<p>i have a dilemma at this point. i'm ending my 2nd year of college and well, i'm perfectly find with using summer quarters to complete my major requirements (since i've basically done all of my college requirements and general ed courses). </p>
<p>i'm worried about majoring in English. i was a history major for awhile and grew bored. i know one can advertise oneself as having excellent communication skills... but i'm terrified because 1) i don't know what my interests are 2) i do want to make money at least to live a middle-class/upper-middle class lifestyle 3) i don't want to work like 70 hours a week 4) i don't know how to advertise myself 5) most positions i've seen through job search engines involve something like finance, accounting, market positions, public relations, and human resources... so i'm assuming that the majority of jobs are within some corporate environment or conglomerate where the majority of employers are considered with business/economics/finance/accounting majors... even then, marketing/PR/sales positions are interested in comm majors of some sort... </p>
<p>bottom line: is it reasonable to choose a major where i can indulge in something 'i love' or is it wiser to use a bachelor's education to have a general practical degree while cultivating your less than practical interests outside of work? i dont want to be poor, unstable, ... i'm aware that internships are the dealbreaker often... but i keep seeing that business/econ/etc. majors are 'desired'. so, essentially i'm terrified and well, it's basically my last change to change to something like econ. </p>
<p>fwiw, i dont think i would want to pursue law school... and i'm hesitant to pursue NGOs, public-policy related positions, and moving to DC for a govt position (i know, random)! </p>
<p>thoughts?</p>
<p>Do what you love. You should enjoy college, that's what you're paying all that money for. If you love History, major in it. History majors are known for their writing skills, their attention to detail, their memories, and their analytical skills. This is why so many History majors pursue law, journalism, and politics. Still, there are plenty of History majors out there doing completely different things (teaching, research, docent work, and jobs (seemingly) unrelated to History). The same could be said about all majors really. Don't switch your major just so you will be "desired" because the most important thing is that you really "desire" to keep studying that subject. You have to go through college with an open mind about what you want to study and a firm understanding that most of us will spend several years after college surviving off microwave popcorn and ramen noodles regardless of our majors.</p>
<p>I suggest the poster above me gives living in the real world a chance. Sure, major in what you love, but don't expect any doors to be opened for you. A history degree isn't going to guarantee you a good paying, stable job as much as say an engineering degree would. </p>
<p>If you're OK with that then go ahead, major in LA, however if you want more of a guarantee that you will be marketable for top jobs then I'd suggest engineering, math, finance etc.</p>
<p>You could major in something business-related and minor in a LA subject.</p>
<p>I think there's a happy medium between colormehappy and LaxAttack. Be aware of these things when picking your major and do your best to find a major that you enjoy and will also allow you to lead the lifestyle you desire. Maybe some other type of grad school is an option for you? Or maybe you can pursue a liberal arts degree as well as something like a Human Resources Certificate?</p>
<p>I suggest going to your college's career center and sitting down and talking with someone who has helped people in your situation before. Start googling for websites that describe certain jobs and see what sounds interesting. Start getting involved in a variety of extracurriculars that might point in you in the right direction. Secure an internship or a part time job over the summer, or start volunteering. Talk to various professionals about what they do for work, go on informational interviews, etc.</p>
<p>You <em>can</em> have both the major you love and the job that's right for you, but you have to work for it. Start seriously looking around and start asking around, and see what you find.</p>
<p>What</a> Can I Do With a History Major?</p>
<p>And some famous History majors:
Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, FDR, George W. Bush, Newt Gingrich, Wolf Blitzer, Martha Stewart, Conan O'Brien, Steve Carell, Carly Fiorina (former CEO of Hewlett Packard), Lee Iococca (Automobile Executive)</p>
<p>I'm not saying you should live inside an idealistic bubble, but you shouldn't force yourself down a career path you don't really want just to make money. If you have some genuine interest in finance, economics, etc., then the situation is completely different. It just seemed to me like you were more interested in History and English than Math and Econ. You can find plenty of stable, well paying jobs with any major. Talk to some professors in the departments you are interested in and ask them what careers are available and what advice they have for you.</p>
<p>thanks for the responses everyone</p>
<p>I'm doing a double major in anthropology and poli sci.
Hell, I'm not worry about jobs at all! I'm already fluent in two languages, and one of them is a "critical language." I'm also taking french as a minor for the sake of its beauty! yay
Just study whatever you want, STAY INVOLVED in the community, actively seeking jobs, and you will do just fine! But my school is like 20 minutes from DC, so yeah. lol</p>
<p>Two of my friends just graduated with English degrees...one is working as a marketing consultant for a website company and is applying to law schools for next year, the other got a job doing some sort of advertising for Goldman Sachs. I'm thinking about an English major as well because I love to write, and asked them both about it...they said that a TON of companies are most concerned with your ability to communicate well (what's better than an English degree for that) and that you're strong in your interview.</p>
<p>i like to think studying what i like makes me happier, and my happiness when show in the interviews, and who won't like working with happy, honest, reliable people? :D</p>