What Should I do?- Career Changing Decision

[PrePharmStu2009]

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Hi,

So I did my undergraduate for 4 years and will graduate this may with a degree in Engineering. I also completed my pharmacy pre-requisites to attend pharmacy school. I was not applying for engineering jobs, except for this one company to go through the interview process and I got the Job. The company is very big and is the # 1 company in their field, and an engineering major would be lucky to have the job. The job will pay well around $60,000 a year. But I have also been accepted into Pharmacy School for this fall 2011. I want a job that provides job security and good pay. I like pharmacy. But a concern of mine is that since there are so many pharmacy schools now, that in 4 years there will be a oversupply of pharmacists and their salary will significantly go down from what it is now. I know that you should choose a career based what you like and all that, but I dont really know what I have "passion" for, So I am just looking for a stable job. I would say that I do like pharmacy working in pharmacy for 2 years, and there are a lot of opportunities. But the decision is Should I take the Job now, or go to pharmacy school for 4 years and then hope that I can find a job. Or Should I try asking for more money for this job and what is best way to go about doing that?

Please anyone give some good advise. Thank you.

 

[ttopping]

Hi,

So I did my undergraduate for 4 years and will graduate this may with a degree in Engineering. I also completed my pharmacy pre-requisites to attend pharmacy school. I was not applying for engineering jobs, except for this one company to go through the interview process and I got the Job. The company is very big and is the # 1 company in their field, and an engineering major would be lucky to have the job. The job will pay well around $60,000 a year. But I have also been accepted into Pharmacy School for this fall 2011. I want a job that provides job security and good pay. I like pharmacy. But a concern of mine is that since there are so many pharmacy schools now, that in 4 years there will be a oversupply of pharmacists and their salary will significantly go down from what it is now. I know that you should choose a career based what you like and all that, but I dont really know what I have "passion" for, So I am just looking for a stable job. I would say that I do like pharmacy working in pharmacy for 2 years, and there are a lot of opportunities. But the decision is Should I take the Job now, or go to pharmacy school for 4 years and then hope that I can find a job. Or Should I try asking for more money for this job and what is best way to go about doing that?

Please anyone give some good advise. Thank you.

Would you enjoy what you would be doing at this engineering job? Does it seem pretty stable or is turnover a little unpredictable in the economy? (I would guess better stability at this bigger company than others, but I could be wrong). Not sure what kind of engineering or what typical starting pay is but that doesn't seem too shabby for a just graduated salary. I know you were thinking of asking for more money, but what is your potential for advancement and raises? I would guess (again, just guessing) that with a good time commitment to this company you would probably see a pay bump eventually. Sounds like you're a little unsure of either one, so I don't see an upside to an extra 4 years minimum of school/loans over a job now unless you seriously hated what you would be doing. As for pharmacy in particular, there are definitely issues with saturation although some on this forum make it sound a lot worse than it actually is (actually having to search and compete for jobs, oh my). At the same time, if that is something you truly think would be worth it all then go for it. Pharmacy is a great profession if you have the right attitude and find the area that suits you best.

Overall I think I just threw out some things to consider, although ultimately it's your decision and what you think would be best. Good luck!

 

[rph3664]

Have you worked in a pharmacy, and therefore know what you would be getting into?

 

[Doctor Rock]

My husband is a mechanical engineer and although he didn't enjoy the job as much as he was expecting, it paid the bills and wasn't miserable. My brother is a civil engineer, and gets tired sitting at a desk, but loves his job! My advice, knowing what engineers make and the stress they have, go with engineering! Pharmacy school is very expensive for a degree that won't give you job or salary security. Work towards your PE and be happy. Enjoy your nights and weekends and know that you saved yourself 5 or 6 years of jumping through hoops to wind up working in retail for the very people you hate simply because you have to pay back loans for your fancy education.

 

[womp]

because you have to pay back loans for your fancy education.

Is pharmacy school fancier than engineering school? I think undergrad engineering (especially EE, ME) is actually more rigorous than pharmacy school, doctorate or not.

To the OP, stick with engineering. You might be making $60k now, but in 6 years, you'll be in more managerial roles and breaking $100k like most of my engineering friends. It's not worth the 4-5 years of opportunity cost + debt just to then make $120k at CVS in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Doctor Rock]

Is pharmacy school fancier than engineering school? I think undergrad engineering (especially EE, ME) is actually more rigorous than pharmacy school, doctorate or not.

To the OP, stick with engineering. You might be making $60k now, but in 6 years, you'll be in more managerial roles and breaking $100k like most of my engineering friends. It's not worth the 4-5 years of opportunity cost + debt just to then make $120k at CVS in the middle of nowhere.

I agree that engineering is a very tough road. More rigorous? Depends on the school (both for engineering and pharmacy). I know that to finish undergrad engineering in 4 years is really, really hard. I also know that I spent more time studying and stressing over pharmacy school than my husband did over engineering. It may be a question of pressure placed on students. Engineers know going into class that there will be a curve and in many cases, a 30% will give you a passing grade (and those are hard earned 30%'s) My pharmacy school on the other hand placed some pretty ridiculous standards on us, such as tests that we have to get 100% on or we fail, class averages of 55% with no curve, and unfathomable amounts of busy work. So basically, pharmacy school robs you (or maybe just me) of your youth and ability to enjoy your weekends, whereas engineering encourages you to enjoy alcoholic beverages after you do your homework because chances are, you did better than 40% of your class, so you will pass.

 

[VCU07]

Stay in engineering. My brother did mechanical. He started off around 50, got his MBA and is now making around 100. Less school and you can move on without having to accrue more debt. Who knows where pharmacy is headed. Engineering is no secure field either, but with both insecurities in mind I still think engineering is the way to go.

Hi,

So I did my undergraduate for 4 years and will graduate this may with a degree in Engineering. I also completed my pharmacy pre-requisites to attend pharmacy school. I was not applying for engineering jobs, except for this one company to go through the interview process and I got the Job. The company is very big and is the # 1 company in their field, and an engineering major would be lucky to have the job. The job will pay well around $60,000 a year. But I have also been accepted into Pharmacy School for this fall 2011. I want a job that provides job security and good pay. I like pharmacy. But a concern of mine is that since there are so many pharmacy schools now, that in 4 years there will be a oversupply of pharmacists and their salary will significantly go down from what it is now. I know that you should choose a career based what you like and all that, but I dont really know what I have "passion" for, So I am just looking for a stable job. I would say that I do like pharmacy working in pharmacy for 2 years, and there are a lot of opportunities. But the decision is Should I take the Job now, or go to pharmacy school for 4 years and then hope that I can find a job. Or Should I try asking for more money for this job and what is best way to go about doing that?

Please anyone give some good advise. Thank you.

 

[PharmD RPh]

Is pharmacy school fancier than engineering school? I think undergrad engineering (especially EE, ME) is actually more rigorous than pharmacy school, doctorate or not.

To the OP, stick with engineering. You might be making $60k now, but in 6 years, you'll be in more managerial roles and breaking $100k like most of my engineering friends. It's not worth the 4-5 years of opportunity cost + debt just to then make $120k at CVS in the middle of nowhere.

Agree with post. Going to pharmacy school now would be like taking $150k (tuition money) and betting it on red or black in roulette.

 

[twiga]

Go engineering, then steadily advance your career to within an RPh's salary in about 3-4 years time which would be your time in RPh school. By that time, you are an experienced engineer making 6 figures and if you're lucky and get a prime contract in a place like Singapore then you'll be the talk of the town.

 

[CUpharmD2013]

Hi,

So I did my undergraduate for 4 years and will graduate this may with a degree in Engineering. I also completed my pharmacy pre-requisites to attend pharmacy school. I was not applying for engineering jobs, except for this one company to go through the interview process and I got the Job. The company is very big and is the # 1 company in their field, and an engineering major would be lucky to have the job. The job will pay well around $60,000 a year. But I have also been accepted into Pharmacy School for this fall 2011. I want a job that provides job security and good pay. I like pharmacy. But a concern of mine is that since there are so many pharmacy schools now, that in 4 years there will be a oversupply of pharmacists and their salary will significantly go down from what it is now. I know that you should choose a career based what you like and all that, but I dont really know what I have "passion" for, So I am just looking for a stable job. I would say that I do like pharmacy working in pharmacy for 2 years, and there are a lot of opportunities. But the decision is Should I take the Job now, or go to pharmacy school for 4 years and then hope that I can find a job. Or Should I try asking for more money for this job and what is best way to go about doing that?

Please anyone give some good advise. Thank you.

My guess is that your job offer is from Pfizer. Run away, very fast.

In all seriousness, it depends what type of environment that you want to work in. If you want a desk job with the occasional lab work, then engineering might be right for you. This also depends on the company that you work for. Have you done an internship or worked in either field? This may give you a better idea as to what you'd like to do for a career. Personally, I have worked for 8 years as an engineer and absolutely hate it. It is my opinion that no career field is "safe" any more. Some more than others, yes. But nothing is ever for certain. I will admit that as the years go by, the risk/reward paradigm for becoming a pharmacist is becoming more dire. But in the end, what makes you happy is all that matters. I'm taking on quite a substantial amount of debt by going to pharmacy school, but for me personally, I wouldn't have it any different. The only thing that I would change, if I could, would have been to go to pharmacy school earlier in my career. Feel free to PM me if you have further questions about your decision, since I have experience with both paths. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Maximum404]

My guess is that your job offer is from Pfizer. Run away, very fast.

What on earth made you conclude that?

 

[Trankuil]

Agree with post. Going to pharmacy school now would be like taking $150k (tuition money) and betting it on red or black in roulette.

Black 12?

 

[VCU07]

what on earth made you conclude that?

lol