The shit-talking Wharton grad’s guide to starting your career.

I’m not an authority on any of this, but opinions are like assholes – everyone has one.

So if you want my opinion on this topic, well, keep on scrolling.

I’m a wharton grad, with a shaky mental health history, former D1 athlete, worked in the trades, customer service, software, and food service.

Let’s just say I have a “diverse” education/employment history.

First things first – if you hate people, do not work in software. Especially not as a software tester. I have no clue what idiot put it on all these “best jobs for introverts” lists but it was by far the most team-based and interactive employment I’ve held. So unless you hate making what you’re worth, love taking all the blame and none of the credit, and correcting the work of people making 2-3x+ what you do, don’t do it. Loved the work, hated the industry. And oh yes, still more misogynistic than trades or food service. By far. Also the industry as a whole is in a rut- it’s follow the leader with big tech. Jobs and salaries aren’t what they were at the moment. That said, if you love something, and you’re really good at it, ignore trends. Unless your job is taken over by robots you will always find work. The top 25% aren’t the ones getting the axe.

Anywhoo, moving on.

If I were 18 again, here are some scenarios I’d choose based on circumstances

1) Need to figure out what you want to do, and know it involves a college degree? Community college. Or community college + a job. Learn from my cautionary tale and don’t go Ivy if you aren’t 100% certain what you want from that degree. It’s expensive as FUCK. Also hard work. And classmates were dicks. If you know what you want, and a prestigious degree gets you there, do it, absolutely. What I learned at wharton is I 100% did not make a positive ROI on that degree. Literally calculate the ROI. Don’t go Ivy for social work. Medicine? Law? Finance? Yeah, you’ll probably make it back.

2) Following up on numero uno – college is an investment in your career – treat it as such. If you hate school don’t waste money on it. A lot of trades pay more than say, a psychology degree. Dental hygienists make good money. So do electricians, plumbers, and truck drivers. Not everyone should go to college. Trade schools and 2 year degrees can net you more. Consider what you like and what you’re good at. Of those, choose the one that also pays well.

3) Sports scholarships in the USA can get you a free degree. A free worse school may be a better choice than a costly “better” school. If you like sports and you’re good at one, consider taking that path.

4) If your parents make good money and won’t help pay for school you’re kinda royally fucked in the financial aid department. You’re gonna pay full sticker price. 26 is the magic number for your parents income not being used I believe. Work, community college, wait it out for full university if you can. There are also plenty of scholarships for older students. (Don’t forget state and private ones – write all the essays).

5) Ask for advice from people living the life you want. I wish I knew this sooner.

6) There may be a part 2 we will see I’m done for today.