<p>I am 28 years old. I have decided to go back to school. I want to get a bachelors degree in Fermentation Science from Oregon State University. My goal is to work in a winery or a brewery. My big dream is to own my own micro-brewery.</p>
<p>I need some advice. I just came to the sad realization that I’ll be in school for 6 years. The bachelors is 180 credit hours.</p>
<p>Is it wrong for me to feel upset? I feel sad. I feel like I should have made better decisions earlier in life. Should I go through with college?</p>
<p>I feel like my ego is getting in the way and saying it’s not worth it. I could really use some encouragement right now. Any inspiring stories? Any similar situations?</p>
<p>I would greatly appreciate any information anyone may have. Thanks for your time.</p>
<p>I went to college for the first time at 28. I felt much the same way. My DH asked me basically what I am going to ask you now: The time will pass whether or not you get your degree. Would you feel better or worse if 6 years passes and you have still not pursued your dream?</p>
<p>Is the degree required or could you take some of the pre-reqs and basic classes, work in the industry, and learn some on the job? You might also take some business classes if you hope to own your own. My guess is that most of the winery owners don’t have a degree.</p>
<p>Have you done any college work before? Can you take general ed requirements at community college while working and transfer the credits? Never too late!!! Get started–have you talked to anyone in admissions???</p>
<p>Well, 6 years from now you will be the same age whether you have the degree or not. Do you want to be that age with or without the Bachelors degree? That is the only question. You have looked back enough to know you need to make a change. Let it go now. Further dwelling on the past is fruitless. You can’t change the past, you can only change the future. </p>
<p>If you can afford to pursue this dream and you have a workable plan, go for it.</p>
<p>Most of the head brewers at Brewerys either have science degrees or some sort of degree in brewing science. you’d be surprised about wine makers. There is a degree specifically dedicated to wine making! Yes, I would like to own a micro-brewery someday but I would also like to work in my own brewery. Part of the reason why I am getting a degree is because even if I did try to get in the industy…what if it did not work out? At least this way, I have a degree in food science which leads to many other jobs.</p>
<p>I’ll also add that I would be minoring in business which couldnt hurt.</p>
<p>Okay, but again, make sure that it’s absolutely necessary to get a degree in it. Just because there’s a degree in something doesn’t mean everyone in that field has one.</p>
<p>If it’s a standard requirement to get a degree in brewing science, then have at it. Just make sure it’s what you really want to do. 6 years is a long time.</p>
<p>Also, are you more interested in the actual brewing or running a brewery? Very different things I’d imagine. (Compare to being a chef vs. running a restaurant. Guess which one doesn’t need as much/any formal training.)</p>
<p>I’ll also mention that average starting salary for someone with bachelors in Food science is $50,000. Salary for a food chemist working for the government is $101,000! Other career paths in food science have salary’s in the range of $60,000-$80,000.</p>
<p>I understand money isnt everything but it does help :)</p>
<p>I agree with those posters who said that in six years, you’ll be six years older. You could be that with no degree, and maybe in more or less the same place you are now. Or you could start your degree now and see where it takes you. You will be surprised how quickly six years pass while you’re in school, you’ll be surprised what studying for a degree can teach you besides just the course material you’re learning. Also, there’s no reason why you can’t get a degree AND work in the industry. That’s what summer/part time jobs and internships are for. In fact, I’d be a little surprised if that wasn’t required for your major or your minor in business. </p>
<p>It sounds like you’ve researched it and it’s what you want. Sure, it’s quite a bit of time, but it’s not time where you’ll be standing still. You don’t have to wait six years to start realizing your dream of learning the brewing business, you can do that while you study. And you’ll be making a significant investment in your life and your future. If this is what you know, go for it. You’ll never be 100% sure about anything, sometimes you just have to jump in.</p>
<p>I think this is a fabulous idea and yes you should definitely pursue what your passion and desire is.<br>
Don’t fret about what was, that is something you cannot change. You might not have been ready then. Focus your energy on your future and go for it. You have nothing to lose. In 6 years, you may regret not pursuing your dream. Just do it.</p>
<p>I sort of feel a little embarrassed. I was just informed that Oregon State University runs on the trimester system. So provided I take 15 credits a semester, I’ll be done in 4 years!</p>
<p>I still want to thank everyone for all your kind comments. They definitely helped me!</p>