What College Majors Should You Avoid? (r/AskReddit)
TLDRThe video script is a compilation of Reddit users' opinions on college majors to avoid or approach with caution. It emphasizes the importance of practical experience over theoretical knowledge, especially in fields like journalism and psychology. The discussion highlights the need for double majors or minors to enhance employability and suggests that certain majors, such as art history and music, may not guarantee stable careers. The consensus is that passion should be balanced with practicality, and internships are crucial for real-world application of education.
Takeaways
- 📰 For aspiring journalists, getting involved in student publications and media is more important than the classes themselves, as hands-on experience is crucial in the field.
- 🌐 Standalone language majors can be challenging to compete with bilingual speakers without additional skills for the workforce; pairing a language major with another is recommended.
- 🎓 Being undecided in college for four years without gaining significant experience may not be appealing on a resume, suggesting the importance of finding a direction or gaining experience.
- 🗣️ Foreign language majors should consider double majoring or have a clear plan if they intend to move to a country where the language is spoken, as competition can be fierce.
- 📚 A history major might be enjoyable but may not lead to lucrative job opportunities, highlighting the importance of considering career prospects when choosing a major.
- 🎨 Art history majors often struggle to find jobs in their field, and may end up in unrelated entry-level positions, indicating the potential challenges of pursuing a passion as a major.
- 💼 A bachelor's degree in many fields may not be sufficient for job security or high earnings, suggesting the need for further education or specialized skills.
- 🎼 Music majors should consider whether they want to focus on performance or education, as the job prospects and stability can vary greatly between the two.
- 🏛️ Avoid non-accredited majors, as they may not hold the same value in the job market, emphasizing the importance of choosing a reputable program.
- 🔬 A biology major may require further education to increase earning potential, as a bachelor's degree alone may not provide many opportunities for advancement.
- 🌳 An environmental science degree's value is questioned, suggesting the need to research job prospects and consider further education in the field.
Q & A
Why is getting involved in student publications and media important for a journalism major?
-It is important because it provides practical experience in newsrooms, deadlines, and the field, which is more valuable than classroom learning for journalists who are hired based on their acclimation to the trade.
What is the recommended approach for a language major to enhance their employability?
-A language major should consider double majoring or pairing their language studies with another skill set that is valuable in the workforce, as it is challenging to compete with bilingual speakers without additional skills.
Why is it not advisable to graduate with a major in General Studies if undecided throughout college?
-Graduating with a General Studies major after being undecided for four years may not look appealing on a resume, unless accompanied by significant experiences that can translate into immediate job positions.
What are the potential issues with majoring in Foreign Languages without a secondary plan?
-Majoring solely in Foreign Languages can be limiting, especially if one plans to move to a country where the language is spoken, as it may not provide diverse career options or be sufficient for job security without additional qualifications.
What is the general advice for someone pursuing a degree in History or other fields with limited job prospects?
-The advice is to be cautious and consider whether a master's degree or additional qualifications are necessary to improve job prospects or to consider a different major that offers more career opportunities.
Why might an Art History major struggle to find a job in their field of interest?
-An Art History major might struggle due to the limited job market and the need for specific industry knowledge, which an entry-level position may not provide, leading to dissatisfaction in unrelated jobs.
What is the general consensus on the value of a Theology or Religion degree for career purposes?
-A Theology or Religion degree is generally not recommended unless one is certain about pursuing a career as a religious leader, due to limited job opportunities outside of religious institutions.
What are the potential pitfalls of majoring in Kinesiology or Music without additional qualifications?
-Kinesiology may have a limited job pool, and a Music major may find it challenging to secure stable employment without additional certifications, such as music education, or without being exceptional in their field.
What advice is given for someone considering a major in Psychology without plans for further education?
-It is advised to avoid a Psychology major if not planning on getting at least a master's degree, as a bachelor's degree in Psychology may not lead to a job in the field and may result in working in unrelated jobs.
What is the perspective on majoring in Architecture for those without a strong passion for the field?
-Majoring in Architecture is not recommended for those without a strong passion due to the high costs, demanding workload, and potential for limited job satisfaction without a genuine interest in the subject.
How can a degree in a seemingly 'useless' field like Philosophy or History be valuable?
-Such degrees can be valuable as they can provide a strong foundation for advanced graduate degrees that require intensive writing and research skills, and they can also demonstrate critical thinking abilities.
What is the general advice for someone unsure about their major or considering a 'pre-professional' major?
-It is advised to major in a practical field and consider the pre-professional track as a minor or secondary focus, as this can provide a fallback option and a broader range of career opportunities.
Why might a degree in Graphic Design not be as valuable as expected in the job market?
-A degree in Graphic Design may not be as valuable due to an oversaturated market, subjective nature of design, and the fact that employers often prioritize a strong portfolio and work ethic over formal education.
What is the common recommendation for those considering a major in Environmental Science?
-The recommendation is to research the job market and consider whether the degree aligns with long-term career goals, as some degrees may not directly translate into specific job opportunities.
What are the potential issues with a major in Criminal Justice for those not interested in law enforcement?
-A Criminal Justice major may be overly competitive and not as versatile for other career paths, so it is advised to consider a more practical major or gain relevant experience in the field.
What is the general sentiment towards a major in Biomedical Engineering without a clear specialty?
-It is suggested to have a clear specialty within Biomedical Engineering early on and to gain relevant experience to stand out in the job market, as the field is not as clearly defined as other engineering disciplines.
What advice is given for someone considering a major in Business without a strong interest in math?
-It is advised to reconsider a Business major if math is a weak point, as even fields like Accounting and Finance require some mathematical skills for entry-level positions.
Outlines
📰 The Relevance of Practical Experience in Journalism
The first paragraph emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience over academic credentials in the field of journalism. It suggests that getting involved in student publications and media is crucial, as journalists are often hired based on their adaptability to newsroom environments and deadlines, rather than solely on their degree. The paragraph also touches on the challenges faced by language majors, advising them to pair language studies with another skill set to enhance employability. It further discusses the pitfalls of choosing a major without clear career goals and the potential benefits of double majoring, especially for those planning to move abroad.
🎓 The Value of a Major and the Importance of Work Experience
This paragraph discusses the limitations of certain college majors in terms of job prospects and earning potential. It warns against choosing a major based solely on interest without considering the practical implications, such as the difficulty of finding a job with a degree in art history or psychology without pursuing further education. The paragraph also highlights the importance of work experience and networking during college, as these factors can often outweigh the value of a degree itself. It provides examples of individuals who have successfully leveraged their majors, despite their seemingly limited job market, by gaining relevant experience and skills.
🎼 The Challenges of Pursuing Arts-Related Majors
The third paragraph focuses on the challenges of pursuing majors in the arts, such as music and graphic design. It points out the limited job pool for kinesiology majors and the competitive nature of the music industry, where performance skills alone may not guarantee stable employment. The paragraph also addresses the oversaturation of the design market and the subjective nature of design work, which can make it difficult for graphic design majors to find jobs that align with their qualifications. It emphasizes the importance of having a backup plan and being prepared to adapt to different roles within the industry.
🚫 Majors to Consider Avoiding and the Importance of Forward Planning
The final paragraph advises against pursuing certain majors that may not offer clear career paths or have limited job prospects, such as sports management, dance, and some engineering fields. It stresses the importance of considering long-term goals and planning education and career choices accordingly. The paragraph also suggests that having a clear understanding of one's interests and strengths early on can help in making more informed decisions about majors and minors. It concludes with a reminder to avoid going to college without a clear purpose and to consider alternative paths that may offer more practical benefits.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Journalism Major
💡Student Publications
💡Language Majors
💡Double Major
💡General Studies
💡Foreign Languages
💡Psychology Major
💡Art History Major
💡Theology/Religion Major
💡Kinesiology Major
💡Music Major
Highlights
Journalism majors should prioritize hands-on experience in student publications and media over classroom learning for better industry acclimation.
Language majors should consider double majoring to enhance their competitiveness in the job market, especially when planning to move to a country where the language is spoken.
General studies majors should seek out unique experiences that can translate into immediate job positions to stand out on their resumes.
A double major can be beneficial, as seen with individuals who majored in French and paired it with another major for better career prospects.
History majors often face financial challenges post-graduation, suggesting the need for a more lucrative backup plan.
Psychology degrees may not guarantee relevant job placements, with many graduates working in unrelated fields and the necessity of higher education for specialized roles.
Art history majors struggle to find jobs in their field of interest, often settling for unrelated entry-level positions.
Theology and religion degrees may not be practical for most career paths unless one is certain about a religious vocation.
Kinesiology majors face a limited job pool, emphasizing the importance of location and additional qualifications.
Music education degrees offer more job stability compared to music performance degrees, which may lead to freelance or unstable careers.
Non-accredited majors, such as mechanical engineering, may not hold the same value as accredited ones, affecting job opportunities.
A major in biology may require further education like a master's or PhD for better job prospects and higher earning potential.
Environmental science degrees are questioned for their job value, suggesting the need for research and practical experience in the field.
Criminal justice is becoming a default major for the undecided, leading to a competitive and potentially oversaturated job market.
The importance of networking, internships, and research over the major itself in securing better job opportunities.
Architecture majors require a high level of passion and commitment due to the demanding nature of the field.
Biomedical engineering should be approached with a clear specialty in mind to increase job competitiveness.
A bachelor's degree is increasingly becoming a basic requirement rather than a differentiator, with many graduates facing low starting salaries.
Graphic design is an oversaturated market with subjective job prospects, often devalued by platforms offering cheap design services.
Sports management degrees are considered less valuable in the job market, where experience outweighs academic qualifications.
The importance of aligning one's major with long-term career goals to avoid limiting job prospects and potential.
The suggestion to avoid certain majors like dance, ballet, and african-american studies due to limited job opportunities or academic controversies.
The recommendation to focus on majors that provide practical skills and knowledge, rather than those based on personal hobbies.
The strategy of working backwards from a desired career outcome to determine the necessity and value of a college education.
Transcripts
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