simple BS in science. I have a friend that wants to help the environment in his career and just switched to environmental engineering. He wont be doing research, he will actually be building and making things.
I have to say though, physics is a part of engineering and research in all the fields. I like physics, and I like bio (even though I sucked in it ) It may help you to approach the subject with a more open mind even if it is difficult. All the sciences are interconnected, knowledge in one feeds the knowledge in others. The barriers between them exist only in our minds.
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Tangerines




Registered: 04/17/05
Posts: 17,918
Loc: woodwork
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: DieCommie]
#7608564 - 11/07/07 07:44 PM (16 years, 2 months ago) |
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I hate physics, but i can do it. Chem is my strong point.
Env. Engineering is similar to bio-engineering. and yea that is what engineers do, they make things.
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the now
Stranger

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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: Tangerines]
#9422200 - 12/13/08 12:54 AM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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That's the job you chose to do. You have the opportunity to write in a newspaper, to be an editor, to write in some magazine, maybe teaching? not sure. If you considered teaching I'd totally go for college english. that's 40k plus.
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the now
Stranger

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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: the now]
#9422205 - 12/13/08 12:55 AM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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that post was supposed to be replied to onemorerobot. All the opportunities are all around you, my friend!
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g00ru
lit pants tit licker



Registered: 08/09/07
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Re: so I figured out my major, finally [Re: the now]
#9422236 - 12/13/08 01:03 AM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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weird thread to drag from the dead.
-------------------- check out my music! drowse in prison and your waking will be but loss
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