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September 7 2011

Don't Let Your Major Define Your Future

by Emily Callaghan

When I sat down to write a few sentences about my background for our new About the Bloggers page, I laughed upon typing my major: “liberal studies.” Among some circles of friends (my university was engineer-heavy), I still haven’t heard the end of it. What was this very vague major preparing me for? They said “nothing.” I think “everything.”

 Do majors really matter anyway?

 We have an article that answers just that, and here’s the short of it:

  1. Most majors prepare you for positions in just about any industry
  2. The key to employability and success is being well-rounded (in your course selection, skills, and interests)
  3. It’s all about experience, anyway

This is obviously info fit for college students choosing majors this fall, but it applies for those of you in the working world as well.

Start by choosing a major that interests you, knowing that it won’t be the be-all, end-all determiner of your future. And don’t stop there. Take electives outside of your major to broaden your range of knowledge and experience. An art class could complement an engineering degree and could help in the future with product development. An interpersonal communication class could help just about anyone in any career, because we all will have to understand people and manage relationships in the future.

If you’re looking for a new or first job, the same advice applies. Enrolling in a class, certificate program, or workshop on a topic outside your main area of expertise will only expand your options in the future. 

When looking for a new job at any point in your career, keep you mind open to different kinds of positions that require your skill set—not just your major.

Especially if your major is Liberal Studies.

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