MEDILL or not?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Hello! I am currently a student at Northwestern University, about to finish up freshman year. </p>

<p>I'm trying to figure out what I want to do for my major - I came in as a theatre major, but was very tentative and knew I would probably want to switch out. I knew that if I could switch out, I would want to transfer into Medill - not easy, but doable. I talked to a counselor about it to make sure it would work out, and it looks like everything should be fine.</p>

<p>In high school I worked intensively on my school paper, and eventually became Photography Director. I love writing but my primary interest is in visual journalism/communication. </p>

<p>HOWEVER, my current dilemma is this:
while I love the idea of being a journalist, I can also see myself going into a more business-related career path. Also, I love English and the study of reading and writing in general, so the thought of being an English major has popped into mind. I've considered double-majoring in Communications and English, or Journalism and Econ, and potentially doing the Business Institutions minor or the Integrated Marketing Communications certificate in addition to anything else I end up doing as my major(s). </p>

<p>Basically, I'm all over the place.
My passions are reading, writing, people, and photography.
I want a career where I can earn enough to support myself, while still doing something at least tangentially related to what I love.</p>

<p>What do you think the wisest major, combination of majors, and (potential) minor(s) would be for someone like me? Do you think a degree from Medill will allow me to branch into the other areas of interest I mentioned if I decide I don't want to be a "pure," traditional journalist?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I think most important is selecting for a major what you’d most enjoy pursuing and see as a personal strength academically.</p>

<p>It this is econ, there’s no need for a second major or a minor from the point of view of selling yourself to jobs when graduating. While English, Bus Inst and the IMC cert would be easy to tack on, I’d do so only if it felt right leaving you with lots of course options to pursue what you enjoy.</p>

<p>If you choose as a primary major anything else (Medill, Comm, English) I’d definitely add on an IMC cert, Bus Inst minor or econ minor or co-major. </p>

<p>All these options will serve you well. Again, most important - play to your strength.</p>