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How do I select a major that will benefit me in the long run?

I lot of people that I know who graduated college have degrees in fields that have absolutely no correlation to their jobs. I don't want to make that same mistake. I plan on double majoring in Math and Creative Writing. #math #majors #degrees #creative-writing

math majors creative-writing degrees
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Laura’s Answer

Hi, there! A double major in math and writing suggests that you are a well-rounded and talented person. I suggest you focus your studies on the areas that interest you most. A lot of times, employers look at a college degree more as a reference point that you are able to complete the process and graduate, and the topic of study is less important. (That's one reason you see so many people in jobs that don't seem to match their degrees.) If you have specific career goals in mind, types of work you want to do, you could get suggestions on fields of study that correlate. Having a math or English degree would be attractive to a variety of employers for a wide variety of jobs. (Human resources and marketing come to mind--but there are so many.) I think if you have a balance of what you are passionate about, and what is practical, you'll be fine. If I were you, I wouldn't try too hard to fit your path of study into a mold for the future, but follow your interests and talents and see where they take you. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon To further comment math and English together are really a great combo for technical writing profession ! A career with good pay. Any way the world will always need folks that have an understanding of the technical side along with good writing skills. If you can take a few science courses along the way too to get some STEM basics you be even better positioned. David Stein
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Emily’s Answer

I agree with both of these, and especially David Stein's comment. It may help to think about the skills that you pick up in a major - data analysis, writing, communication, planning, critical thinking, etc. - instead of mapping it directly to a career path, unless you really are 100% certain of what you want to do. Think of what interests you as a job or a field, and think about how what you enjoy doing, and whether they can connect.

I started out majoring in geology, then decided to go with my first interest, English language and literature, although I knew I didn't want to be a teacher. I just loved to write and analyze words.

When I entered the work force, jobs were really hard to find, and I took a data entry position in financial services. My manager gave me a bunch of procedures to follow - but the procedures were outdated, hard to follow, and poorly written. I started volunteering to update and redesign these, other groups started asking for my help, and it went on from there. (I was lucky to have a very supportive manager.) And most of my career has been in writing of some kind - I still write almost every day, and love it.

I probably could've gotten a technical writing job in the geology field, too, because I had a lot of background in it and could understand all the terms and concepts. That's what I mean by using a skill/what you love doing, and then finding out how to use it in a specific field.

I hope this adds some additional color to the suggestions above!
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David’s Answer

Plenty of people's work is unrelated to the original degree! Just keep in mind that in order to get paid for a job, the money to pay you has to come from somewhere, whether it's a company that sells something, a government that collects taxes, etc.

A math degree has many applications, including for actuaries, which I am one! Math is everywhere--in business, science, computers, and on and on...

Channeling my parents a bit--if you love creative writing that's great, but a double major with math makes a great "backup plan"!
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