Choosing a college major is an
important decision for any student. The selection of a college major dictates
not only what a student will study for at least four years, but will also
affect future levels of income and potentially future job satisfaction.
Students interested in the humanities have long been faced with the decision of
choosing between majors that will land them a good job (i.e., finance) or feed
their intrinsic passion (English, philosophy, and history are the top three
choices). Until recently, the two paths have been considered mutually
exclusive. Many humanities graduates can recall being asked the question, “What
do you do with a degree in…?”
A recent article
in The Huffington Post calls this dichotomy into question. Research from
the American Association of Colleges and Universities suggests instead that
over the course of a lifetime, graduates with degrees in the humanities earn
similar amounts of money compared to students with pre-professional degrees.
Furthermore, it has been shown that there is fulfillment in focusing your
career on what you are passionate about. Students are more motivated to learn
what they enjoy and excel in. If a course of study is not enjoyed, it becomes
tedious or frustrating and may lead students to take extra time completing a
degree, which is an expensive prospect these days.
Many people point out that
graduating humanities students lack skills needed to enter the workforce, but
these so-called missing skills are commonly taught on the job. However, the
critical thinking skills most humanities majors hone in college are invaluable.
Moreover, when you are able to become immersed in what you do every day, it
ceases to be just a “job” that you do from 9 to 5 and ventures into the idea of
a career and perhaps a calling, allowing for a much greater sense of personal
fulfillment and greater job satisfaction over the course of your life.
At CEC Associates, we meet many people who have yet to
find their niche in the world of work. Please see our Career Assessment
page for assistance on finding your calling.
