My son graduated with a degree in mathematics in May. Turns out he could have received a minor in something, if he had filled out the paperwork correctly. He also could have done applied math, instead of mathematics, if he’d done the paperwork corectly.
Any parents with similar experiences, or advice? I called the school, and they said “it’s history now.” This school has always been very helpful and accommodating, so I was surprised with that answer. I’m assuming he can put “minor equivalent” or something like that on his resume, and the other part really doesn’t matter?
^Exactly. He can call it “concentration” or “studies in” or “area of study.” Or just put his degree and "Mathematics/[Other Field] on the resume. All an employer will care about is his skill set, not the particular words used on the diploma (or transcript). He can clarify that his courses were equivalent to the minor but he did not officially minor in that subject during job interviews if need be.
I’m not sure it matters. If he puts something like “minor equivalent” on the resume, an interviewer might ask what that means. The answer “I completed all the coursework for a minor but didn’t turn in the right paperwork” is not likely to inspire much confidence.
I would NOT put “minor equivalent” either. It begs the question and he doesn’t want to get caught up in an explanation. Lots of schools don’t have minors anyway.
Another way to go about it is to say “Major in XXX, with significant coursework in YYY.” That gets the point across. After all, a minor pretty much IS significant coursework in YYY.
@nottelling, your post actually made me laugh, sadly. My kid is incredibly bright, but seriously lacking in what I think is called “executive function” skills. And he refuses to let me know what’s going on, or ask for help. Hopefully he will get better eventually.
^^^THAT!
Thanks all. I will tell him to use those words.
My son had all relevant courses listed on his resume when he was looking for the first job. Seems more important than just claiming a minor.