<p>Hello. I know I’ve posted a few threads asking about considering majoring in Math/Computer Science/Engineering, but my true passions are in film. Majors that would really fit in the subset of film/media would be Art, Communications, English Literature, and Film Studies. As you guys know, these fields of study are not very lucrative and I could risk graduating in four years to a job that will leave me living miserably. Or…I could very well see the unemployment line for years to come.</p>
<p>It seems I am stuck at a crossroad here. In a perfect world, I truly would not want to study Math or Computer Science. Studying STEM does me up to more analytical, quantitative, and systematic ways of thinking that may help me in pursuing my film passions (see my threads if curious). It would also give me skills for a job to support my interests - I cannot afford expensive video equipment.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I would be studying something because I was pressured into it (not by family, as Asians are seen to be) by money. There’s also the classic nerd stereotype I definitely do not want to perpetuate. I would also have less time to develop my creativity as well.</p>
<p>Just looking for opinions and similar experiences.</p>
<p>As far as the stereotype goes, I think you should just try to get over it. It’s more prevalent in high school than in universities.</p>
<p>As for how to consolidate concerns about making money and your passions, I suggest you go for computer science. Though the major is relatively technical (not quite as much as engineering majors, but close), there’s quite an artistic side to it that I’m sure you could learn to appreciate and use for real, paid work. Graphic design, for example, is somewhat in demand and good knowledge of a few programming languages and some of the less technical scripting languages would go a long way in that direction.</p>
<p>CS (with a BA if your school offers one instead of a BS) coupled with a bit of scripting knowledge and some artistic coursework/work experience would probably be a pretty good compromise for your situation.</p>
<p>Why are you worried about being stereotyped? WGAF??? “Oh look at that Asian ******, he’s such a nerd and makes like 80k a year hahaha. so gay”</p>
<p>…and really, didn’t the nerd stereotype thing die out in the late '90s when Screech retired? </p>
<p>Seriously dude, just study what you fing want, as it appears you seem to understand the pros/cons of studying film or STEM. The last thing you need to worry about is other people’s worthless perceptions of who you are/aren’t. Again, WGAF???</p>
<p>At some point in you life you have to GROW UP. I’m Asian and with all due respect to my single mother raising me and my brother, everyone make their own choices. Have to stand up for yourself and do what you want to do, not what everyone else want you to do. After all, you’re the one that’s going to be stuck with the job you choose not anyone else. Before you know it, it’ll be your job and your money supporting your parents. I hope you get the message. BE A MAN!!!</p>
<p>Not so much. Creativity come out in SO MANY ways through engineering. From design, to the crazy ideas on how to accomplish something. Just look at Curiosity that just landed on Mars. How much creativity do you think went into that??</p>
<p>Also, so what, your Asian, we all have stereotypes, yours is because you have a really driven culture. That is not a bad thing. Peoples opinions will start to matter less as you become more confident about your decisions.</p>
<p>I mean, I’m a white guy, we have tons of stereotypes from all over the spectrum. But, It doesn’t matter what I look like, what matters is where I want to end up, and I will do everything in my power to put myself there.</p>
<p>Unless it’s a bad stereotype, who cares? Anyway, what you do in college doesn’t necessarily determine your whole life. A STEM career is a fine thing to do while trying to get an artistic venture started. I’m an engineering physics major and I want to be a film-maker. Is it a contradiction? Not at all, just because the two things don’t have much to do with each other means they contradict each other. One can do two things. Lots of starting film makers had regular day jobs they worked while they were getting started. Kubrick was a photographer for a magazine, Peter Jackson worked at a print shop (he cast his coworkers in his first feature), Spielberg was a gigolo for rich old widows in SoCal, etc.</p>
<p>go for your dream, and major in film. i went for my dream too, in music production–the reality is that making good money is a complete joke; i almost have no pride in making music production a career: the kind of unimaginative garbage that is “successful” on the radio makes me ashamed for electronic music. im so glad that my parents (asian) pressured me to go back to college, because i am enjoying engineering more than ever; it was actually my music production/acoustical background solidified my interest in mechanical. if you are stereotyped, that means you stand out in a crowd. i am proud to one day become an engineer, among the ranks of doctors, scientists, etc. that make good and make the world go round.</p>
Oh please. Successful CS students make Android apps before they even get to college. I wish people would understand programming != computer science.</p>
<p>OP, I would go BA in Computer Science if I were you. That way, you can take a bunch of electives within your interests. Also, for God’s sake, stop talking about stereotypes, and you will not hear about it either, I promise,</p>
<p>The fact remains is that across the board, when people are old, their #1 regret is most commonly reported as failing to pursue their dreams and who they wanted to be.</p>
<p>You could make good money in engineering, but someone without much passion for it would get burned out quickly and would probably not advance very far.</p>
<p>Ultimately, I would go as far as to suggest that you major in film, your true passions, and do everything you can to maximize your possibility for success (film internships, involvement on your own personal projects, etc.).</p>
<p>If you truly feel anxious about being left with no backups, prezbucky offers the best solution of majoring in film and minoring in STEM (CS is a good choice since many industry jobs are open to people with minors).</p>