Science and Engineering are professions that are not only in-demand, they provide continually new opportunities to investigate something new. Many, if not most people, do not like doing the same tasks repeatedly. As a result they move from job to job because of boredom. Where Science and Engineering instead provide a person as much diversity in opportunities as they have a passion to explore.
As an example: some current Engineering jobs posted by NASA on Monster.com
Students commonly choose to take classes that require the least effort. This may be due to fear of ridicule, fear of failing, unjustified peer pressure... However, the brain is built through practiced expression of logical thinking and predicting consequences. Taking easy classes does NOT build the brain as usefully to a career as does taking more difficult classes. The repeated attempt at solving harder problems trains the brain to solve every kind of problem more easily. By engaging more difficult classes the student becomes the leader, the mentor, and the go-to person regarding any new opportunity.
When looking at interesting jobs, also look at the pay scales, educational requirements, and the locations where related work is available. But in rural areas, many engineers run their own businesses that won't be found on employment websites. A few of the common self-employed engineers in rural areas have titles like Civil Engineer, Professional Engineer, Structural Engineer, Forrestry Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Engineers with General Contractor Certification, Software Engineer (which includes cell phone applications developer), ... Some common large companies in rural areas include utility companies, mining, petroleum, and communications; so searching those companies for engineering titles might be important for determining a chosen career pathway.
Google Search: site:CompanyName.com engineer
Monster.com Search: CompanyName engineer
Most of the classes taken by Scientists and Engineers are the same for the first two years of college, but available internships in different colleges vary greatly. Very few colleges and universities offer internships before the Junior year of undergraduate studies in their chosen field of study. Internships in the Senior year outside of the college is the number one means of getting hired in a first job after graduation from college.
After you select a field of expertise, contact an Academic Adviser at the college/university of your choice to determine which course of study and available internships provides experience and certifications leading to being able to apply for related employment, and/or start your own related business. If you have trouble finding a an email or phone number of a specific academic adviser, almost ANY secretary on campus can usually refer you to the office you need to be talking to.
DO NOT BE SHY !!! In college, EVERY student is EXPECTED to have a voice to share USEFUL information. Think about your questions and write them down. Share your questions in a logical and concise way to get to the point. They really do want to help you, but everyone is busy on a college campus. Try to be prepared so they have time to help others too.
No one will push you to do your assignments; all students are EXPECTED to read all chapters in ADVANCE of the class; so that your questions can CLARIFY what you already learned.
In every professional career, critical thinking (i.e. practiced experience in expressing one's self logically without contradiction) is critical. Expressing one's self illogically or with gaps in predicting consequences, results in unpredictable outcomes. Engineers are very good at predicting and controlling future outcomes. Coding is a necessary skill for engineers and scientists; and it is practiced experience in critical thinking.
A core skill needed by every professional is to learn how to efficiently teach themselves, to include how to design their own career path.
After you work out your course plan with your Academic Advisor, ask to be transferred to Financial Aid. Make sure to write down the contact information for both in your 3-ring binder. From Financial Aid ask for a listing of scholarships and grants that you may qualify for. These often require a 500 word essay to present why you believe you qualify for the grant/scholarship. One student recently broadly applied for grants and obtained over $40,000. Enough to finish his Bachelors Degree without additional loans or working.
Common College Expenses:
Housing: On-campus is usually expensive at about $4000 per semester. SIPI.edu is free for Native Americans. Off-campus housing is commonly $700 per month near campus, but 4 students can share one apartment for $175 per student. There are often conflicts among room mates.
Learning to Efficiently Teach Yourself