<p>Hi there, I posted this in the college cafe but I didn't get very many responses. I'm not a parent, but a sophomore at a community college for now getting my ge's and lower business classes done. Next semester I'm transfering to a local University. I thought parents who have had experience could help me with this:</p>
<p>I am a bit conflicted. I'm majoring in Marketing, and was going to minor in Visual Arts. I looked at all the classes I need to graduate, and I found that if I don't do the minor, I could finish in three semesters instead of four. That would mean I would save a lot of money from tuition and such. But, I was looking forward to taking art, and I would love to do something related in it; like marketing for the art institute or any art related industry in Chicago. (I live an hour away from the city). Can minors be important or tie breakers for hiring managers? Or are they a waste of time?</p>
<p>I chose a business degree, but one of my passions is art. But saving money is very attractive. Any opinions?</p>
<p>I am also curious. My son just asked me the same question as he draws near to declaring major. He is torn between majors and wonders about adding a minor to whatever he declares. Other than the obvious of being able to explore another interest, does the minor do one any "good"? Or should a student put in the extra time and work towards a second major?</p>
<p>yeah, if I could turn back time I would have highly considered a double major...but come January I will be a junior so it will be too late..so should I minor in art or just save my money and finish college early?</p>
<p>it depends on what your son wants to double major in...i think it can help, but only in certain areas. A lot of the times, double majors are just really stress inducing with out much benefit...only my opinion though</p>
<p>From what I've heard (and I am not sure if it is correct), minors don't really matter. In fact, grad schools apparently sometimes see them as "lack of focus", unless they are in some way related to the major.</p>
<p>tinacheo, I think in your case only you will know if taking Visual Arts will be worth your money. But it sounds like you will really regret it if you miss this opportunity...</p>
<p>thanks for your reply! I'm not interested in grad school though, so I would really like to know from an employer's perspective thier views on minors</p>
<p>I'm just a student debating about the whole double major issue also, but perhaps my current "solution" would work for you, tinacheo, as well. What I've decided I would like to do is graduate with a BS in Computer Science first... and then go back to take extra math classes (not a full load by any means, just one or two) while working. I think this is an ideal solution because it allows me to: continue to take classes in subjects I'm interested in, work towards a second major, and socialize with others my age (I'll be graduating about a month after I turn 19). Also, some of the companies I would like to work at provide tuition reimbursement, which is definitely a big plus :)</p>
<p>Maybe you could graduate with a major in marketing first, tinacheo, and then go back at night to take some art classes? You might not get the official "degree" but I think you would still be able to include the courses under relevant coursework on your resume. Also, if you are not too worried about the actual degree, perhaps courses at an "art institute" or other similar art school would be more affordable?</p>
<p>Sorry, I don't have any real information about the employers' view on majors and minors...just ideas ;)</p>
<p>A minor will make you seem more "well-rounded", and can be a difference maker in getting a job. All things being equal, an employer may view an applicant with a minor in a different subject as being able to bring more to the team/job than one with just the major. I've been told that a minor is a good thing, as is a double major.</p>
<p>In the OP's case, I think a minor in visual arts would be a good thing. If I were a hiring manager and had to pick between a student with a BS in Marketing and a student who took the initiative to do a minor in Visual Arts along with the Marketing major, I woul definately look more favorably on the student with the "extra" learning experiences that may help bring creativity and flare to the table. Just my thoughts and reasoning.</p>
<p>Well, as a hiring manager for business degree students, I don't see the value of a minor in preparing for the jobs I have. That said, the example above of the marketing major and the visual arts minor is an exception. They compliment each other yet are different enough that there is not an overlap. In an interview where a student has majored in a business field and had a very different minor, it provides an idea of what that person is like, perhaps an idea of their passion. It gives us another subject matter to discuss which can make the interview flow better. I don't agree that it indicates a 'lack of focus' at least for employment purposes. Perhaps for grad school although I don't see why, you still need to complete the same number and type of classes to get the major.</p>