How do I know that the major I am in is the best for me?
I am currently a theatre major, but I have my associates in Criminal Justice. Everyone says that the arts are not the best programs to go into since they do not "contribute anything to you in the long run."
How do I know that getting this degree will not burn me in the end?
#collegemajor #theatre #lifechoices #undergraduate
4 answers
Jasanpreet Kaur Bhatia
Jasanpreet Kaur’s Answer
Best way to find out what is good for you is, through research about the industries or try to get an internship in those areas in order to evaluate which field is good for you.
To give you a better insight about the industry which you have currently taken. Please check the link below:
https://finearts.utexas.edu/sites/files/cofa/theatre_career_guide_july_2015.pdf.
This will give you a clear insight about:
"what are the type of opportunities available in this field?". Also, "how can you groom in this field?"
Just to add on, following are the skills that are necessary to be successful in this area:
- Flexibility
- Patience
- Creativity
- Talent
- Determination
- Good sense of humor
- Thick-skinned, able to deal with rejection
- Resourcefulness
- Ability to network and make new connections
So start practicing on the above skills.
"It is not necessary that you have to follow the flow of the ocean. Have the courage to walk in a different direction if you have full faith and knowledge about it."
Brittany’s Answer
Carolyn’s Answer
Hi Chelsea,
Great question, ultimately what I have found is your experiences are often what drive your ability to get a job. I have seen that majoring in the arts can lead to very successful careers especially when combined with a minor with more technical skills such as business or econ. I would recommend deciding what you hope to do after school and reach out to mentors to ask them what they would recommend to reach that goal. Often their responses will be internships or other experiences not directly tied to your major.
I hope this helps!
Carolyn
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
I know how this feels because I transitioned my third year from a degree in music to one in homeland security. People who have not made a change to majors or career paths do ask questions.
Find where the fields align and where you can apply lessons to the workforce. When I was a musician, I had to use my hands, ears, and eyes at the same time- in security this increased my level of awareness for sounds and the environment. Similarly for you, if you can recite a policy and memorize areas of criminal justice, you probably excel at the level of memorization that it takes in the theater field. No matter what field one works in, being able to internalize company missions, values, and policies will help you. Similarly, theater requires being onsite, which in the post-COVID 19 era is a plus for employers who need people that won't campaign for remote work all of the time. You have proven you can show up, bring your part to others, and follow through. Again, it doesn't have to be theater, but the skills apply. Another skill you promote yourself with is speaking. Chances are you are amazing at public speaking and won't have anxiety during work presentations. This seems like an asset to me! Never regret your decision in college majors, because one can apply lessons in so many places.