I have a /major/ problem!

<p>I have no idea what I want to do with my life, however, I am interested in charities and non-profit organizations that benefit communities or justify human rights, counselling, urban planning, human resources, and French. So I narrowed it down to these: sociology, urban studies and planning, management, and french. Sociology is there for the skills I would need in social work or counselling, as well as if I were involved in a nonprofit. Urban planning is kind of self-explanatory. Management is there so I can be efficient in managing groups of people and well for human resources related jobs--also it kind of seems to be a generally dependable major. I simply love the French language and I will be going to college (and potentially staying for a chunk of my life) in the New Orleans area, so it is rather practical (although not as practical as Spanish, I guess). In order of how much I would like to do each of these it is Sociology, Management, Urban Planning, then French.</p>

<p>Well, there's that. I just have no idea what to do with these should I double major, double minor. Double major, minor, and do a concentration in french. I just want to do what would be most advantageous for myself when it comes time to find a job.</p>

<p>Saying you are interested in charities or nonprofits is very vague. Is there something which specifically interests you?</p>

<p>To work for a non-profit or charity in a very general sense, your undergraduate degree does not matter one bit. I would suggest, however, to major in economics with some accounting/business/finance classes, which you can also pair with French classes or a French major. That would be a good path of study to work for some non-profits, in addition to providing a proper backup plan provided you have good internships/work experience.</p>

<p>Sociology isn’t as directly related to Social work as you might think. SW involves so many aspects- law, health, education, housing, criminal justice, economics, anthropology and psychology and I’m sure there’s lots of other things. Again, SW is a career where major doesn’t matter. It’s your work/life experience and temperament that matter more.</p>

<p>A language lets you appreciate a different culture and way of thinking about life regardless of what it is. Although the Cajun culture isn’t what it was, French will let you understand certain areas much better. And you’re really interested in it which will lead to working harder and better grades. Win win.</p>

<p>No major guarantees a job. And most jobs don’t need a specific major- indeed plenty of great jobs don’t need a degree at all so you might as well enjoy your time at college. If anything, with so many people being pragmatic and going for business and science related majors, it isn’t necessarily the advantage it used to be.</p>

<p>Work experience and contacts will help as much as your degree in getting employment in a field you’re interested in. Try this: What would you do with your time/money if you had say $50,000,000? Which charities would you support or set up? What sort of jobs would you be happy to take if money wasn’t an issue? Then get volunteering or interning. </p>

<p>I’d recommend perhaps taking a French major with a second major or a minor in something that will increase your social awareness. IMHO.</p>