Madison
Double major dilemma
As of right now, I am currently an English major finishing up my first semester in college. I really love my major(it was changed from marine science) and I'm so excited to continue on with it and see where it takes me. That being said, I am a little worried about being able to pay off my student loans due to the risk of a very low salary.
Because of that, I have been debating a second major in mathematics and then also minor in actuarial science.
I truly love math and think I am quite good at it. For that reason, I think I will be able to handle how different these majors are.
I suppose my dilemma is knowing if this is a poor decision. To an extent, these majors will compliment each other due to the need to write proposals. However, I am curious as to whether this will hurt or help me get a job? Can I get a job focusing solely on either of the two majors? For example, can I get a job as an editor using the English side of my degree or will I be in a worse position due to the mathematics side being more prominent?
I really have a passion for both of these majors, I am just so afraid of making the wrong decision.This will be a lot of work and I want it to pay off and give me a wide variety of careers to pick from. #college #career #college-major #career-counseling #english #double-major #actuarial-science #actuarial
4 answers
Joshua May
Joshua’s Answer
I think this is a great question, and a great idea.
I personally work as an actuarial analyst at the moment, and a big thing we look for is someone who is both great at math, and great at explaining their findings to people are either also great at math, or who don't understand it as well. It all depends on how you frame your answer during a job interview. For an actuarial interview, I would focus on your mathematical knowledge, then transition to how your English background would allow you to communicate your findings to a wider audience. This is very desired in our profession.
Of course you are still very early in your college and professional career, so don't fear any changes you decide on later. However, you never have to worry about anyone in the mathematical (and especially actuarial) field looking at your English side of your double major in a negative light. The ability to communicate your findings is valued highly in the industry.
Mark Wagner
Mark’s Answer
Hi Madison,
Yes, both majors could help you at different times and opportunities. Since you enjoy English, then editing could be fun. Regarding math, you might study geometry to design cars or airplanes. You could even work on computer plans with algorithm. Best luck, Mark Wagner
Gabriel Figliuzzi
Gabriel’s Answer
Hi Madison,
Great questions! I can see you've definitely put a lot of thought into this. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, liberal arts degrees have unfairly gotten a bad rap over the years.
Thankfully, though, things are beginning to change. For example, an article in Forbes last year said that liberal arts degree had become the tech industry's "hottest ticket": http://www.forbes.com/sites/georgeanders/2015/07/29/liberal-arts-degree-tech/380a0bd45a75.
CIO Magazine echoed that sentiment this year saying liberal arts degrees are "valuable in tech":
http://www.cio.com/article/3110007/it-skills-training/why-liberal-arts-degrees-are-valuable-in-tech.html
I emphasize this because I know what it's like to struggle with whether or not I selected the best major for me. Many of my friends and colleagues went through exactly that same experience. Many of us, now in our 30's, STILL question whether we made the right decision. For years one of my friends said his history degree was a waste until he began substitute teaching, caught the teaching bug, and is now in his first year of teaching middle school history (and working on a master's degree). A colleague majored in philosophy but now works as an operations analyst (a very technical job). My point is that I don't want you to be too hard on yourself when deciding on a major. You'll be able to define a laundry list of pros/cons no matter which choice you settle on.
One thing I'd like to propose is for you to engage in a bit of reverse thinking. Instead of thinking, "Will X major(s) help me to land X job?" think "What does X job require in terms of degree, experience, etc.?". I tell you this because obtaining a job is rarely ever about a singular element such as a degree (although I concede there are exceptions to the rule). A good employer will view candidates holistically - meaning they will look at a variety of factors include your degree (possibly your GPA as well), volunteer/work/internship experiences, involvement in extracurricular activities, membership in professional organizations, etc.
Personally, I don't think it is necessary for you to double major. It will potentially extend your time to graduation and will certainly result in more tuition dollars. Couple that with an increased workload and you risk facing severe burnout. A major in one field and a minor in the other field is arguably just as beneficial.
Lastly, since you seem to have a keen interest in technical fields, you may wish to consider joining a group such as the Society for Technical Communication: https://www.stc.org (be sure to check out their definition of technical communication as well, I have a feeling it will appeal to you: https://www.stc.org/about-stc/defining-technical-communication).
I hope this helps, but if you have more questions please post them. I wish you luck!
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Madison!
Pursue your dreams and investigate what others have done with a degree in English. The best thing that you can do is to talk the head of alumni relations at your school to arrange to meet and talk to graduates of your school who majored in English to see what advice they have, what they are doing, how they got there, and how you feel about it. There are many successful people majored in English.
Here is a site that will educate you as to what areas people have gotten into with a major in English. If you find anything that looks interesting, talk to the head of alumni relations at your school to arrange to meet and talk to people who graduated from your school who are doing that.
https://english.stanford.edu/information-for/undergraduates/careers-after-english-major
Best of luck! Please keep me informed. I would like to follow your progress.