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How long does getting a degree in carpentry compare to getting one in accounting and finance and which one is a more stable job?
I'm in 11th grade and I'm debating on whether I should do engineering or business in college.
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Robert’s Answer
Steven,
NO, you do not have to go to college unless you want to do something like architecture or go to a trade school instead of college to get ahead of laborers without any experience.
Construction pays well but it is very physical as I'm guessing you know.
I have always loved working with my hands and accomplishing things. I'm a very visual learner rather than a book smart type of guy. I love working with wood and have always built things since the 6th grade when I was in a shop class and built a well pump lamp. (which I still have on my desk and it still works). I have my own company now for 20+ years because I didn't like to have bosses and put up with egos or stupidity. I prefer to do residential work where I can take pride in my work rather than doing commercial work where it's get it done but don't really need to give 100%. (at least from my experience).
If you are not in a trade school, I would suggest you go and watch activity at a job site (if it's a bigger company you would like to work for) or see if you can get an apprenticeship with a residential company. Maybe you want to try and get a job as a laborer and watch other journeymen work and ask questions when appropriate to do so. You can watch You Tube videos (from professional companies not DIY'ers) on just about any area in carpentry from siding, windows, roofing, framing, cabinet installation and/or fabrication all the way to even just estimating jobs which require training on software.
Good luck and I hope this helps!
Bob K.
Thanks,
Bob K.
NO, you do not have to go to college unless you want to do something like architecture or go to a trade school instead of college to get ahead of laborers without any experience.
Construction pays well but it is very physical as I'm guessing you know.
I have always loved working with my hands and accomplishing things. I'm a very visual learner rather than a book smart type of guy. I love working with wood and have always built things since the 6th grade when I was in a shop class and built a well pump lamp. (which I still have on my desk and it still works). I have my own company now for 20+ years because I didn't like to have bosses and put up with egos or stupidity. I prefer to do residential work where I can take pride in my work rather than doing commercial work where it's get it done but don't really need to give 100%. (at least from my experience).
If you are not in a trade school, I would suggest you go and watch activity at a job site (if it's a bigger company you would like to work for) or see if you can get an apprenticeship with a residential company. Maybe you want to try and get a job as a laborer and watch other journeymen work and ask questions when appropriate to do so. You can watch You Tube videos (from professional companies not DIY'ers) on just about any area in carpentry from siding, windows, roofing, framing, cabinet installation and/or fabrication all the way to even just estimating jobs which require training on software.
Good luck and I hope this helps!
Bob K.
Thanks,
Bob K.
Updated
Logan’s Answer
All of the options you can mention can be good and stable jobs.
Many good jobs in carpentry do not require engineering degrees, but can be obtained through an apprenticeship or through a vocational school, sometimes called a trade school. Often these require fewer years of college education than accounting and finance positions.
These 3 jobs are very different. I would encourage you to think about what you enjoy doing in addition to the income/stability of the job.
If you enjoy building things or working with your hands, then carpentry/engineering could be the choice for you.
Many good jobs in carpentry do not require engineering degrees, but can be obtained through an apprenticeship or through a vocational school, sometimes called a trade school. Often these require fewer years of college education than accounting and finance positions.
These 3 jobs are very different. I would encourage you to think about what you enjoy doing in addition to the income/stability of the job.
If you enjoy building things or working with your hands, then carpentry/engineering could be the choice for you.
Updated
Rae’s Answer
There's no rush to shape your entire future today. If you're passionate about a craft, such as carpentry, you're still free to explore other fields like business or accounting. By gaining insights from academic resources, you could enhance your entrepreneurial journey. This knowledge could be instrumental in launching a successful business from scratch and maintaining its profitability. Remember, it's never too late to switch paths. If you decide to keep carpentry as a hobby and pursue a career in accounting, that's perfectly fine too!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Steven!
Comparison of Degree Duration and Job Stability: Carpentry vs. Accounting and Finance
Degree Duration
Carpentry Education:
Typically, carpentry does not require a traditional four-year degree. Instead, aspiring carpenters often pursue an apprenticeship program that lasts about 3 to 4 years. During this time, they receive hands-on training while working under the supervision of experienced carpenters. Some may also attend vocational or trade schools for additional coursework, which can take about 1 to 2 years.
Overall, the total time to become a fully qualified carpenter can range from 3 to 6 years depending on the path chosen.
Accounting and Finance Education:
A degree in accounting or finance usually requires a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes 4 years of full-time study at a college or university. Students will cover subjects such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial management.
For those pursuing advanced positions or specialized roles (such as Certified Public Accountant), further education is often necessary. This could involve obtaining a master’s degree in accounting or finance (an additional 1-2 years) and passing certification exams.
In summary, becoming a carpenter generally takes between 3 to 6 years through apprenticeships and vocational training, while obtaining a degree in accounting or finance typically requires at least 4 years of undergraduate education.
Job Stability
Carpentry Job Stability:
The demand for skilled tradespeople like carpenters tends to remain steady due to ongoing construction projects and home renovations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for carpenters is projected to grow by about 2% from 2020 to 2030, which is slower than average compared to other occupations.
However, job stability can be influenced by economic conditions; during downturns in the economy when construction slows down, carpenters may face more job insecurity.
Accounting and Finance Job Stability:
The field of accounting and finance generally offers greater job stability compared to carpentry due to its essential role in businesses across all sectors. The BLS projects that employment for accountants and auditors will grow by about 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than average.
Additionally, professionals in this field are less likely to experience significant fluctuations in job availability during economic downturns since companies always need financial oversight regardless of market conditions.
In conclusion, while both careers have their merits, accounting and finance tend to offer more stable job prospects over time compared to carpentry.
Final Summary
Duration: Carpentry takes approximately 3-6 years (including apprenticeship), while accounting/finance typically requires at least 4 years for a bachelor’s degree.
Job Stability: Accounting and finance generally provide more stable employment opportunities compared to carpentry.
Based on these factors:
The answer is that getting a degree in carpentry typically takes less time than getting one in accounting and finance; however, accounting and finance generally offer more stable job prospects compared to carpentry.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): This government agency provides comprehensive data on employment projections across various occupations including detailed statistics on job growth rates and educational requirements.
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER): An organization that provides information on training programs for construction trades including carpentry; it outlines apprenticeship paths and industry standards.
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): A leading organization representing accountants; it offers insights into educational requirements for accountants as well as career outlooks within the field of accounting and finance.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Comparison of Degree Duration and Job Stability: Carpentry vs. Accounting and Finance
Degree Duration
Carpentry Education:
Typically, carpentry does not require a traditional four-year degree. Instead, aspiring carpenters often pursue an apprenticeship program that lasts about 3 to 4 years. During this time, they receive hands-on training while working under the supervision of experienced carpenters. Some may also attend vocational or trade schools for additional coursework, which can take about 1 to 2 years.
Overall, the total time to become a fully qualified carpenter can range from 3 to 6 years depending on the path chosen.
Accounting and Finance Education:
A degree in accounting or finance usually requires a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes 4 years of full-time study at a college or university. Students will cover subjects such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial management.
For those pursuing advanced positions or specialized roles (such as Certified Public Accountant), further education is often necessary. This could involve obtaining a master’s degree in accounting or finance (an additional 1-2 years) and passing certification exams.
In summary, becoming a carpenter generally takes between 3 to 6 years through apprenticeships and vocational training, while obtaining a degree in accounting or finance typically requires at least 4 years of undergraduate education.
Job Stability
Carpentry Job Stability:
The demand for skilled tradespeople like carpenters tends to remain steady due to ongoing construction projects and home renovations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for carpenters is projected to grow by about 2% from 2020 to 2030, which is slower than average compared to other occupations.
However, job stability can be influenced by economic conditions; during downturns in the economy when construction slows down, carpenters may face more job insecurity.
Accounting and Finance Job Stability:
The field of accounting and finance generally offers greater job stability compared to carpentry due to its essential role in businesses across all sectors. The BLS projects that employment for accountants and auditors will grow by about 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than average.
Additionally, professionals in this field are less likely to experience significant fluctuations in job availability during economic downturns since companies always need financial oversight regardless of market conditions.
In conclusion, while both careers have their merits, accounting and finance tend to offer more stable job prospects over time compared to carpentry.
Final Summary
Duration: Carpentry takes approximately 3-6 years (including apprenticeship), while accounting/finance typically requires at least 4 years for a bachelor’s degree.
Job Stability: Accounting and finance generally provide more stable employment opportunities compared to carpentry.
Based on these factors:
The answer is that getting a degree in carpentry typically takes less time than getting one in accounting and finance; however, accounting and finance generally offer more stable job prospects compared to carpentry.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): This government agency provides comprehensive data on employment projections across various occupations including detailed statistics on job growth rates and educational requirements.
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER): An organization that provides information on training programs for construction trades including carpentry; it outlines apprenticeship paths and industry standards.
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): A leading organization representing accountants; it offers insights into educational requirements for accountants as well as career outlooks within the field of accounting and finance.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Updated
Isaiah’s Answer
As Cesar said above, it matters on which one interests you more and which field you see yourself being happier in. Speaking from the accounting side of things, you need 150 credit hours to sit for the CPA exam and become a certified accountant. This usually takes people anywhere between the standard 4 years of university or sometimes an additional semester or two. Accountants are always in high demand and you can also get more general business jobs with an accounting degree, so there are lots of options. My advice if you choose the college route is to take a few general business courses (accounting or finance 101) and see which one calls to you more and go from there.
Updated
Eliska’s Answer
Hey Steven,
Just to let you know, I've got a finance degree under my belt, and it's your typical four-year course. Based on what I've seen and experienced, if you're in a position to choose, I'd say accounting is a pretty solid bet. It tends to offer more stable job opportunities. However, if you're still figuring things out or if the idea of spending 4-5 years in college doesn't quite appeal to you, don't rule out construction. A close buddy of mine has been thriving in carpentry for the past 8 years and is now gearing up to chase an MBA. He truly believes that his hands-on experience in the construction world gives him an edge as a mature business student, as it's all intertwined with real-life business scenarios.
Just to let you know, I've got a finance degree under my belt, and it's your typical four-year course. Based on what I've seen and experienced, if you're in a position to choose, I'd say accounting is a pretty solid bet. It tends to offer more stable job opportunities. However, if you're still figuring things out or if the idea of spending 4-5 years in college doesn't quite appeal to you, don't rule out construction. A close buddy of mine has been thriving in carpentry for the past 8 years and is now gearing up to chase an MBA. He truly believes that his hands-on experience in the construction world gives him an edge as a mature business student, as it's all intertwined with real-life business scenarios.
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