Comments on: Want a Job? Don’t Major in Business.

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 01:49:59 +0000

Oh yeah, I am an English major. I finished undergrad a few years ago and am now almost finished with my Master’s degree. I’m working in my field; I teach Composition and Literature at the university where I go to school, as well as at a nearby community college. I think people who don’t work in their field don’t want to work in their field. I pretty much refuse to not work in my field, so I only interview for jobs/gigs that are related to what I’m studying / did study. A lot of people do view English majors as “useless.” I don’t begrudge this stereotype. I suppose I don’t feel useless, though, because I use my degree to teach (I’ve also taught middle school and high school). Everyone needs a basic education in the English language, as well as some cultural literacy, which being well-read provides. My favorite thing about being an English major is that we use literature as a springboard to discuss ideas and trends in culture and the social world we live in. Dealing with such things isn’t exactly meaningless or useless. As I said, I *was* a Business major; I also worked in the business world for a good eight years before I returned to school and got a degree in English. That period of my life (the Business period) was the most vapid and empty experience ever.

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 01:36:11 +0000

I was a business major for two years, and I can safely say it is the least appealing major to me. Almost ANY other major would be preferred. I would major in Kinesiology, Political Science, Art History, Biology, Health, or Theater…like I said, anything, before I would major in Business. It’s not that I don’t think it’s worthwhile (it certainly is practical); I just think it could not be more boring. I went from being a Business major to an English major (two extremes as far as practicality), and I was really happy with the change. I feel like your education should be something that you’re interested in and that makes you more interesting. I’m not just plugging for English, though. Political Science is interesting, Psychology is interesting, Criminal Justice is interesting. Business…just isn’t. That said, I don’t think Business as a major is “easy.” If you’re doing Accounting or Finance, that’s pretty hard material, I imagine. If you are a Management or Marketing specialization, however, it’s fairly easy.

By: I’m a Bachelor (of Arts) « View from the Cubicle Farm

I’m a Bachelor (of Arts) « View from the Cubicle Farm — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:19:47 +0000

[...] is your education—that thing which prepares you to be a valuable citizen of the world (and a desirable employee!). This second type of student engages the university on its own terms, seeking to learn anything [...]

By: Britt

Britt — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:57:36 +0000

I found your blog via Chris Guillebeau, and wish I had known about it during my four years of undergrad! As the proud possessor of a JMU Bachelors in Business Administration, I laughed outloud at the title of this post. Many of your arguments are absolutely valid, and a running joke between those of us business students who don’t take ourselves too seriously. Just like ANY degree, you should never choose business because you think it’ll get you a job or you don’t know what else to do. Unfortunately, in many college of business’ attempt to develop ‘well-rounded’ graduates, you’re required to fulfill requirements that you just don’t enjoy/care about.

However, reading some of the comments from confused students, I thought I’d offer some thoughts from my experience as a business student.

- The COB often emphasizes teamwork more than any other program. Constantly working in groups to complete projects, papers, simulations, etc, taught patience, the share-credit-accept-blame mentality, and when its worthwhile to put my foot down. I learned that often I don’t have the best ideas, when to step up and (and how to) lead, when to fill the support role, and the importance of holding each other accountable. These concepts are crucial in most employment, and for people to want you around!

- COB classes teach analytical skills and objective decision making, which I use as a waitress, youth group volunteer, friend, and adult.

- I’m probably the best money-manager of my friends. I can budget, forecast, etc with the best of them, thanks to the COB.

- I had to write roughly 10 papers throughout college. While I’m an awesome test taker, I REALLY wish I’d taken a couple more writing classes above the GenEd requirements of COB.

- The pressure that comes from COB professors to graduate with an entry level nine to five that will ‘set you up’ is immense. They tell stories of recent grads who had to move to middle-of-nowhere Iowa and work 80hrs a week, but someday they’ll have that corner office (though you won’t know your children)! This is what you should aspire to, according to most COB. If this is what you want, awesome!! It wasn’t what I wanted, and not what I’m doing, but I still loved my COB education and feel that it benefits me every single day.

In summary, pick the degree that you’ll enjoy. Then graduate, take pride in your degree and find a job or lifestyle that you’re excited to wake up to each morning.

By: Study Hacks

Study Hacks — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:45:54 +0000

Is there a way this technique could work for the sciences?

Minor in art history? That’s what I did…

By: jenna

jenna — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:56:33 +0000

hey cal!

I agree with your post entirely! I immediatly have immense respect for ANYONE who has a major in math and to combine that with something like a liberal arts which isn’t the most ‘stable’ in terms of jobs represents a very well rounded person.

Is there a way this technique could work for the sciences?
I’m majoring in Biomedical science right now and would love to try this technique.

By: John

John — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:24:19 +0000

What if we majored in Sociology (not considered the strongest social science) and minored in Philosophy (maybe the strongest of the classical liberal arts)? I’m approaching graduation and I wished I was aware of this math portion. If I’ve known I would’ve started with intro courses and worked my way up to Calc. III and throw in Discrete Mathematics. (sigh). Oh well.

By: Study Hacks

Study Hacks — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:53:29 +0000

I do enjoy doing math, so this wouldn’t make life suck, but it would take up a bunch of my time and may prevent me from becoming the departmental star.

I hear you. If your sprinkle the courses throughout otherwise light semesters, and/or start with real intro courses, I think you might find it’s not as bad as you thought.

By: Andrew Lu

Andrew Lu — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:46:38 +0000

Oh, I forgot to add, about how many math courses are you recommending over the four years? I’m entering college this fall and will probably start in multivariable calculus/calculus III (I’m currently in AP Calculus BC).

By: Andrew Lu

Andrew Lu — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:44:26 +0000

Hey Cal (or anyone else who wants to comment),

Would it be worth it to take these math courses even if it were to drag down your GPA and/or take up a bunch of your time? I suspect your answer would depend on how much, but what do you think? I’m someone who can do alright in math if I spend a LOT of time at it (probably almost as much as the rest of my classes combined). I do enjoy doing math, so this wouldn’t make life suck, but it would take up a bunch of my time and may prevent me from becoming the departmental star. Would a good solution to this be to take these hard courses over the summer at another college so they don’t impact my regular set of classes?

Thanks!