<p>I'm an NYU freshman trying to tranfer to Cornell. If I stay at NYU, I will probably major in International Relations with a minor in Econ...if I go to Cornell, probably major in Econ or Govt or both, with a minor in IR, or maybe major in Govt with a double minor in IR and Econ.</p>
<p>The thing is, a B.A in pol sci/govt is not that useful unless you're going on to law school, which I'm not. Now, I know your major doesn't determine your career, but I really don't want a bunch of responses saying, "in the end, your determination and perseverence will save you!" I'm not after making huge gobs of money, but I do want a decent paying job one, and I'm not interested in working for an NGO or non profit or lobbyist group.</p>
<p>I've heard (mostly from premeds, engineering students, people interested in technical vocations) that a B.A in the liberal arts is "worthless". Now, that's a huge exaggeration, but I've looked into it more and career options for a B.A in pol sci/govt seem so limited. What kinds of jobs can someone with a B.A in econ, govt, (minoring in IR btw) do that's not related to law? I mean I know some basic careers, but I just want to hear from other people (preferably people interested in similar things) what it could lead to. If you're pursuing govt/econ/IR, what career path are you planning on pursuing?</p>
<p>And yes, I know that in the end, diligence and interpersonal skills matter a lot in any profession.</p>
<p>You're right -- diligence and your own personality matter the most in any job. </p>
<p>But as an employer who has worked both in the government and the private sector, I don't really care at all what a student majored in... provided that the have some background in statistics and data analysis to show that you have an analytical bent. You could have majored in art history for all I care -- just show you know how to think critically about a problem.</p>
<p>So obviously you can't go into something like accounting or computer programming, but you could go down a lot of different paths -- in the business world I can think of sales, marketing, strategy, consulting, risk management, human resources, or product development. In the not for profit world I can think of development, program management, recruitment, or relationship building.</p>
<p>I feel like B.A in pol sci = generic liberal arts degree = not worth much. I don't know if I'll get my masters or not.</p>
<p>marketing/strategy interests me most out of what you listed...also interested in public policy management. thanks btw...you always have the best advice on this board :)</p>
<p>try working on a resume...in addition to your liberal arts education you need skills you cant necessarily learn in the classroom...</p>
<p>try gearing your ECs and summer activities to what you're interested in..</p>
<p>omg resurgambell....you're right. I should totally major in govt with a double minor in econ and IR, and then get my masters in public policy administration...good thinking!!!! yesss crisis temporarily over, I won't freak out about my major for another 3 months or so now.</p>