How was your college experience?

[PandaBear]

Undergrad, I was a full time student with only a small part time job and it was fun. Didn't drink or party but did have a lot of fun hanging out with roommates, chasing girls, working out, games, and I loved the classes I was taking and my major.

Grad school, I was working full time and doing part time school, and I hated it because of the constant rushing to class after school and idiot professor changing schedule to day time as if people don't need to work. The school (SJSU) is also worse than my undergrad school (UC Davis) so that also make a difference in terms of how well I enjoy the classes (worse professor, worse classmates to do projects together with) but most importantly I no longer have free time to do all the college life things again.

IMO the amount of time you have makes a huge difference.

 

[Farmer]

How much can you actually earn as a broker in WS?

I don't know how much brokers make. Base salary for a trader is shit, $80K, which is nothing if you are required to live and work in Manhattan. They make everything on performance bonus. A good trader in a good year, sky is the limit. In the past two years, I have heard of friends making upwards of $500K trading at a medium-sized firm (keep in mind half of that is taken as tax), only 1 or 2 years out of college. 7 figures is not unheard of. Again, it depends almost entirely on the economic climate.

Having said that, the job is extremely stressful, requires very high concentration, and quick decision making (not necessarily intellect). It is also an extremely unstable job: These companies give you a lot of money to play with. If you are successful, they reward you in proportion. If you fuck up, you're gone. It is the polar opposite of the government job that pays $40K, but you can keep for the rest of your life.

I've never worked on Wall Street, but many, many (probably half) of my engineering/math/science friends from college now do. I feel like I need to work there, if only for a few years, just to get that experience.

Silicon Valley is definitely a more chill lifestyle.

 

[sze5003]

Brokers make good money. We have some at my firm and they take care of the high end clients. I'm a dev for the company so I don't do brokerage trades but I code for all that stuff. If I wanted to I could take courses my company will pay for and take the exam for finance. But I'm more in the technology field. Planning to be a tech lead. It takes a while at my company since its huge but they make good money and often don't have to code as much as a regular developer.

Many kids I went to school with their parents paid for them so they were lucky where as I now pay about 700 a month or more in student loan payments it sucks. One loan is not even in my name, my father took it out as a parent plus loan for me and didn't realize he would need to pay it back but he's broke so I pay it now.

If your parents are willing to help out and won't hold it over your head once your done then deff go for it. You could go in the military and do a cyber and tech concentration and then finish up when you are done. Best thing about that is they will pay for you.

If you want to save money you don't need to go to a High end School if you want a degree, although most cases for comp sci, you can get it anywhere. You take 2 years at a cheap school, work as well and then transfer and finish up somewhere else. By that time you can land scholarships if you do good or internships which will give you more experience.

If I could do it over I would not have listened to my parents telling me to go to med school. I could have gone to the airforce or a cheaper school for the same degree and saved myself lots of money but my parents were very strict and controlling. In the end I'm happy where I've ended up and I've met some people that make for very good references since I transfered to a smaller campus.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

Brokers make good money. We have some at my firm and they take care of the high end clients. I'm a dev for the company so I don't do brokerage trades but I code for all that stuff. If I wanted to I could take courses my company will pay for and take the exam for finance. But I'm more in the technology field. Planning to be a tech lead. It takes a while at my company since its huge but they make good money and often don't have to code as much as a regular developer.

Many kids I went to school with their parents paid for them so they were lucky where as I now pay about 700 a month or more in student loan payments it sucks. One loan is not even in my name, my father took it out as a parent plus loan for me and didn't realize he would need to pay it back but he's broke so I pay it now.

If your parents are willing to help out and won't hold it over your head once your done then deff go for it. You could go in the military and do a cyber and tech concentration and then finish up when you are done. Best thing about that is they will pay for you.

If you want to save money you don't need to go to a High end School if you want a degree, although most cases for comp sci, you can get it anywhere. You take 2 years at a cheap school, work as well and then transfer and finish up somewhere else. By that time you can land scholarships if you do good or internships which will give you more experience.

If I could do it over I would not have listened to my parents telling me to go to med school. I could have gone to the airforce or a cheaper school for the same degree and saved myself lots of money but my parents were very strict and controlling. In the end I'm happy where I've ended up and I've met some people that make for very good references since I transfered to a smaller campus.

if hes not a citizen he might not have the "cheap school" option

 

[T_Yamamoto]

if hes not a citizen he might not have the "cheap school" option

I'm not a citizen. I am planning on just going straight for a 4 year collegr

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Brokers make good money. We have some at my firm and they take care of the high end clients. I'm a dev for the company so I don't do brokerage trades but I code for all that stuff. If I wanted to I could take courses my company will pay for and take the exam for finance. But I'm more in the technology field. Planning to be a tech lead. It takes a while at my company since its huge but they make good money and often don't have to code as much as a regular developer.

Many kids I went to school with their parents paid for them so they were lucky where as I now pay about 700 a month or more in student loan payments it sucks. One loan is not even in my name, my father took it out as a parent plus loan for me and didn't realize he would need to pay it back but he's broke so I pay it now.

If your parents are willing to help out and won't hold it over your head once your done then deff go for it. You could go in the military and do a cyber and tech concentration and then finish up when you are done. Best thing about that is they will pay for you.

If you want to save money you don't need to go to a High end School if you want a degree, although most cases for comp sci, you can get it anywhere. You take 2 years at a cheap school, work as well and then transfer and finish up somewhere else. By that time you can land scholarships if you do good or internships which will give you more experience.

If I could do it over I would not have listened to my parents telling me to go to med school. I could have gone to the airforce or a cheaper school for the same degree and saved myself lots of money but my parents were very strict and controlling. In the end I'm happy where I've ended up and I've met some people that make for very good references since I transfered to a smaller campus.

My parents on planning for college

 

[Red Squirrel]

It's probably the most fun school you'll be in when you compare it to high school and below, but it's also the most stressful. It's not so much that it's hard, it's that there is so much work to do, and it piles up faster than you can process it. All that plus studying for tests and exams. They love tests. And pop quizzes. Always need to stay on top of everything and go into the next class assuming there will be a test. I was close to breaking down by the last semester because there was just too much going on + trying to get ready for final exams. Some classes you may only go to twice a week but the way the teacher sees it is "You're only here 2 hours a week, you have all this extra time, so here's 2 projects to use up that time, it's due next class". You may have 10 or more different courses, and most teachers think this way. They don't realize or care about the fact that you have a bunch of other classes to worry about too and not just their class.

It also does not need to be expensive. I went to community college and it was maybe 2-3 grand per year. I would work during the summer so it would pay off for that + have enough left over to buy myself toys like a new computer, server etc.

 

[randomrogue]

1. Don't go unless you have a plan for an actual job. Your major should direct you towards a specific job or two. If not, don't go - work and travel instead until you know what you want. Most Universities are not there for your benefit. They are businesses and there to make money. You need to be smart and use this investment of time and capital to get ahead in this world. Don't get fooled into thinking you need an expensive degree. Unless you are heading towards a very specific career path or are getting a PhD you just need a degree. Make sure you plan this out ahead of time.

2. Party. Party hard.

3. Sleep around, experiment, and grow up. Do not get stuck dating the same girl. You want the 3 some and the kinky shit.

 

[randomrogue]

One other thing since people seem to have mixed feelings on the frats in this thread...

Fraternities are great. You would be a complete fool to not try to get into one. I happened to do my education in a couple different countries and took time off to see the world so by the time I got back to the states I felt I was too old to pledge. Instead I just partied with my buddies who had been in there for a couple years. Those guys had a great network and worked to get each other jobs. My first job out of college was through the fraternity. You basically have a blast in college, create lifetime friends, and open up a bunch of doors. It's worth joining just for the socials with your sister sorority.

 

[Wyndru]

My usual day...
wake up
check irc xdcc's
Off to Class
Back to dorm
check irc xdcc's
programming assignments
Quake2 (Counterstrike in later years)
check irc xdcc's
sleep

 

[T_Yamamoto]

1. Don't go unless you have a plan for an actual job. Your major should direct you towards a specific job or two. If not, don't go - work and travel instead until you know what you want. Most Universities are not there for your benefit. They are businesses and there to make money. You need to be smart and use this investment of time and capital to get ahead in this world. Don't get fooled into thinking you need an expensive degree. Unless you are heading towards a very specific career path or are getting a PhD you just need a degree. Make sure you plan this out ahead of time.

2. Party. Party hard.

3. Sleep around, experiment, and grow up. Do not get stuck dating the same girl. You want the 3 some and the kinky shit.

One other thing since people seem to have mixed feelings on the frats in this thread...

Fraternities are great. You would be a complete fool to not try to get into one. I happened to do my education in a couple different countries and took time off to see the world so by the time I got back to the states I felt I was too old to pledge. Instead I just partied with my buddies who had been in there for a couple years. Those guys had a great network and worked to get each other jobs. My first job out of college was through the fraternity. You basically have a blast in college, create lifetime friends, and open up a bunch of doors. It's worth joining just for the socials with your sister sorority.

Okay got it!

My usual day...
wake up
check irc xdcc's
Off to Class
Back to dorm
check irc xdcc's
programming assignments
Quake2 (Counterstrike in later years)
check irc xdcc's
sleep

Seems fun.

Im leaning towards a SIS major then a masters (information systems security)

 

[OogyWaWa]

5 years and a shitload of loans, but i've got a good job and enjoyed every minute of it.

my biggest recommendation is to study abroad. it will change your life.

also, copious amounts of booze & what not is good. It's not as easy, practical, or socially acceptable to get completely smashed once you've got a real job... also, helps you learn you limits for christmas parties, etc.

 

[sze5003]

Okay got it!

Seems fun.

Im leaning towards a SIS major then a masters (information systems security)

That's a decent major. I was thinking of going for my masters in info systems. My company will reimburse me for it but I don't have the money to pay for the courses part time every semester. Costs about 3k every semester for each class. I would need to have that amount saved up before the start of each class but I've got too many bills at the moment.

 

[OverVolt]

This page of the thread sounds like my friend with 200k in debt living in denial.

Or the architect turned trucker whose college experience "helped open his mind" for $100k. Just post purchase rationalization. Trying to convince themselves more than others.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

One other thing since people seem to have mixed feelings on the frats in this thread...

Fraternities are great. You would be a complete fool to not try to get into one. I happened to do my education in a couple different countries and took time off to see the world so by the time I got back to the states I felt I was too old to pledge. Instead I just partied with my buddies who had been in there for a couple years. Those guys had a great network and worked to get each other jobs. My first job out of college was through the fraternity. You basically have a blast in college, create lifetime friends, and open up a bunch of doors. It's worth joining just for the socials with your sister sorority.

I generally have higher standards for making friends than, can they get me a job.

 

[triton2k3]

Rutgers/finance

Live it up. It only lasts 4 years and then you pay for it for 30 years. Get an internship otherwise itll take longer to get started afterwards.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

5 years and a shitload of loans, but i've got a good job and enjoyed every minute of it.

my biggest recommendation is to study abroad. it will change your life.

also, copious amounts of booze & what not is good. It's not as easy, practical, or socially acceptable to get completely smashed once you've got a real job... also, helps you learn you limits for christmas parties, etc.

I plan on it! Ive only heard good things about it.

And yes, know your boundaries

That's a decent major. I was thinking of going for my masters in info systems. My company will reimburse me for it but I don't have the money to pay for the courses part time every semester. Costs about 3k every semester for each class. I would need to have that amount saved up before the start of each class but I've got too many bills at the moment.

I want to get my masters in information systems security after

This page of the thread sounds like my friend with 200k in debt living in denial.

Or the architect turned trucker whose college experience "helped open his mind" for $100k. Just post purchase rationalization. Trying to convince themselves more than others.

Well you gotta open up sometime

I generally have higher standards for making friends than, can they get me a job.

Friends aren't meant to be used just so you get a job. They should be your partner in...er...life

Rutgers/finance

Live it up. It only lasts 4 years and then you pay for it for 30 years. Get an internship otherwise itll take longer to get started afterwards.

Internships can lead to full time employment I've been told

 

[Red Squirrel]

Also if you want to avoid the loans stay at home and go to community college. Sure it's fun to be able to go live on your own faster but it sucks when you're doing it in debt and no full time job.

That's what I did, and I make 60k now (5 years or so since I graduated), glad I did not waste money on a higher end college. Of course, it depends what you want to do. You don't become a Doctor or engineer by going to community college for 3 years.

And yes if you can get an internship/co-op/apprentice etc... go for it. If anything it lets you confirm if you want or don't want to do that for the rest of your life. My college did not have that but my high school did and it was a great experience. Interestingly one of my co-ops was at a telco and I told myself it was not what I wanted to do but it was the closest thing they could find. Well what do you know, I work in a telco CO now.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Also if you want to avoid the loans stay at home and go to community college. Sure it's fun to be able to go live on your own faster but it sucks when you're doing it in debt and no full time job.

That's what I did, and I make 60k now (5 years or so since I graduated), glad I did not waste money on a higher end college. Of course, it depends what you want to do. You don't become a Doctor or engineer by going to community college for 3 years.

And yes if you can get an internship/co-op/apprentice etc... go for it. If anything it lets you confirm if you want or don't want to do that for the rest of your life. My college did not have that but my high school did and it was a great experience. Interestingly one of my co-ops was at a telco and I told myself it was not what I wanted to do but it was the closest thing they could find. Well what do you know, I work in a telco CO now.

I dont have the problem of paying for college :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

Mine was awesome. Lived in Malibu. Joined the rugby team. Partied hard. Still made decent grades. I regret my choice of major, however. I chose International Business, but my aptitudes really lie with the sciences. Also took on a lot of debt, but I've since paid it off.

 

[OverVolt]

Mine was awesome. Lived in Malibu. Joined the rugby team. Partied hard. Still made decent grades. I regret my choice of major, however. I chose International Business, but my aptitudes really lie with the sciences. Also took on a lot of debt, but I've since paid it off.

Lol science is terrible. You don't own any of the research you do, the company/university does. Scientists are paid terrible, there is very little freedom, etc.

 

[Farmer]

Lol science is terrible. You don't own any of the research you do, the company/university does. Scientists are paid terrible, there is very little freedom, etc.

What do you do? You seem to piss on everything else.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Lol science is terrible. You don't own any of the research you do, the company/university does. Scientists are paid terrible, there is very little freedom, etc.

scientists are paid very well, depending on what they do actually.

 

[HamburgerBoy]

Lol science is terrible. You don't own any of the research you do, the company/university does. Scientists are paid terrible, there is very little freedom, etc.

Right, because when an engineer designs something for Sony it's totally his own intellectual property.

 

[OverVolt]

What do you do? You seem to piss on everything else.

Science