<p>I am a freshman English major, and I recently started writing for my university's student newspaper. I did my first interview a few weeks ago with a Business Law Professor who told me that if I don't change my major to something in the Business department and obtain an MBA, I will not be able to feed/clothe/house myself, or be able to enjoy life. I must admit, I was shaken to hear this, because I have dreamed of majoring in English for a long time. I could chalk it up to a professor who is very confident in her field, and who advertises it for the sake of what she believes is the best path. We are all entitled to our opinions; I just want to know if hers is correct. Are any of you English majors who successfully use your degrees in your career? Are any of you business majors who agree with the Professor?
For the record, I want to either work in publishing/editing, newspaper journalism, or technical writing. Thanks!</p>
<p>A lot of people are of the school of thought that a lot of gen ed majors are a waste of time. I’m actually surprised you didn’t hear similar thoughts about your major before. It’s a common stereotype. That being said, one of my friends graduated from BU and currently works for a publishing company. She earns average wage. I’ll be earning ~ 1.5-2x her salary when I graduate though, so you won’t be rich. But at least you’ll be happy, right? You should definitely check how many of your school’s English graduates get actual jobs. Being on the student paper and being highly involved in it should help. </p>
<p>Also, MBA not needed for success. And if you do get one, probably get one after working a job for a couple of years and only if it will open doorways for you (such as into management roles).</p>
<p>@Seirsly Thanks for your answer. The only times that I have ever heard those stereotypes has been on television shows and the internet, but never personally by those who know my career plans (like my high school guidance counselor), so I didn’t put too much faith in them. I did research the English major a lot before deciding on it, and ultimately I saw enough career options to choose it. I just wasn’t sure if all the careers I see are really as much of an option as they seem to be.</p>
<p>Just give it your all, and I mean all. Get internships asap (Apply to ALL and don’t get discouraged by application black holes), or other work experience if you can (RA, TA). Get leadership positions in the school newspaper, publish things, leadership position in other clubs too. Basically work hard to buff up that resume till it’s no.1 on the street! Best way to help yourself really.</p>
<p>What a rude professor!’</p>
<p>Get yourself a great portfolio, take internships, build the career you’re passionate about…</p>
<p>(parent of an English/Photo major alum who is having a great time working in her field)</p>
<p>You can check the <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys-5.html#post15975553[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys-5.html#post15975553</a> for ideas on employers and job titles of graduates of various majors (at some schools’ career surveys, such as Berkeley, Cal Poly, CMU, MIT, Virginia Tech).</p>
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<p>You probably want to take writing-intensive courses, as well as gain breadth knowledge in the areas that you want to write about (e.g. if you want to write about business, economics, and politics, some courses in those areas would help; if you want to be a technical writer, some courses in science, engineering, and CS would help). Joining a campus newspaper and/or writing your own news blog may give you some practice.</p>