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Ava
Student
Iowa City, Iowa
2
Questions
Updated
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Are minors looked at by jobs or are they not important?
I'm thinking about taking on some minors to further my education, but I've heard that minors don't matter to employers. Is this true? Are minors just as important as majors? For more context, I am currently a Theatre Arts major and English and Creative Writing: Publishing major. I want to get rid of my English and Creative Writing: Publishing major because it is not what I am passionate about. I am passionate about theatre, and I want to pursue a career in the business side of theatre. The dream would be to be an Artisitic Director of a theatre. I was thinking of adding minors in Marketing and Graphic Design, and possibly others, because adding a Business major would add too many semester hours and credits onto my workload. Would employers look at and take into account my minors, or would they solely look at my major(s)? Are minors considered an important aspect of my education to employers?
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14 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Ava !
Although no one can guess what any employer thinks about minors from college, I would be happy to provide some advice for you.
I agree that you should drop your English and Creative Writing Minor and focus more on your Theatre Major. You actually do not need a Minor from college and you are free to take single classes in any subjects as electives. With a major of theatre and aiming to be an Artistic Director (for Theatre) you will need to know theatre inside and out. You may get practicums that will take up a lot of your time doing tech or management on plays. Focus on stage management and promotions and management theatre classes within the theatre department.
You will need to heavily network with industry professionals, attend events, and join professional organizations. You may not want to declare a formal minor, but if you end up taking courses from a specific subject and they add up to the amount of credits required for a minor at your college, you can put your minor on your resume. Find out how many credits you need for a Minor at your college.
My Major in college was Theatre and without even realizing it, I had a minor in Social Science. I worked in acting and nonacting in theatre jobs but at one point, I transitioned to work in the Social Services field. I didn't put my minor on my acting resume, but on my non-acting resume I worded it as Bachelors Degree in Theatre with a Minor in Social Science. In my case, going into social service work for some time, the employers liked that I at least had a minor in it. A minor may help if it's very similar to or connected with your Major. But with a Major such as Theatre, with all the outside time it requires, I wouldn't deliberately aim for a minor. Remember, you may be able to take some classes in a summer semester to free up your schedule during Fall and Spring. Take as many theatre administration courses offered by your department and then maybe some sort of Management course, but you don't really need a minor for administrative work in theatre. It's the experience and hands on work you do that will teach you the ropes of becoming an Artistic Director.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! The Theatre is waiting for you !
Although no one can guess what any employer thinks about minors from college, I would be happy to provide some advice for you.
I agree that you should drop your English and Creative Writing Minor and focus more on your Theatre Major. You actually do not need a Minor from college and you are free to take single classes in any subjects as electives. With a major of theatre and aiming to be an Artistic Director (for Theatre) you will need to know theatre inside and out. You may get practicums that will take up a lot of your time doing tech or management on plays. Focus on stage management and promotions and management theatre classes within the theatre department.
You will need to heavily network with industry professionals, attend events, and join professional organizations. You may not want to declare a formal minor, but if you end up taking courses from a specific subject and they add up to the amount of credits required for a minor at your college, you can put your minor on your resume. Find out how many credits you need for a Minor at your college.
My Major in college was Theatre and without even realizing it, I had a minor in Social Science. I worked in acting and nonacting in theatre jobs but at one point, I transitioned to work in the Social Services field. I didn't put my minor on my acting resume, but on my non-acting resume I worded it as Bachelors Degree in Theatre with a Minor in Social Science. In my case, going into social service work for some time, the employers liked that I at least had a minor in it. A minor may help if it's very similar to or connected with your Major. But with a Major such as Theatre, with all the outside time it requires, I wouldn't deliberately aim for a minor. Remember, you may be able to take some classes in a summer semester to free up your schedule during Fall and Spring. Take as many theatre administration courses offered by your department and then maybe some sort of Management course, but you don't really need a minor for administrative work in theatre. It's the experience and hands on work you do that will teach you the ropes of becoming an Artistic Director.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! The Theatre is waiting for you !
Steve Gandola
Marketing
8
Answers
Rocklin
Updated
Steve’s Answer
A minor is not likely as important on a resume as your major, but it can serve two purposes. First, It can help an employer see a more rounded skillset. I'm a marketing manager. If I'm recruiting for my team and see that someone majored in marketing, that's great. From that I can assume that they have an understanding of the discipline, that they probably have some creative flare in their personality. But if I also see that they have a minor in statistics, now I know they can handle the rigorous data analysis that marketing requires, and that is often a weakness in marketing majors. So your theater major will signal that you get the theater, have artistic ability, and have passion for the field. Now ask yourself what do many theater majors lack, especially that would be important on the "business side" of theater that you indicated is your interest. Perhaps it's project management, or managing finances, or hiring skills. With a minor that implies you have some skills in those needed, but sometimes missing skills, you are presenting an employer a more rounded skillset. The second value of a minor is to actually gain skills that may not be taught sufficiently in your theater major. Remember you are in college to get educated. So having a minor in an area that you expect to need during your career can give you exposure, skills, and confidence in those area, regardless of whether it is meaningful to an employer.
It's great that you're thinking and planning ahead like this. Smart.
It's great that you're thinking and planning ahead like this. Smart.
Theophilus Mensah
Discovery Intern @Deloitte |2x Founder | TMCF Scholar | Business + CIS @ GSU | Harvard ALP 25’
71
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Theophilus’s Answer
Hi
I get where you’re coming from. Let me share my story. For example, I’m currently exploring marketing through my personal research on AI and Marketing, which allows me to understand trends, strategy, and innovation even though marketing isn’t my major. I also have a role in my school Accounting and NABA club but I have taken on extra role where I manage the LinkedIn page, design flyers, and post content, combining my love for storytelling and social media engagement. These experiences are giving me practical marketing skills without adding a full major.
Here’s the thing: employers definitely look at your major, but it’s not the only thing that matters. Your experiences, skills, and demonstrated interest often speak louder than the major on your transcript.
If you feel like you can’t balance multiple majors, it’s completely okay to stick with the one you’re truly passionate about—Theatre Arts—and focus on building experiences that align with your career goals. For example, since you want to go into the business side of theatre:
1. Take online courses or certifications in marketing, graphic design, or arts management (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or company-specific programs). This will help you to learn at your own pace without affecting your GPA or academics.
2. Join a school club or theatre group and offer to design posters, social media graphics, or marketing materials using Canva or similar tools.
3. Volunteer as a marketing or business intern in your college of business or theatre department to gain real-world experience.
The key is building a portfolio of relevant experience. Employers care about what you can do and the skills you bring, not just the titles of your majors or minors. I know someone who majored in English but landed a software engineering internship at Microsoft because they had the experience and skills to back it up.
So yes, minors can help, but they’re secondary to actual experience and demonstrated capability. Focus on experiences that make you marketable in the theatre business world. That will have a much bigger impact than piling on extra coursework.
I get where you’re coming from. Let me share my story. For example, I’m currently exploring marketing through my personal research on AI and Marketing, which allows me to understand trends, strategy, and innovation even though marketing isn’t my major. I also have a role in my school Accounting and NABA club but I have taken on extra role where I manage the LinkedIn page, design flyers, and post content, combining my love for storytelling and social media engagement. These experiences are giving me practical marketing skills without adding a full major.
Here’s the thing: employers definitely look at your major, but it’s not the only thing that matters. Your experiences, skills, and demonstrated interest often speak louder than the major on your transcript.
If you feel like you can’t balance multiple majors, it’s completely okay to stick with the one you’re truly passionate about—Theatre Arts—and focus on building experiences that align with your career goals. For example, since you want to go into the business side of theatre:
1. Take online courses or certifications in marketing, graphic design, or arts management (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or company-specific programs). This will help you to learn at your own pace without affecting your GPA or academics.
2. Join a school club or theatre group and offer to design posters, social media graphics, or marketing materials using Canva or similar tools.
3. Volunteer as a marketing or business intern in your college of business or theatre department to gain real-world experience.
The key is building a portfolio of relevant experience. Employers care about what you can do and the skills you bring, not just the titles of your majors or minors. I know someone who majored in English but landed a software engineering internship at Microsoft because they had the experience and skills to back it up.
So yes, minors can help, but they’re secondary to actual experience and demonstrated capability. Focus on experiences that make you marketable in the theatre business world. That will have a much bigger impact than piling on extra coursework.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Minors can definitely be valuable, but how much they matter depends on the job and the employer. In general, your major carries the most weight because it represents your main area of study and expertise. However, minors can still play an important supporting role, especially when they add useful skills or show that you have a broader range of knowledge.
In your case, since you are majoring in Theatre Arts and are passionate about the business side of theatre, adding minors in Marketing and Graphic Design could be a smart choice. These areas are highly relevant to running or managing a theatre company. Marketing skills will help you understand how to promote shows, attract audiences, and manage public relations, while graphic design could be useful for creating promotional materials and maintaining a strong visual brand.
Employers in the arts often value experience, creativity, and initiative as much as formal education. Your Theatre Arts major already provides the foundation for understanding the artistic and operational aspects of theatre. Pairing that with minors that build business and marketing skills could make you stand out as someone who understands both the creative and administrative sides of the industry.
In your case, since you are majoring in Theatre Arts and are passionate about the business side of theatre, adding minors in Marketing and Graphic Design could be a smart choice. These areas are highly relevant to running or managing a theatre company. Marketing skills will help you understand how to promote shows, attract audiences, and manage public relations, while graphic design could be useful for creating promotional materials and maintaining a strong visual brand.
Employers in the arts often value experience, creativity, and initiative as much as formal education. Your Theatre Arts major already provides the foundation for understanding the artistic and operational aspects of theatre. Pairing that with minors that build business and marketing skills could make you stand out as someone who understands both the creative and administrative sides of the industry.
Uday Kiran Srinivas
Business Analysis
2
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Uday Kiran’s Answer
The specific subject you choose as a minor is less important than the reason behind your choice. People pick minors for various reasons, but it's usually best to choose something you are passionate about and that complements your major. For example, if you want to become an Artistic Director and are majoring in Theater Arts, you might minor in Psychology to better understand how people think and perceive, which supports your main area of study.
Lindsey R Miller
Senior Product Marketing Manager (Tech)
3
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Lindsey R’s Answer
I’ve never once been asked by an employer what I minored in. Honestly, most of my employers barely cared what I majored in. They were interested in the work I’d done, how I handled challenges, what I could contribute, and whether I was a good fit for the team they were building.
That’s just been my experience—so take it for what it’s worth. But in my career, a minor has never come up once. In college, I took the classes that interested me, when they interested me. They all added up to the same thing: learning something new, gaining perspective, and becoming better at whatever job came next.
Whatever class you take, invest in it fully—or don’t take it. Learn new things, make connections, build your network. That’s what lasts.
That’s just been my experience—so take it for what it’s worth. But in my career, a minor has never come up once. In college, I took the classes that interested me, when they interested me. They all added up to the same thing: learning something new, gaining perspective, and becoming better at whatever job came next.
Whatever class you take, invest in it fully—or don’t take it. Learn new things, make connections, build your network. That’s what lasts.
Marcin Skok
Product Marketing
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marcin’s Answer
Absolutely! Based on my school's available minors, I complimented my Marketing major with an opposing field of focus - finance. This let me talk more holistically when applying for and working at my first role at a startup. While I was hired for a Marketing role, I could also support the CFO with operations and financial decisions, and they had the confidence that I could help with that!
Marty Meyer
General Manager
62
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
Everything that you learn is a consideration in the work place....whether or not it's applicable to the position you're applying for. I've read hundreds of resumes, and hired hundreds of people, some who have no experience but show an interest in furthering themselves by expanding their general knowledge through education. It's a positive for hiring managers and will serve you well.
Steve Sterner
IT Management
55
Answers
Easton, Pennsylvania
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Good question Ava!
One thing to keep in mind when you look at advice from people is not all people (including hiring managers look at everything the same way). I can't speak for all hiring managers but when I have looked at resumes and I see a Minor (and I do not always worry about what the major or minor is! as long as it isn't advanced basket weaving) is that not only have you gone through 4 years of college and all that has gone with it (dealing with deadlines, requirements, varied people giving direction, project partners, etc.) but now with a minor you are able to navigate competing priorities and deadlines, varied viewpoints and potentially conflicting perspectives. One of my best hires was someone who had a Music major and a Computer Science minor. Even though it was a technical job she was was able to not only complete her CompSci minor with a very good GPA but she did that while dealing with Music professors and curriculum which since I had a son who was a music major can be ridiculously demanding and many of the professors he had in music have a diametrically opposed than those she ran into in the Comp Sci department.
Since she could deal with Music professors who believed she should be in the rehearsal room 25 hours a day while dealing with profs that though primarily in binary I knew I could send her to talk to anyone in the company and since she had 6 instruments and 3 computer languages under her belt I could teach her anything on the technical side I need to know.
Not all hiring managers think the same some may not give a second look but some might and what you can do to differentiate yourself can't hurt.
As a father of 3 college graduates though I would caution you to select a major and a minor that you feel you want to explore as the college journey and the things you learn outside of the curriculum is as important in not more so that what you will learn from the text books. Technology, Science, Theories they change over time but how to work and play with others, how to navigate challenges, self exploration these things are timeless!
Good Luck in yu future endeavors!
One thing to keep in mind when you look at advice from people is not all people (including hiring managers look at everything the same way). I can't speak for all hiring managers but when I have looked at resumes and I see a Minor (and I do not always worry about what the major or minor is! as long as it isn't advanced basket weaving) is that not only have you gone through 4 years of college and all that has gone with it (dealing with deadlines, requirements, varied people giving direction, project partners, etc.) but now with a minor you are able to navigate competing priorities and deadlines, varied viewpoints and potentially conflicting perspectives. One of my best hires was someone who had a Music major and a Computer Science minor. Even though it was a technical job she was was able to not only complete her CompSci minor with a very good GPA but she did that while dealing with Music professors and curriculum which since I had a son who was a music major can be ridiculously demanding and many of the professors he had in music have a diametrically opposed than those she ran into in the Comp Sci department.
Since she could deal with Music professors who believed she should be in the rehearsal room 25 hours a day while dealing with profs that though primarily in binary I knew I could send her to talk to anyone in the company and since she had 6 instruments and 3 computer languages under her belt I could teach her anything on the technical side I need to know.
Not all hiring managers think the same some may not give a second look but some might and what you can do to differentiate yourself can't hurt.
As a father of 3 college graduates though I would caution you to select a major and a minor that you feel you want to explore as the college journey and the things you learn outside of the curriculum is as important in not more so that what you will learn from the text books. Technology, Science, Theories they change over time but how to work and play with others, how to navigate challenges, self exploration these things are timeless!
Good Luck in yu future endeavors!
Chauncey Larsen
Product Marketing
2
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Chauncey’s Answer
Sure! Here's a shorter, casual paragraph version of your message:
Hey there! I think your minor is a smart move—it really helps expand your skills and opens up more career options. I started out majoring in Piano Performance and added a Marketing minor in my junior year, which eventually turned into a Music Business degree. Now I work at Microsoft as a technical storyteller. While I still love music, it was the marketing side that helped launch my career. I actually know several folks with similar paths—arts majors who added something like marketing or tech and ended up in the tech world. If you can fit in a few extra classes, they’ll definitely give you a broader skillset that can apply to any career. When I look at resumes, I care more about the experiences and how someone applies what they’ve learned than just the degree itself. Hope that helps—and thanks for keeping the arts alive!
Hey there! I think your minor is a smart move—it really helps expand your skills and opens up more career options. I started out majoring in Piano Performance and added a Marketing minor in my junior year, which eventually turned into a Music Business degree. Now I work at Microsoft as a technical storyteller. While I still love music, it was the marketing side that helped launch my career. I actually know several folks with similar paths—arts majors who added something like marketing or tech and ended up in the tech world. If you can fit in a few extra classes, they’ll definitely give you a broader skillset that can apply to any career. When I look at resumes, I care more about the experiences and how someone applies what they’ve learned than just the degree itself. Hope that helps—and thanks for keeping the arts alive!
James Gillen, CFRE
Chief Development Officer
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi Ava,
That’s a great question, and it’s smart that you’re thinking about how your academic choices connect to your long-term career goals.
The truth is, employers usually look first at your major to understand your main field of study, but minors absolutely can matter—especially when they complement what you want to do. Think of minors as a way to add depth or versatility to your education rather than something that replaces a major.
For example, if your goal is to work on the business side of theatre or eventually become an Artistic Director, then minors in Marketing and Graphic Design would make a lot of sense. They show that you not only understand the creative and performance side of theatre but also know how to promote, brand, and visually communicate—all skills that are essential when leading or managing a theatre organization.
Employers may not hire someone because of a minor, but they do notice when a student has chosen a combination of studies that aligns with their goals. It helps tell a story about your direction and what makes you unique. And when you pair those minors with relevant experience—like marketing for a campus theatre production, interning with a performing arts organization, or helping design promotional materials—you’ll make those studies even more meaningful.
So while minors aren’t as critical as majors, they definitely add value when they’re intentional and connected to your career path. In your case, your plan sounds thoughtful and strategic.
Best of luck
Jim
That’s a great question, and it’s smart that you’re thinking about how your academic choices connect to your long-term career goals.
The truth is, employers usually look first at your major to understand your main field of study, but minors absolutely can matter—especially when they complement what you want to do. Think of minors as a way to add depth or versatility to your education rather than something that replaces a major.
For example, if your goal is to work on the business side of theatre or eventually become an Artistic Director, then minors in Marketing and Graphic Design would make a lot of sense. They show that you not only understand the creative and performance side of theatre but also know how to promote, brand, and visually communicate—all skills that are essential when leading or managing a theatre organization.
Employers may not hire someone because of a minor, but they do notice when a student has chosen a combination of studies that aligns with their goals. It helps tell a story about your direction and what makes you unique. And when you pair those minors with relevant experience—like marketing for a campus theatre production, interning with a performing arts organization, or helping design promotional materials—you’ll make those studies even more meaningful.
So while minors aren’t as critical as majors, they definitely add value when they’re intentional and connected to your career path. In your case, your plan sounds thoughtful and strategic.
Best of luck
Jim
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I think a minor can be beneficial, especially if it goes directly towards your chosen field of study. I don’t know if it would be worth doing additional schooling for, but if you can obtain it during the course of obtaining your degree, it sure won’t hurt.
Wendy (Uyen) Joe
Account Manager
6
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Wendy (Uyen)’s Answer
The major is more important than the minor, but if you'd like to explore your minor in the future, it's a good foundation for your career. However, I do agree with the answers given that it's best to network with people in your industry, whether it be at industry events, peer to peer casual meetings, speaker sessions, etc. In addition, gaining any type of work experience in the Theatre industry is also key to finding opportunities. Be open minded to volunteering or part time in any role you feel comfortable exploring because you'll never know who you'll meet that may lead you to a great job opportunity.
Wishing you all the best Ava!
Wishing you all the best Ava!
Zoie Brown-Galbraith
Senior Marketing Operations Manager
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Zoie’s Answer
Hi Ava,
When you're starting your career, having a minor can be very helpful. For example, I majored in International Business and minored in Supply Chain Management. This minor gave me an advantage when applying for internships, and I got a summer internship as a supply chain analyst at Boeing in Seattle. If your major is more general, I recommend choosing a minor to focus on.
When you're starting your career, having a minor can be very helpful. For example, I majored in International Business and minored in Supply Chain Management. This minor gave me an advantage when applying for internships, and I got a summer internship as a supply chain analyst at Boeing in Seattle. If your major is more general, I recommend choosing a minor to focus on.