Occupation/Major

[BlueReign]

I'm curious. For those of us who have finished college, are you working in the field of your major or something completely different?

[btb87]

Hi Ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho!

This is my first time posting in your area.

This is a good question: I'm working in a completely different area. My degree is in Industrial Technology, with a manufacturing concentration. When I first graduated (and some time after graduation) I tried to gain employment in my field, but of course I didn't have the experience, so I didn't get the job(s). So I did what I could (secretary, 4 and a half year stint in radio, etc.)

I currently am an Academic Advisor at a community college, and really like what I do, even during registration when tempers get short and students are more whiny than ever! This job has actually helped me decide to pursue an MS in Counselor Education.

[Gina1201]

My undergrad degree was in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology. I thought that I wanted to work for a Federal Law Enforcement agency as an agent. However, my internship proved that it was NOT the field for me. Luckily, thanks to the advice of my advisor, my minor was in Management Information Systems.

Currently, I have just entered a program for my MBA. When I am finished, I hope to find a job in Human Resources. The Career Services office has told me that I can translate my Sociology degree into people related skills.

[sigmadiva]

I just got my doctorate this summer in Biomedical Sciences with an emphasis in Microbiology (yeah!!). Usually before you can go on to a real job in the Life Sciences after receiving your doctorate, it is highly recommended and expected for you to complete a post-doctorate research project. I'm in the process of applying to a lab now and when I am done with my post-doc I hope to find a real job working in the biotech industry or for the government.

[BlueReign]

Well congrats to you Soror with your smart self!!

I posted this question because I have found myself doing something that I never thought I would have the patience or desire to do. My major was Economics. Since I graduated I have had many jobs and it wasn't until my children started school that I became interested in the field of education.

I am a Special Education teacher now and taking grad courses towards a masters.

So for those of you who are doing something totally different now, if you could go back would your major be different? I think my major would have been Psychology/Education which I absolutely had no interest in back then.

[Gina1201]

Originally posted by BlueReign
So for those of you who are doing something totally different now, if you could go back would your major be different? I think my major would have been Psychology/Education which I absolutely had no interest in back then.

I would probably have majored in HRM (Human Resource Management) or perhaps a double major of HRM and Sociology. I don't regret my Sociology but I definitely would have done something more business oriented.

[sigmadiva]

Originally posted by Gina1201
I would probably have majored in HRM (Human Resource Management) or perhaps a double major of HRM and Sociology. I don't regret my Sociology but I definitely would have done something more business oriented.

I agree. Looking back, I would have used my electives to take a business or management course and not meterology 102 - describing the coulds in the sky.

[btb87]

Originally posted by BlueReign
So for those of you who are doing something totally different now, if you could go back would your major be different? I think my major would have been Psychology/Education which I absolutely had no interest in back then.

Yet another good question!

I had an interest in speech pathology, and started classes working toward a 2nd BA degree in that field several years ago. When I found out what it took to complete the degree where I was attending school, and then found out that I would have to get a Master's in that area, and then reminded myself that I wasn't getting any younger, I changed to Counselor Education. But you know what they say - hindsight is 20/20. . .

When I went to college, I honestly had no idea what I wanted to major in. My mother wanted me to go into the business field, and I had absolutely no desire to do that. To this day, I still don't, and I've been out of college for a number of years.

[bluethunder]

i am an august '03 graduate(yep, i'm a baby!) and i am a sociology major with a minor in secondary education. i wanted to be a social studies teacher when i came to college(and have all the history, geography, poli. sci. courses on my transcript to prove it!) but decided to go another route. i will be starting work for my MS in Social Work(focusing on addictions) in january and hopefully, 2 years later, i will emerge as a clinical social worker.

NOW, i am still looking for a job in the human services field, but in this economy, a sister took what she could get!(praise the LORD for a job!) and i am an accounts manager for t-mobile...
hey, sociology is BROAD and that's a good thing!

people really discount sociology, but I LOVED my major and it has given me a lot of insight into society and the human condition. my sensitivity to my fellow man has increased tremendously and intellectually(if not academically), i was very challenged by sociology i say study what interests you and what you love and what will let you utilize your talents and all the rest($) will follow!
sociology majors RUN IT!

[Gina1201]

Originally posted by bluethunder
people really discount sociology, but I LOVED my major and it has given me a lot of insight into society and the human condition. my sensitivity to my fellow man has increased tremendously and intellectually(if not academically), i was very challenged by sociology i say study what interests you and what you love and what will let you utilize your talents and all the rest($) will follow!
sociology majors RUN IT!

And you KNOW this!!!

[NinjaPoodle]

Well, I changed my major from PE, with an emphasis on coaching, to Photography (don't need a degree to coach I already have experience). I have found with photography, I'm doing mostly independent work. I'm currently doing full time reception work at a law firm (it's easy for me and pays pretty well and since I have an AA it jacks up my pay a bit ) Soon as I get my degree(BFA in Photojournalism-Docu) , I think it'll be easier to get paid work in my field also my portfolio will be much better.

[BlueReign]

For those of you who responded, aren't you amazed at people who knew what they wanted to do when they were like in grade school, majored in it, graduated and have worked in that field all their lives! When I left class last night my mind was just so wide open I could have stayed there all night asking my Professor questions. I didn't have this kind of passion for anything when I was in undergrad.

My major was influenced by my father and a professor and my friends. We wanted corporate careers. Nothing is wrong with that but I have found that now my personality is a mix of sensitivity, creativity and humanitarian that I know I would not be happy if I was making a living in the corporate world. I may not be making much money now but I love what I do and that is worth more than gold.

[bluethunder]

I may not be making much money now but I love what I do and that is worth more than gold.

well said! people(especially young people) neglect to reflect on the fact that A: money is not or should not be the primary reason to enter into any field or even for going to college for that matter. if money is your aim, there are a lot of ways to make it... B: there are a lot of high-paid people who get up every single day and hate what they have to do for a living! C: education is about making more of you time and talents. if you only come out with a degree and have not truly been engaged in the college experience and have not expanded upon the person you were when you came--you missed a big part of what higher education is all about. and D: if you come out of college only thinking about the money your degree will make you and never think of how you can contribute to the community and/or better the life chances of someone else, THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE EDUCATION HAS BEEN WASTED on you... many groups have been excluded from the academy for a long time...we can't afford to think of only ourselves!
(sigh) my sermon is complete...

[FeeFee]

I received my BBA in International Marketing and am now in graduate school pursuing the MSEd degree in Guidance Counseling. Man listen, I should have gotten my undergraduate degree in Psych. the first time around. If I can help it, I will NEVER take another business class again in life!!!!!

[BlueReign]

I heard that! I don't know how I did it back then because looking back I don't think I had any real interest in it. No wonder I struggled!