Not all majors are equal but determination, luck can make them work

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“What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?” is a question so pervasive in society it became the title of the opening musical number of the Broadway musical “Avenue Q.”

For many students, though, the question is a source of anxiety over their post-college life rather than fodder for a song and dance.

Many majors in the current job market require additional education, or a creative approach and a lot of luck, to be successful.

“I would have to say the ones that stand out to me are art majors, history … and philosophy,” said Jenison sophomore Ernie Bauer, an economics major.

Bauer said he thinks people who go into professions without a fertile job market have a different set of priorities than the average business or science major.

“I think the biggest reason would be they choose self-fulfilment over economic or financial gain,” Bauer said. “They go for what would make them happy rather than what would make them successful.”

Troy Hicks, an assistant professor of English language and literature, said these majors can be advantageous if graduates broaden their horizons.

“I would say a degree in English could be a gateway to many other careers,” said Hicks, giving examples of education, techical writing and communications professions. “It’s rare, but I’ve heard of an English major going on to law school or medical school. I feel the stereotype is that students come into English because they just want to write and read literature all the time.”

Flint sophomore and anthropology major Keith Kremlick said in a climate where many students are being told they need to go on to graduate studies to get ahead, he believes there are still opportunities for graduates with bachelor’s degrees.

“I’m staying at bachelor level myself,” Kremlick said. “I think associate’s degrees are useless anymore, but I think a bachelor’s can still take you places. Especially with a more creative major, you’re going to do more self-employment anyway.”

However, whether a major or a career plan is safe or risky, importance should be placed on finding a sense of fulfilment.

“If that’s what makes you happy, that’s your choice,” said Califiornia senior Chase Meder, a meteorology major. “I’m not going to tell you you’re wasting your time, because somebody might say that about my major. It’s kind of a ‘to each his own’-type deal.”