Your college major and your career - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

burtsbees · 01-20-2006, 08:04 PM

I'm currently a 3rd year in college. I've been putting off declaring a major for quite some time; mostly because I'm scared. Art is where my heart is, but biochemistry is where my units are taking me. I plan on graduating with a BS in biochemistry and maybe go further on to grad school for a master's. Just out of curiosity though, How many of you ended up doing something completely irrelevant to your college major? Or, did you stay on the same path? I'm so curious to know! Please reply!

maleficent · 01-21-2006, 07:50 AM

I graduated back in the mid 80s when IT was really only the major for uber nerds... I've been working in IT for the past 15 years or so, but in college had a double major in Math and Finance... Finance was preferred, math was just fun - -and I kept taking it as electives so I had enough credits for a double major.

My younger brother, by two years, graduated with a degree in Philosophy and French - in spent more than one semester in France as part of his education. He know is also working in IT...

Very few people I know are working in the field that our major was in... Unless it's something really specialized like Engineering, or you're planning on going for a post graduate degree, your college degree really is just a piece of paper that says you completed college, it doesn't have a lot of bearing on what you want to do with the rest of your life...

(though, the running joke when I was in school was if you went for a Liberal Arts or Communications major the only thing you'd be qualified to do was say "Do you want fries with that?", but that's because they were easy majors gotten by the cheerleaders and football players

Poppinjay · 01-21-2006, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

(though, the running joke when I was in school was if you went for a Liberal Arts or Communications major the only thing you'd be qualified to do was say "Do you want fries with that?", but that's because they were easy majors gotten by the cheerleaders and football players

Or the joke about my major, English, "how can you fail a class in your native tongue?"

Out of my circle of ENGL majors, one owns an IT company, one pursued a career in writing, one passed away while working as an editor, I went into journalism. Oh yeah, and one works at a music store.

I would think biochem would limit you to academia or research. As far as Art, the last reporter I hired had actually been an art major. Talent is talent.

feelgood · 01-21-2006, 10:10 AM

I'm currently taking Software Engineering as my major with management as minors. So, I guess that's somewhat kinda irrelevant but it won't be as irrelevant once I start to get some experience on my resume and eventually get promoted into management position where I can finally put my management minor to use.

Sage · 01-21-2006, 12:07 PM

The day I got home from college graduation with a degree in Multimedia, I put it on the mantle, sat down on the couch, and said "Well, damnit, I don't want to do that anymore!" I'm currently looking for a job to pay the bills, and I want to go to Grad school to get a Doctorate of Psychology.

Remember, just because you graduate with a degree in one thing doesn't mean you're tied down to doing that thing the rest of your life. If you like Biochem, do biochem. You can go on to get a master's in art if you want. You can go to grad school for biochem, but keep doing art on the side as a hobby, then one day when you have plenty of money and are tired of the biochem, you can open a gallery or something.

The way you're thinking about it now- it seems you've convinced yourself that whatever major you graduate in will automatically lock you into doing that job *forever*. Nothing could be farther from the truth- the most talented artist I've ever met, who is now doing jewelry in a style that isn't seen anywhere else in the country, majored in Accounting in college.

Rodney · 01-21-2006, 01:09 PM

I took a degree in journalism because I was good at writing. But journalism involves more than just writing well, and by the time I'd finished the degree, I realized that newspaper journalism wasn't for me. However, journalism did teach me how to gather, synthesize, and report information in an organized, easy-to-read way -- under deadline. And I used that experience in a long career in technical writing.

So while I never worked in journalsim per se, I used the journalistic skills I learned thorughout my career.

See your college experience not only in terms of knowledge gathered, but skills acquired. What skills will you learn as an artist that can be applied throughout life. What skills will biochemistry teach you?

Moreover -- here's a thought -- what kind of skill set would you have with an art/biochemistry double major? Where might that take you?

Gilda · 01-21-2006, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princeton

What do you do with a B.A. in English,
What is my life going to be?
Four years of college and plenty of knowledge,
Have earned me this useless degree.

I can't pay the bills yet,
'Cause I have no skills yet,
The world is a big scary place.

But somehow I can't shake,
The feeling I might make,
A difference,
To the human race.

BA with a double major in history and English, MA's in children's literature and reading, PhD. in Children's literature.

I'm an English professor at a large Eastern university. I've always worked in my major fields.

My wife, Grace, has a BS in nursing, an MS in emergency medicine, and currently works as an ER nurse.

My sister is currently a double major in biochemistry and psychology, though she's considering a switch to the dedicated pre-med program at the end of her sophomore year. Her current courses would get her into med school though, so it makes little difference.

Gilda

tec-9-7 · 01-21-2006, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

(though, the running joke when I was in school was if you went for a Liberal Arts or Communications major the only thing you'd be qualified to do was say "Do you want fries with that?", but that's because they were easy majors gotten by the cheerleaders and football players

That's just asinine. I have a graduate degree in Philosophy and I don't work at McDonalds... I sell doors!

jth · 01-21-2006, 04:52 PM

B.Mus Jazz Studies from Saint Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia Canada. I recieved my degree in 2003.

I am in the States now at the University of North Texas starting my 2nd semester of my M.M in Jazz Studies (focus in Jazz guitar performance). I have like 12 or 13 hours completed. I should be done in 08

Justsomeguy · 01-21-2006, 07:31 PM

4th year Biochemistry myself. Pre-med. I'm in the final stages of deciding where I want to attend. My biggest problem at the moment is that I'm not staying in Louisiana. Everything has gone to hell in this entire state since Katrina. I would perfer to attend medical school in Texas, but it appears to be tough to get into the school even with my mcat score and GPA. I think around 3-5 is accepted from A&M and Baylor, which is the only school I really have a shot at atm.

Therefore, I guess you could see I'm doing something in my field. By, the way, anyone live(d) in Little Rock? It's the only med school alternative relatively close to family. I really have no idea if it's a decent place to live or not. I would just assume it isn't...

thesupermikey · 01-21-2006, 08:45 PM

At least for me my major hasnt done anything for me (still in gradschool and not sure where im going in the long run). My major doesnt really have any stills connected to it, at least 'real world' stills. I can research and write a damned good paper. I guess i would be able to find work in any sort firm that required that sort of thing.

As for burtsbees - Why does that diploma matter: If you have the skills of both artist and a biochemist the paper that they give you at graduation really matter? Is there Comprehensive exam or Undergrad theist required to graduate?

The_Jazz · 01-22-2006, 08:17 AM

I graduated with dual majors of History and Russian and Eastern European Studies. There's not too much of a market for people like me out in the real world, so I kind of fell into insurance, never to escape again. I actually do use the skills that I picked up with my major every day, though. I do a lot of writing and defense of arguements, and all the stats stuff that was required actually comes in very handy at times.

Personally, I think that there's too much emphasis placed on someone's major. With a few exceptions, majoring in something in college only teaches you enough to be dangerous and not really anything about practical applications. That's why doctors don't get turned loose to practice right out of medical school. I don't think that I'd ever hire an insurance major unless they had the skills that I look for anyway. It's definitely not a positive in my book.

onodrim · 01-22-2006, 11:25 AM

I'm in my last semester before graduating with a BM in Vocal Performance, and in a few days I'm going to the career center to get help on my resume and interviews and stuff to apply for jobs in all different fields. Like other have said here, having a degree is the most important thing when it comes to finding a job. If you're able to be successful in the field you want, that's great, but there are many more options available to you.

soccerchamp76 · 01-22-2006, 02:30 PM

I am a sophomore with my major being Chemistry and minors in Natural Sciences and Mathematics. I plan on applying to medical school and graduate programs in organic chemistry.

shesus · 01-22-2006, 02:52 PM

I have a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction. Right now I'm in my 6th year of teaching. My BA helped me get this job, but as of now, my Master's isn't helping much at all. I just graduated with my Master's last August though so I'm not sure exactly what it can do for me. I would love to get out of the classroom and work more on the curriculum aspect of education. Although, I wouldn't mind working for a company helping develop training instruction.

They told me in undergrad that a BA in teaching would be desirable for many professions. However, what I typically run across is people wondering why I want to leave the classroom. I have to explain that I want to change the path of my carreer and then I get the lecture about how 'real' world aka business world jobs are different from the classroom. I say, yes, I know that is why I want to be out of the classroom.

Oh well, my advice to you is to do what you want to do. Life is too short to settle for something that is the 'right' choice, but not the 'makes me happy' choice. Good luck to you.

Rodney · 01-22-2006, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shesus

They told me in undergrad that a BA in teaching would be desirable for many professions. However, what I typically run across is people wondering why I want to leave the classroom. I have to explain that I want to change the path of my carreer and then I get the lecture about how 'real' world aka business world jobs are different from the classroom. I say, yes, I know that is why I want to be out of the classroom.

Brief thread hijack:

I knew a teacher who had a great response to that question from non-teachers. She'd ask if they ever hosted or helped host a children's birthday party. Usually they'd say, yes. Then she said, imagine hosting a birthday party for 30 kids all by yourself, six hours a day, five days a week. Then, she'd say, ask yourself if you could do that job. Because I can.

The best, most dedicated, most positive teacher I know took a break after 10-12 years in the elementary classroom, because she was burning out: "I was no longer the teacher I wanted to be," she told me. She took a couple of years off to be a student-teaching supervisor and took a master's in admin at the same time. And she went back to work as a principal.

The classroom is tough.

Jove · 01-22-2006, 05:37 PM

I received a B.S in Information Technology in 2004. Currently I am an I.T Technician for a nursing home where I am the only individual that is in charge of the windows 2000 server and the 93 computers throughout the buidling.

Some days are extremly busy with numerous computer problems while other days nothing happens.

Leto · 01-22-2006, 06:16 PM

BA(Hnrs) Physical Geography in 1983. I actually worked in my field as a geologist (hauling drill core out of abandoned gold mines near Tweed, Ontario) until the contract ran out and the recession at the time made competition with PhD's in the same field difficult to land another contract.

Went to college and got a diploma in Computer Programming and Analysis. It's been 20 yrs now, and I must say that COBOL paid for my house...

Min · 01-22-2006, 07:50 PM

My majors were English and History. I haven't used my skills or my degree in one job yet. I had hoped to go to graduate school for Information/Library Science to do archives work, however, I was detoured by being forced to make a living if I wanted to afford my rent, and other needs when on one's own.
I still hope to return to school eventually and enter the career path I dreamed of since childhood.

skier · 01-22-2006, 08:48 PM

2 1/2 years in, Major in Psych, with a bio minor. Lots of neural and cell stuff.

I'm hoping to get a job in a neuropsych field, but I don't really know what's out there.

match000 · 01-22-2006, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

(though, the running joke when I was in school was if you went for a Liberal Arts or Communications major the only thing you'd be qualified to do was say "Do you want fries with that?", but that's because they were easy majors gotten by the cheerleaders and football players

The running joke amongst engineers is that all humanities says that, except for the hard sciences and math, and the would-be lawyers or doctors.

yellowchef · 01-24-2006, 01:02 AM

AS in social psychology from Troy State University, AS in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University and soon to be a BS in Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales. I LIKE my job and I could be a chef, but not forever. I think I will go for a Food Science(maybe agribusiness ecnomics and food chemistry) PhD from Oklahoma State University. I havent done much in the way of actually GOING to grad school because of my schedule but Im working on that and have been in contact with the university. Hopefully I can get things going soon...

yellowchef · 01-24-2006, 01:04 AM

as far as my career Id like to get into research and development or packaging and purchasing of raw goods for a large(or not so large) food/beverage producer(Nabisco, Coors, Coca Cola..)

McFrosticles · 01-24-2006, 10:51 AM

First year of College, majoring in History, minor in Secondary Education.

Hope to teach American History in high school

JustJess · 01-24-2006, 01:03 PM

Joint BA in Theater and Spanish. I am the Immigration Coordinator at a nifty hospital. I am taking prereqs to go back and get a Master's (or equivalent) as a PA.

analog · 01-25-2006, 11:21 AM

I'm on my way to getting an AS in emergency medical services, as a paramedic. I'll definitely be directly applying my schooling towards my job afterward (as a paramedic).

Charlatan · 01-25-2006, 11:50 AM

I have a BA in Film Studies (it's like English Literature only done with film rather than books)... I am currently working in the film and television industry.

Sultana · 01-25-2006, 04:30 PM

I have a BA in...Communications, Print emphasis. I started out as a Biology major, but Organic Chemistry (OK, and reg. chemistry too) kicked my pert little tukus. So I switched my major and minor, and felt it a much better fit.

After graduating I worked for a specialty newspaper, kinda got screwed over, did a lot of free-lance stuff, and came to the conclusion that I could sell everything I wrote (and I did), and at the current rates would still stave to death. That's when I set my cap on technical writing, and haven't looked back. I'm now a technical editor, and because I have a flair for computers and software (a flair for someone never trained in the stuff, lol!) I also do systems integration analysis for technical pubs.

I'm happy with my job but I fear it's a bit specialized, so I'm always looking for training in any areas I can get approved for, to expand my knowledge base and improve future employment opportunities.

darkangel · 01-27-2006, 02:16 AM

Went to Art School.

Career - Wal Mart.

snowy · 01-27-2006, 04:20 AM

BA in English...

I'm currently treading water working for an inpatient drug/alcohol rehab center doing office work and occasional childcare.

I hope to start work on my Master's in Teaching this summer/fall.

Daoust · 01-27-2006, 05:10 AM

BA English/History and B.Ed.

Currently teaching elementary, would like to teach junior high (7-9) or high school some day.

yellowchef · 01-28-2006, 12:59 AM

and I just realized this I will have a concentration in Travel and Tourism Managment when I graduate this May because Ive taken a bunch of BS classes in Travel and tourism becase theres nothing else for me to take. Ive taken all the psych and food service ones...

I have 3 degrees and a shit job. Go me!

actinic · 01-28-2006, 07:45 AM

I have a chem eng and an environmental biochem degree but in the end I started an aquarium design/servicing company and presently negotiating a purchase of a 4000sq.ft warehouse to carry my own livestock and drygoods.

B.Sc. ChemEng: I didn't apply for uni after HS as I wanted to take the year off and figure out what I wanted to do. My father knew the dean and got me in. I dropped out after 1st year and travelled. When I ran out of $$$ he bailed me out in Trinidad. I finished the degree bu absolutely hated it and was bored out of my tree.

B.Sc. EnvBioChem: I thought I'd go through the bachelors again as I had no interest in retaking some of the chem eng courses to raise my GPA to be able to persue a graduate degree. It was and interesting course that I really sunk my teeth into. The greatest part of 4th year was a graduate prep course. The area I chose was in aquatic toxicology. As an avid fish keeper it was right up my alley. Building fish holding facilities and "experimentation" chambers for the different effluent we were exposing fish to. Without going into detail...scary stuff.

In the end, politics, animal rights groups and "classic" academia put a sour taste on the overall experience and put a halt on the project. I no longer want to invest anymore time academically and at 29, I wanted to get my life going. Since I was always into fish, worked in various pet shops, why not. Wish I figured that out after HS...LOL.

All I can say to you is try to keep your GPA (out of 4.0) above 3.0. Network with professors as they can help you in the right direction. If your program offers a graduate prep course...take it.

HTH

Marvelous Marv · 01-28-2006, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soccerchamp76

I am a sophomore with my major being Chemistry and minors in Natural Sciences and Mathematics. I plan on applying to medical school and graduate programs in organic chemistry.

I'd try to evaluate how much you like the math part. It gets much more difficult (or at least there's a paradigm shift that was difficult for me) after your second year.

Marvelous Marv · 01-28-2006, 02:18 PM

Oh yeah, I don't use my math major for my job, and never did. Except, I guess, to help me count the money I make.

I agree with the people that say it doesn't matter what your degree is in, unless it's something technical.

soccerchamp76 · 01-28-2006, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvelous Marv

I'd try to evaluate how much you like the math part. It gets much more difficult (or at least there's a paradigm shift that was difficult for me) after your second year.

Well, being a Chem major, I have to take Calc I, Calc II, and Calc III. With Calc II and III being 4 credit classes, I would only have to take on additional class: Linear Algebra.

rofgilead · 01-28-2006, 07:52 PM

I majored in Biochemistry and Computer Science. Now, I am in graduate school trying to get a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics. I think it is good to think of future directions to go into, but to also realize that it may or may not work out and not to get frustrated if it doesn't.

Graduate school is a big bummer actually some times, it is so much work compared to undergrad (not homework, just research work - 6,7 days a week I work now). So, it is worth understanding the level of work that grad school or medical school will required and how that will affect you.

Peace.

mystmarimatt · 02-04-2006, 11:36 AM

I'm majoring in English, with a Theatre Minor. I'm not really sure what I want to do, but I'm either going to Grad School, going to pursue a career in editing, or as a theatre critic.

Pipedreams, all, I suppose.

Jack1.0 · 02-05-2006, 08:42 AM

A year ago I finally completed a BS in Information Technology, after starting (but never completing) a Computer Science degree 20 years earlier. I have pretty much known since I was 15 that I should do something in a career field related to computers but I still managed to get sidetracked into the electronics industry for 12 years after my first attempt at college failed in a spectacular way (electronics paid the bills.)

I think that a degree shows prospective employers several things. It shows that you have a baseline understanding of communication, basic research skills, and problem solving (even completion of nothing but the general ed. credits establishes this.) I believe that to most employers this is the by far the most important thing.

If the major you have chosen is relevant to the job you are seeking it can demonstrate that you have a fundamental understanding of concepts that they may deem necessary to perform a specific function.

Washington · 02-05-2006, 12:06 PM

B.S. Aeronautics

Currently applying to graduate school for Aeronautical Engineering. Hoping to get a masters.

Im a pilot, so I do use my degree. But, in hindsight, I would have been better off sticking with my original major ---Physics. I bailed out my last year and got a Aeronautics degree instead. Its a long story, but it was the wrong choice.

It's not wasted work though, I learned a lot and because of all those physics classes I took, can get into a Aero. Engineering program.

I definately have a different outlook on college now compared to when I started.

01-20-2006, 08:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
burtsbees Upright	Your college major and your career I'm currently a 3rd year in college. I've been putting off declaring a major for quite some time; mostly because I'm scared. Art is where my heart is, but biochemistry is where my units are taking me. I plan on graduating with a BS in biochemistry and maybe go further on to grad school for a master's. Just out of curiosity though, How many of you ended up doing something completely irrelevant to your college major? Or, did you stay on the same path? I'm so curious to know! Please reply!

01-21-2006, 07:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	I graduated back in the mid 80s when IT was really only the major for uber nerds... I've been working in IT for the past 15 years or so, but in college had a double major in Math and Finance... Finance was preferred, math was just fun - -and I kept taking it as electives so I had enough credits for a double major. My younger brother, by two years, graduated with a degree in Philosophy and French - in spent more than one semester in France as part of his education. He know is also working in IT... Very few people I know are working in the field that our major was in... Unless it's something really specialized like Engineering, or you're planning on going for a post graduate degree, your college degree really is just a piece of paper that says you completed college, it doesn't have a lot of bearing on what you want to do with the rest of your life... (though, the running joke when I was in school was if you went for a Liberal Arts or Communications major the only thing you'd be qualified to do was say "Do you want fries with that?", but that's because they were easy majors gotten by the cheerleaders and football players __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

01-21-2006, 12:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sage hoarding all the big girl panties since 2005 Location: North side	The day I got home from college graduation with a degree in Multimedia, I put it on the mantle, sat down on the couch, and said "Well, damnit, I don't want to do that anymore!" I'm currently looking for a job to pay the bills, and I want to go to Grad school to get a Doctorate of Psychology. Remember, just because you graduate with a degree in one thing doesn't mean you're tied down to doing that thing the rest of your life. If you like Biochem, do biochem. You can go on to get a master's in art if you want. You can go to grad school for biochem, but keep doing art on the side as a hobby, then one day when you have plenty of money and are tired of the biochem, you can open a gallery or something. The way you're thinking about it now- it seems you've convinced yourself that whatever major you graduate in will automatically lock you into doing that job forever. Nothing could be farther from the truth- the most talented artist I've ever met, who is now doing jewelry in a style that isn't seen anywhere else in the country, majored in Accounting in college. __________________ Sage knows our mythic history, King Arthur's and Sir Caradoc's She answers hard acrostics, has a pretty taste for paradox She quotes in elegiacs all the crimes of Heliogabalus In conics she can floor peculiarities parabolous -C'hi

01-21-2006, 08:45 PM	#11 (permalink)
thesupermikey I got blisters on me fingers!!! Location: In my stressless expectation free zone.	At least for me my major hasnt done anything for me (still in gradschool and not sure where im going in the long run). My major doesnt really have any stills connected to it, at least 'real world' stills. I can research and write a damned good paper. I guess i would be able to find work in any sort firm that required that sort of thing. As for burtsbees - Why does that diploma matter: If you have the skills of both artist and a biochemist the paper that they give you at graduation really matter? Is there Comprehensive exam or Undergrad theist required to graduate? __________________ If you are not outraged than you are not paying attention! "Reality has a well-known liberal bias" - Steven Colbert

01-22-2006, 11:25 AM	#13 (permalink)
onodrim Cosmically Curious Location: Chicago, IL	I'm in my last semester before graduating with a BM in Vocal Performance, and in a few days I'm going to the career center to get help on my resume and interviews and stuff to apply for jobs in all different fields. Like other have said here, having a degree is the most important thing when it comes to finding a job. If you're able to be successful in the field you want, that's great, but there are many more options available to you. __________________ "The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there’s little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides" -Carl Sagan

01-21-2006, 10:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
feelgood Free Mars! Location: I dunno, there's white people around me saying "eh" all the time	I'm currently taking Software Engineering as my major with management as minors. So, I guess that's somewhat kinda irrelevant but it won't be as irrelevant once I start to get some experience on my resume and eventually get promoted into management position where I can finally put my management minor to use.

01-21-2006, 01:09 PM	#6 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	I took a degree in journalism because I was good at writing. But journalism involves more than just writing well, and by the time I'd finished the degree, I realized that newspaper journalism wasn't for me. However, journalism did teach me how to gather, synthesize, and report information in an organized, easy-to-read way -- under deadline. And I used that experience in a long career in technical writing. So while I never worked in journalsim per se, I used the journalistic skills I learned thorughout my career. See your college experience not only in terms of knowledge gathered, but skills acquired. What skills will you learn as an artist that can be applied throughout life. What skills will biochemistry teach you? Moreover -- here's a thought -- what kind of skill set would you have with an art/biochemistry double major? Where might that take you?

01-21-2006, 04:52 PM	#9 (permalink)
jth Insane Location: HRM	B.Mus Jazz Studies from Saint Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia Canada. I recieved my degree in 2003. I am in the States now at the University of North Texas starting my 2nd semester of my M.M in Jazz Studies (focus in Jazz guitar performance). I have like 12 or 13 hours completed. I should be done in 08

01-21-2006, 07:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
Justsomeguy Insane	4th year Biochemistry myself. Pre-med. I'm in the final stages of deciding where I want to attend. My biggest problem at the moment is that I'm not staying in Louisiana. Everything has gone to hell in this entire state since Katrina. I would perfer to attend medical school in Texas, but it appears to be tough to get into the school even with my mcat score and GPA. I think around 3-5 is accepted from A&M and Baylor, which is the only school I really have a shot at atm. Therefore, I guess you could see I'm doing something in my field. By, the way, anyone live(d) in Little Rock? It's the only med school alternative relatively close to family. I really have no idea if it's a decent place to live or not. I would just assume it isn't...

01-22-2006, 08:17 AM	#12 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	I graduated with dual majors of History and Russian and Eastern European Studies. There's not too much of a market for people like me out in the real world, so I kind of fell into insurance, never to escape again. I actually do use the skills that I picked up with my major every day, though. I do a lot of writing and defense of arguements, and all the stats stuff that was required actually comes in very handy at times. Personally, I think that there's too much emphasis placed on someone's major. With a few exceptions, majoring in something in college only teaches you enough to be dangerous and not really anything about practical applications. That's why doctors don't get turned loose to practice right out of medical school. I don't think that I'd ever hire an insurance major unless they had the skills that I look for anyway. It's definitely not a positive in my book.

01-22-2006, 02:30 PM	#14 (permalink)
soccerchamp76 Go Cardinals Location: St. Louis/Cincinnati	I am a sophomore with my major being Chemistry and minors in Natural Sciences and Mathematics. I plan on applying to medical school and graduate programs in organic chemistry. __________________ Brian Griffin: Ah, if my memory serves me, this is the physics department. Chris Griffin: That would explain all the gravity.

01-22-2006, 02:52 PM	#15 (permalink)
shesus Fancy Location: Chicago	I have a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction. Right now I'm in my 6th year of teaching. My BA helped me get this job, but as of now, my Master's isn't helping much at all. I just graduated with my Master's last August though so I'm not sure exactly what it can do for me. I would love to get out of the classroom and work more on the curriculum aspect of education. Although, I wouldn't mind working for a company helping develop training instruction. They told me in undergrad that a BA in teaching would be desirable for many professions. However, what I typically run across is people wondering why I want to leave the classroom. I have to explain that I want to change the path of my carreer and then I get the lecture about how 'real' world aka business world jobs are different from the classroom. I say, yes, I know that is why I want to be out of the classroom. Oh well, my advice to you is to do what you want to do. Life is too short to settle for something that is the 'right' choice, but not the 'makes me happy' choice. Good luck to you. __________________ Whatever did happen to your soul? I heard you sold it Choose Heaven for the weather and Hell for the company

01-22-2006, 05:37 PM	#17 (permalink)
Jove Groovy Hipster Nerd Location: Michigan	I received a B.S in Information Technology in 2004. Currently I am an I.T Technician for a nursing home where I am the only individual that is in charge of the windows 2000 server and the 93 computers throughout the buidling. Some days are extremly busy with numerous computer problems while other days nothing happens. Last edited by Jove; 03-20-2006 at 02:38 PM..

01-22-2006, 06:16 PM	#18 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	BA(Hnrs) Physical Geography in 1983. I actually worked in my field as a geologist (hauling drill core out of abandoned gold mines near Tweed, Ontario) until the contract ran out and the recession at the time made competition with PhD's in the same field difficult to land another contract. Went to college and got a diploma in Computer Programming and Analysis. It's been 20 yrs now, and I must say that COBOL paid for my house... __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

01-22-2006, 07:50 PM	#19 (permalink)
Min Crazy Location: Louisiana	My majors were English and History. I haven't used my skills or my degree in one job yet. I had hoped to go to graduate school for Information/Library Science to do archives work, however, I was detoured by being forced to make a living if I wanted to afford my rent, and other needs when on one's own. I still hope to return to school eventually and enter the career path I dreamed of since childhood.

01-22-2006, 08:48 PM	#20 (permalink)
skier Rawr! Location: Edmontania	2 1/2 years in, Major in Psych, with a bio minor. Lots of neural and cell stuff. I'm hoping to get a job in a neuropsych field, but I don't really know what's out there. __________________ "Asking a bomb squad if an old bomb is still "real" is not the best thing to do if you want to save it." - denim

01-24-2006, 01:02 AM	#22 (permalink)
yellowchef Addict Location: Shalimar, FL	AS in social psychology from Troy State University, AS in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University and soon to be a BS in Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales. I LIKE my job and I could be a chef, but not forever. I think I will go for a Food Science(maybe agribusiness ecnomics and food chemistry) PhD from Oklahoma State University. I havent done much in the way of actually GOING to grad school because of my schedule but Im working on that and have been in contact with the university. Hopefully I can get things going soon... __________________ the voices in your head are not real--but they still have some really great ideas. always remeber you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. But..you CAN choose the insane asylum where you have them all put away!

01-24-2006, 01:04 AM	#23 (permalink)
yellowchef Addict Location: Shalimar, FL	as far as my career Id like to get into research and development or packaging and purchasing of raw goods for a large(or not so large) food/beverage producer(Nabisco, Coors, Coca Cola..) __________________ the voices in your head are not real--but they still have some really great ideas. always remeber you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. But..you CAN choose the insane asylum where you have them all put away!

01-24-2006, 10:51 AM	#24 (permalink)
McFrosticles Tilted	First year of College, majoring in History, minor in Secondary Education. Hope to teach American History in high school __________________ Good Grief

01-24-2006, 01:03 PM	#25 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	Joint BA in Theater and Spanish. I am the Immigration Coordinator at a nifty hospital. I am taking prereqs to go back and get a Master's (or equivalent) as a PA. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

01-25-2006, 11:21 AM	#26 (permalink)
analog Banned	I'm on my way to getting an AS in emergency medical services, as a paramedic. I'll definitely be directly applying my schooling towards my job afterward (as a paramedic).

01-25-2006, 11:50 AM	#27 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I have a BA in Film Studies (it's like English Literature only done with film rather than books)... I am currently working in the film and television industry. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

01-25-2006, 04:30 PM	#28 (permalink)
Sultana Falling Angel Location: L.A. L.A. land	I have a BA in...Communications, Print emphasis. I started out as a Biology major, but Organic Chemistry (OK, and reg. chemistry too) kicked my pert little tukus. So I switched my major and minor, and felt it a much better fit. After graduating I worked for a specialty newspaper, kinda got screwed over, did a lot of free-lance stuff, and came to the conclusion that I could sell everything I wrote (and I did), and at the current rates would still stave to death. That's when I set my cap on technical writing, and haven't looked back. I'm now a technical editor, and because I have a flair for computers and software (a flair for someone never trained in the stuff, lol!) I also do systems integration analysis for technical pubs. I'm happy with my job but I fear it's a bit specialized, so I'm always looking for training in any areas I can get approved for, to expand my knowledge base and improve future employment opportunities. __________________ "Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come." - Matt Groening My goal? To fulfill my potential.

01-27-2006, 02:16 AM	#29 (permalink)
darkangel Crazy Location: AB, Canada	Went to Art School. Career - Wal Mart. __________________ "I'm gonna die when it's time for me to die.. so let me live my life the way I want to." - Jimi Hendrix

01-27-2006, 04:20 AM	#30 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	BA in English... I'm currently treading water working for an inpatient drug/alcohol rehab center doing office work and occasional childcare. I hope to start work on my Master's in Teaching this summer/fall. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

01-27-2006, 05:10 AM	#31 (permalink)
Daoust "I'm sorry. What was the question?" Location: Paradise Regained	BA English/History and B.Ed. Currently teaching elementary, would like to teach junior high (7-9) or high school some day. __________________ I have faith in a few things - divinity and grace But even when I'm on my knees I know the devil preys

01-28-2006, 12:59 AM	#32 (permalink)
yellowchef Addict Location: Shalimar, FL	and I just realized this I will have a concentration in Travel and Tourism Managment when I graduate this May because Ive taken a bunch of BS classes in Travel and tourism becase theres nothing else for me to take. Ive taken all the psych and food service ones... I have 3 degrees and a shit job. Go me! __________________ the voices in your head are not real--but they still have some really great ideas. always remeber you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. But..you CAN choose the insane asylum where you have them all put away!

01-28-2006, 07:45 AM	#33 (permalink)
actinic Crazy Location: Toronto, ON	I have a chem eng and an environmental biochem degree but in the end I started an aquarium design/servicing company and presently negotiating a purchase of a 4000sq.ft warehouse to carry my own livestock and drygoods. B.Sc. ChemEng: I didn't apply for uni after HS as I wanted to take the year off and figure out what I wanted to do. My father knew the dean and got me in. I dropped out after 1st year and travelled. When I ran out of $$$ he bailed me out in Trinidad. I finished the degree bu absolutely hated it and was bored out of my tree. B.Sc. EnvBioChem: I thought I'd go through the bachelors again as I had no interest in retaking some of the chem eng courses to raise my GPA to be able to persue a graduate degree. It was and interesting course that I really sunk my teeth into. The greatest part of 4th year was a graduate prep course. The area I chose was in aquatic toxicology. As an avid fish keeper it was right up my alley. Building fish holding facilities and "experimentation" chambers for the different effluent we were exposing fish to. Without going into detail...scary stuff. In the end, politics, animal rights groups and "classic" academia put a sour taste on the overall experience and put a halt on the project. I no longer want to invest anymore time academically and at 29, I wanted to get my life going. Since I was always into fish, worked in various pet shops, why not. Wish I figured that out after HS...LOL. All I can say to you is try to keep your GPA (out of 4.0) above 3.0. Network with professors as they can help you in the right direction. If your program offers a graduate prep course...take it. HTH

01-28-2006, 02:18 PM	#35 (permalink)
Marvelous Marv Cunning Runt Location: Taking a mulligan	Oh yeah, I don't use my math major for my job, and never did. Except, I guess, to help me count the money I make. I agree with the people that say it doesn't matter what your degree is in, unless it's something technical. __________________ "The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." Margaret Thatcher

01-28-2006, 07:52 PM	#37 (permalink)
rofgilead Crazy Location: Nowhere	I majored in Biochemistry and Computer Science. Now, I am in graduate school trying to get a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics. I think it is good to think of future directions to go into, but to also realize that it may or may not work out and not to get frustrated if it doesn't. Graduate school is a big bummer actually some times, it is so much work compared to undergrad (not homework, just research work - 6,7 days a week I work now). So, it is worth understanding the level of work that grad school or medical school will required and how that will affect you. Peace.

02-04-2006, 11:36 AM	#38 (permalink)
mystmarimatt Omnipotent Ruler Of The Tiny Universe In My Mind Location: Oreegawn	I'm majoring in English, with a Theatre Minor. I'm not really sure what I want to do, but I'm either going to Grad School, going to pursue a career in editing, or as a theatre critic. Pipedreams, all, I suppose. __________________ Words of Wisdom: If you could really get to know someone and know that they weren't lying to you, then you would know the world was real. Because you could agree on things, you could compare notes. That must be why people get married or make Art. So they'll be able to really know something and not go insane.

02-05-2006, 08:42 AM	#39 (permalink)
Jack1.0 Tilted	A year ago I finally completed a BS in Information Technology, after starting (but never completing) a Computer Science degree 20 years earlier. I have pretty much known since I was 15 that I should do something in a career field related to computers but I still managed to get sidetracked into the electronics industry for 12 years after my first attempt at college failed in a spectacular way (electronics paid the bills.) I think that a degree shows prospective employers several things. It shows that you have a baseline understanding of communication, basic research skills, and problem solving (even completion of nothing but the general ed. credits establishes this.) I believe that to most employers this is the by far the most important thing. If the major you have chosen is relevant to the job you are seeking it can demonstrate that you have a fundamental understanding of concepts that they may deem necessary to perform a specific function. __________________ Jack1.0 ---------------------------------------------- I've learned to embrace my inner Geek. I haven't found anything else I'm good at.

02-05-2006, 12:06 PM	#40 (permalink)
Washington Insane Location: somewhere cool	B.S. Aeronautics Currently applying to graduate school for Aeronautical Engineering. Hoping to get a masters. Im a pilot, so I do use my degree. But, in hindsight, I would have been better off sticking with my original major ---Physics. I bailed out my last year and got a Aeronautics degree instead. Its a long story, but it was the wrong choice. It's not wasted work though, I learned a lot and because of all those physics classes I took, can get into a Aero. Engineering program. I definately have a different outlook on college now compared to when I started. __________________ there is no absolute, only the moment.