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How do you choose a college minor?
I know that I'm interested in something STEM, probably mathematics, but I'm not sure what career I'd go into after. I have no interest in teaching, so definitely don't want to become a professor or teacher. So I'm wondering what minor would work well with mathematics to have more opportunities after college.
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Robert’s Answer
Choosing a minor to complement a major in mathematics can be an exciting way to tailor your education to your interests and open up more career opportunities. Since you're interested in STEM but not in teaching, here are some ideas:
1. Computer Science: Pairing mathematics with computer science can lead to careers in software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more.
2. Engineering: If you're interested in applying mathematical principles to real-world problems, an engineering minor could be a great fit. This could lead to roles in various engineering fields, from civil to electrical.
3. Economics or Finance: A minor in economics or finance combined with mathematics could lead to opportunities in banking, investment, or financial analysis. These fields value strong quantitative skills.
4. Statistics: If you love working with numbers and data, a statistics minor could enhance your mathematical studies and lead to roles in research, government, or healthcare analytics.
1. Computer Science: Pairing mathematics with computer science can lead to careers in software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more.
2. Engineering: If you're interested in applying mathematical principles to real-world problems, an engineering minor could be a great fit. This could lead to roles in various engineering fields, from civil to electrical.
3. Economics or Finance: A minor in economics or finance combined with mathematics could lead to opportunities in banking, investment, or financial analysis. These fields value strong quantitative skills.
4. Statistics: If you love working with numbers and data, a statistics minor could enhance your mathematical studies and lead to roles in research, government, or healthcare analytics.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
There are many things that could go well with math. Something that can possibly open opportunities include areas like:
Business Administration
Economics
Computers/Graphic Design
Finance
Education
Insurance studies
Biology
Geology
Public Administation
Business Administration
Economics
Computers/Graphic Design
Finance
Education
Insurance studies
Biology
Geology
Public Administation
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Mikayla,
To select a college minor that not only aligns with your love for mathematics but also broadens your post-college opportunities, here are some actionable steps you can take:
Discover your passions and abilities: Think about what you enjoy and excel at beyond mathematics. This might encompass areas such as computer science, physics, economics, or even arts and humanities. By merging your love for mathematics with your other interests, you can pinpoint a minor that resonates with you.
Investigate interdisciplinary domains: Search for fields where mathematics and your chosen minor can overlap. For instance, mathematics can be utilized in diverse areas like finance, data science, engineering, and computer science. By exploring these cross-disciplinary areas, you'll gain insights into how your minor can enrich your mathematics degree.
Look into career prospects: Examine the job market and potential career trajectories for those combining a mathematics degree with your selected minor. This will provide a snapshot of the demand for such skill sets and the potential career progression in those sectors.
Think about further education: If your post-college career path is uncertain, ponder on how your selected minor can aid in pursuing higher education or specialized training. A well-selected minor can pave the way to advanced degrees or certifications, thereby boosting your career opportunities.
Seek advice from academic mentors: Turn to professors, academic advisors, and career counselors at your college or university for guidance. They can offer invaluable insights into the most suitable minors to pair with your mathematics major and guide you on aligning your academic decisions with your career aspirations.
Assess workload and time commitment: Ensure your chosen minor aligns with your academic and personal goals without causing undue stress. Take into account the number of courses needed, the time commitment, and the potential effect on your overall academic performance.
Look for networking opportunities: A minor can also offer chances to connect with professionals and peers in your chosen field. This can prove advantageous for acquiring practical experience, internships, or job opportunities post-graduation.
Given your interest in STEM and mathematics, and your preference to steer clear of teaching-related careers, some potential minors to contemplate include:
Computer Science: This minor can pave the way to careers in data science, software development, or artificial intelligence.
Statistics: A minor in statistics can prove advantageous for careers in data analysis, research, or business.
Physics: A minor in physics can open up opportunities in engineering, materials science, or computational physics.
Economics: This minor can prove beneficial for careers in finance, actuarial science, or business.
Data Science: A minor in data science can equip you with skills in data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling, which are highly sought after in various sectors.
Remember to balance the advantages and disadvantages of each minor option and select the one that best aligns with your interests, abilities, and career aspirations.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
To select a college minor that not only aligns with your love for mathematics but also broadens your post-college opportunities, here are some actionable steps you can take:
Discover your passions and abilities: Think about what you enjoy and excel at beyond mathematics. This might encompass areas such as computer science, physics, economics, or even arts and humanities. By merging your love for mathematics with your other interests, you can pinpoint a minor that resonates with you.
Investigate interdisciplinary domains: Search for fields where mathematics and your chosen minor can overlap. For instance, mathematics can be utilized in diverse areas like finance, data science, engineering, and computer science. By exploring these cross-disciplinary areas, you'll gain insights into how your minor can enrich your mathematics degree.
Look into career prospects: Examine the job market and potential career trajectories for those combining a mathematics degree with your selected minor. This will provide a snapshot of the demand for such skill sets and the potential career progression in those sectors.
Think about further education: If your post-college career path is uncertain, ponder on how your selected minor can aid in pursuing higher education or specialized training. A well-selected minor can pave the way to advanced degrees or certifications, thereby boosting your career opportunities.
Seek advice from academic mentors: Turn to professors, academic advisors, and career counselors at your college or university for guidance. They can offer invaluable insights into the most suitable minors to pair with your mathematics major and guide you on aligning your academic decisions with your career aspirations.
Assess workload and time commitment: Ensure your chosen minor aligns with your academic and personal goals without causing undue stress. Take into account the number of courses needed, the time commitment, and the potential effect on your overall academic performance.
Look for networking opportunities: A minor can also offer chances to connect with professionals and peers in your chosen field. This can prove advantageous for acquiring practical experience, internships, or job opportunities post-graduation.
Given your interest in STEM and mathematics, and your preference to steer clear of teaching-related careers, some potential minors to contemplate include:
Computer Science: This minor can pave the way to careers in data science, software development, or artificial intelligence.
Statistics: A minor in statistics can prove advantageous for careers in data analysis, research, or business.
Physics: A minor in physics can open up opportunities in engineering, materials science, or computational physics.
Economics: This minor can prove beneficial for careers in finance, actuarial science, or business.
Data Science: A minor in data science can equip you with skills in data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling, which are highly sought after in various sectors.
Remember to balance the advantages and disadvantages of each minor option and select the one that best aligns with your interests, abilities, and career aspirations.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mikayla !
I am happy to give you some opinion advice that I hope might be useful to you in deciding. You have a lot to select from. My first ideas are for you to consider minoring in Computer Science or Information Technology. Than I thought perhaps Business Administration or Accounting. I would suggest - and it's probably part of the courses you'd take - that Statistics is a course you might take. Marketing might also go well as a minor.
On a personal experience note, on my resume, I would always put my Bachelor degree major and also indicate my minor. I'll tell you what happened. I spent about 14 years in a career with my major. I than saw that I had to go into something more viable so I started getting jobs in my minor. I spent 27 years working in my minor field. Than I decided to leave that field and return to my major field. So you never know what can happen with a minor. It could support the job in Math or you can transition between the two if the opportunities present themselves.
I also wanted to mention something for you to consider. You mentioned that you do not want to teach in a classroom setting. Because of the amount of job openings I have seen for remote tutors lately, you should consider one on one remote tutoring for Math. It may sometimes be that you can make your own hours and would be good extra money for you. The experience of doing private one on one tutoring is greatly different than doing on site classroom group teaching. Just something to consider and it would look great on a resume.
I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best in school !
I am happy to give you some opinion advice that I hope might be useful to you in deciding. You have a lot to select from. My first ideas are for you to consider minoring in Computer Science or Information Technology. Than I thought perhaps Business Administration or Accounting. I would suggest - and it's probably part of the courses you'd take - that Statistics is a course you might take. Marketing might also go well as a minor.
On a personal experience note, on my resume, I would always put my Bachelor degree major and also indicate my minor. I'll tell you what happened. I spent about 14 years in a career with my major. I than saw that I had to go into something more viable so I started getting jobs in my minor. I spent 27 years working in my minor field. Than I decided to leave that field and return to my major field. So you never know what can happen with a minor. It could support the job in Math or you can transition between the two if the opportunities present themselves.
I also wanted to mention something for you to consider. You mentioned that you do not want to teach in a classroom setting. Because of the amount of job openings I have seen for remote tutors lately, you should consider one on one remote tutoring for Math. It may sometimes be that you can make your own hours and would be good extra money for you. The experience of doing private one on one tutoring is greatly different than doing on site classroom group teaching. Just something to consider and it would look great on a resume.
I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best in school !
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Considering my experience, I didn't attend college, but if you're into STEM and mathematics, think about what industries or roles appeal to you. A minor that complements math could open doors in fields like data analysis, technology, or even finance. Don't rush the decision – take time to explore your options and see what fits best with your interests and goals.