If you listen to the media these days, you would think that the only viable majors are in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). While I would agree that this country needs more students to consider those disciplines, they certainly aren't the only options out there, and quite simply, not everyone wants (or is cut out) to be a computer scientist or an engineer.
Not too long ago we referenced a survey that reported most businesses are looking for potential employees that have what we call "soft skills," things like problem-solving skills, good oral and written communication skills, and the ability to think creatively." Those abilities can be developed in many different ways and through many different college majors.
So even though I agree that having some programming and math skills are important these days, let's look at what a student can do with an English degree. For starters, you could be college counselor! But as you will see in this article, English majors also go on to law school, the financial industry, and an auction house (not just any auction house, but Christie's). And as this author writes, English majors have excellent ideas and can contribute to the economy.
I'm not trying to belabor a point, but I do think students should consider their own strengths and weaknesses and then find a career or lifelong pursuit that means something to them. Or is it just about the money? That's something we'll discuss at a later date.
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