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WHAT DID YOUR COLLEGE MAJOR DO FOR YOU?
Questions for:
Gabe, History Grad Student, Wesleyan '99
Q: What was your major in college?
A: History.
Q: Why did you choose it as your major?
A: I ultimately chose it based on the quality of the professors and the love of a particular subject they instilled in me. A major is not just casual sex and more
like a long-term commitment. It doesn't sneak out of your head at sunrise. No,
you constantly encounter it at every turn, often catching you by surprise.
Similarly, you can't think, 'Why, yes, I'd like to be able to discuss Napoleon's
rise and fall at a dinner party' and choose history based on that. You have to
ask: what types of problems will I confront? What types of books will I have to
read? What type of reasoning do I feel most comfortable with? Now, as far as career goes, I think a major makes very little difference.
However, if you are
considering an academic path, you'll find it hard to get into History graduate
school if you studied Art and vice-versa. In fact, you may find it hard to get
into History graduate school for 18th century European political history if
you've studied, say, 20th century social history in America.
Q: Were you happy with your choice?
A: Yes, it opened up a whole world.
Q: What did you end up doing after graduation?
A: I ended up working in city government and found that the writing and research skills quite relevant and useful.
Q: Did your major help you or hurt you in your search for a job?
A: I think my major was irrelevant.
Q: Did your major give you the skills to succeed at your first job?
A: Yes, I talked on the phone a lot and history gives you lots to say.
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