<p>So I’m a freshman in college with the dilemma of choosing a major next fall. I’m torn between choosing a practical major, something with obvious job connections, and a major that is more for my personal enjoyment. I can always combine these interests, but it makes for a rather odd combination. From the wise CCers I am asking for some guidance. I enjoy the study of government, and I feel pairing this with an economics minor would be beneficial when looking for a stable, dynamic career. In contrast, the Biological Anthropology major seems a great program, and the requirments seem to fit my interests. I could always make an “odd hybrid,” taking a gov major and bio minor–but on a resume, in my opinion, this may seem scattered–not sure if a minor in bio would be enough to have a science based job, and not sure whether a gov related career would be benefited by bio skills. Does my argument seem realistic? How can I go about solving this? </p>
<p>depending on the field of government you’re interested in, i think biological anthropology would definitely help you. plus, if you’re really interested in it, it’ll make the next two (three?) years alot more enjoyable. i think it would definitely have its applications, though. </p>
<p>out of curiosity, what career(s) do you have in mind?</p>
<p>In terms of careers, have you thought about something along the lines of energy policy? That’s going to be a huge area pretty soon and seems to maybe fit your interests.
People have “odd” combos all the time, so nothing’s really that odd anymore. Your minor doesn’t have to benefit your career - often times, even if you think it will, it won’t. You could look into a double major. You may be able to change your major later.</p>
<p>Choose a major that combines both. Look at your course catalog and ask yourself which courses under a department appeal to you more. That’s how you will arrive to your answer.</p>
<p>I’m also an anthropology major (cultural, but still like the bio aspect). I was going down the “practicality” route as a business major, but it didn’t fit at all! I decided to listen to myself and my interests in anthropology. After talking to professors, anthropology, both bio & cultural, seem to fill a niche in business, government, and other random jobs. They need anthropologists in those fields to bring a diverse, holistic approach to their often close-minded professions (no offense). Although this leans more towards cultural anthro, I think that bio anthro will be able to be utilized also, bc much of the background of these two subjects is the same. </p>
<p>I also don’t think it looks scattered to have to completley different majors- it’s better in my opinion because you mastered two completley different subjects, instead of cheating with overlapping topics.</p>
<p>Good luck with choosing your major, hope this helps!</p>
<p>Thanks for all of your wisdom! Your advice is definitely helpful, and I feel like I’m finally beginning to recognize the importance of following personal interests, rather than taking a conventional path. Best wishes with your studies as well!</p>
<p>I think the way to go is to make your MAJOR in something you like, then choose the most relevant practical discipline and fill in some classes from there. Usually, a major in a practical discipline is geared towards someone who actually wants to sit in those classes at least to an extent, and not every part of it may be absolutely necessary careerwise. </p>
<p>As an example, I think majoring in math and taking some economics classes on the side (note -NOT what I’m doing, just what I hear) is a good idea, better than just doing an econ major if you’d rather study mathematics. Oh and if you REALLY REALLY like a subject, tremendously, you probably should just go all out.</p>