1

I’m currently a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history. I took some upper level history courses and I’ve decided that history is an interest of mine that won’t offer a variety of jobs outside of teaching. I’ve decided to change my degree next semester but I can’t decided on a major. I was thinking computer sciences (despite my lack of knowledge with computers) due to job opportunities.

Does anybody have any suggestions for a major that will help give me a career after college,
or should I just pursue a degree in a field I’m interested in?

2

Find an actual job you want, get the degree in whatever is it that most of the people doing it got it, lastly do a lot of internships.

3

Thanks for the advice, I guess my main problem is trying to balance job security, actual job interest, and job availability even in times of economic downturn.
I was just curious about other people’s degrees and input as well as if anybody has been in a situation like me.

4

from what I hear, CS jobs are being outsourced (correct me if I’m wrong)

If you’re looking for security, you should become a doctor and specialize. Then you’d be set.

I think nurses are still in demand.

Also, I think the current trend is in energy jobs (correct me if I’m wrong)

5

LOL No on in here’s getting a CS degree. Seriously. If you want to get into computers, fine. Start collecting certs, but no way is a BCS in your future.

6

Art History or Women’s Studies are solid fields

7

I dunno if you’ll even complete a CS program if you’re sole reason for starting it is job prospects. It’s very dry and a lot of work.

I would take a semester off to figure things out for yourself instead of deciding a program to pursue based on the opinions of SRK’rs.

8

Looks like computer science seems to be a bad choice. I suppose I’ll research job fields (as suggested before) and then look into educational requirements.
Time to do some research before going back to school next semester

9

lol I love how you say that so casually

10

Another thing I can suggest you is that you look at which areas your university has strong programs in (be it engineering, CS, art, etc) and then find out where those people are getting hired. The most important thing you can do while in college is making sure you get as many internships as possible. If you are going in to get that paper, internships will build your resume and get you contacts.

Similarly if you can go study abroad, do so. The thing about college is that it is also your last chance at fucking around. These experiences are sometimes frowned upon but they’ll just round you out as a person.

Lastly, make sure you take a technical writing class. If you they teach several, scout the teachers and make sure you find the biggest piece of shit nitpicky asshole and then take his class. The amount of polish you will get in that one semester will be invaluable.

11

Heh. Fellow history major with only 5 weeks left to go. Kind of regretting it myself, though most of it is being saddled with a heavy duty Thesis that I dislike immensely. It’s also not too much of a problem for me since I plan to be a teacher.

Really it depends on what and where you are applying to and how prestigious your degree is. Many jobs will barely even care about the degree besides you having it, and are more interested in things like previous internships, people skills, etc.

Lastly, a history degree can be more effective than you think. It’s a symbol of a varied intelligence, as opposed to a more “look how specialized my level of thinking is” like some other majors. A history degree shows your employer that you are able to think critically, that you are an effective writer, and you are able to entertain many different views and entertain problems from many angles. Sure that means nothing if you are going into dock working or something, but many jobs, even banking and especially law, appreciate such liberal arts degrees.

12

I’m actually kind of confused by this statement. Are you saying nobody can get a CS degree, or nobody switches majors into one on a whim? Because I agree, nobody should get into CS if you’re not already highly interested in it. It’s not easy, the washout rate is super high, and the job market can be pretty competitive. This coming from somebody with a good job and a CS degree

13

Not saying that NObody can. I just don’t think it’s something you just jump into without knowing what you’re getting yourself into. Pretty much just what you said. :tup:

14

I’ll assume you were joking.

I’m probably switching my major from English to X-Ray Tech.

15

If he is Asian, SRK’s opinion could net him solid income.

All he needs to do is spend that tuition on a sex change.

16

I understand this is a more tight knit community than most online forums but I seriously can’t fucking believe people come on SRK asking these big life altering questions here. Like really, you’re a student and the best resource you have to discuss what you want to do with your life is an online forum full of trolls, assholes, and fighting game nerds?

Keep in mind I’m not the best person to ask (I’m having a hard time finding a job in my field and I hate my current job but it’s better than flipping burgers) but most people spend the majority of their life post college working, so you might as well try your best to find something you enjoy doing.

Ideally we all want a job that we enjoy and pays well but life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to. It isn’t always this black and white but before doing anything else I suggest asking yourself and answering: Would I rather be doing what I love and struggle financially or not have to worry about money and not be satisfied?

17

I think it’s more an “eh, why the heck not?” I’m sure s/he is also going through channels like major and career advisors. Nonetheless its nice to see a topic like this in between all the complaining about SFxT, nice change of pace.

18

So, what thesis do they have you writing? I have to use the trial proceedings from the Popish Plot (1678-81) England to show that Anti-Catholic persecution in England had a lot more facets than just hating Catholics.

19

I’m only in my first semester of upper level history classes so they just got me doing some 10 page papers in my Sumerian, German, and African history classes in which I can choose a topic.

For German, I’m arguing the cause of the decline in power of the Habsburg Monarchy in Western Europe was mainly due to Ottoman and revolt in their Eastern domains

For Sumerian, I’m researching the role of infantry in Sumerian armies

For African, I’m researching on possible culprits for the destruction of the Library at Alexandria and their possible motives.

A lot of work for someone who doesn’t like to write or read outside of his own leisure

20

You should ask yourself what you’re good at.