WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26, 2001
CAREERS & MAJORS
Double majoring benefits students
Increased options in job market one result of second majors
By Erin Ohm
Kansan correspondent
Whether they want to zero in on a specific area of interest or gain an edge in the job market, many students take on a second major to round out their college careers.
Some students take on second majors to increase their options in the job market. Stefanie Meert, Overland Park freshman, said a double major would be beneficial when she chose a career.
"If I change my mind, I'll have more options," she said.
weert said she wanted to design her education to complement the work she has done with autistic and special needs children, youth groups and volunteering in the classroom.
These interests prompted Meert to major in psychology and elementary
education
"I've kind of gotten a taste for counseling, and I know that I want to work with kids," Meert said.
Amber Fernandes, academic adviser at the Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center, encouraged students to consider a double major, or at least a minor. Fernandes said a double major was advantageous for students.
"It's something that makes them stand out because they have put in more time and more effort," Fernandes said.
Amanda Flott, Omaha, Neb., sophomore, chose to major in political science and international relations to add a political slant to her future career.
"I couldn't decide between the two, and I want to specialize in international relations (in the political arena)," Flott said.
Two areas of concentration will give Flott a wider range of career opportunities.
"I'll be able to specialize in specific areas like the Middle East," she said.
"So if I ever wanted to do anything in higher government, I'd have that knowledge."
It is important to distinguish the difference between earning a double degree and choosing multiple majors. Students who choose to concentrate on English and chemistry, for example, must earn two different degrees, each with different general education requirements.
Pam Houston, director of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, supports double majors or degrees, but she also cautions students to use good judgment when making the decision to do so.
"I think students need to be careful in some ways about focusing on one particular area," Houston said. "When they focus all their elective hours on a double major, they get indepth knowledge, but that then takes away from the chance to sample a number of different things. One reason we created minors was to address some of the interests and needs expressed by students to get a little more depth in a certain area."
"I couldn't decide between the two, and I wanted to specialize in international relations."
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN - 3B
Amanda Flott Omaha, Neb., sophomore
providing opportunity for minors, we've helped students' needs without having to sacrifice the breadth."
Houston advises students who are considering a double major or degree to choose an area of interest and to plan carefully. She encourages students to meet with an adviser so they can plan effectively and graduate on time. Houston also recommends students consider what they hope to gain, and evaluate whether a double major is the best way to reach their goals.
Contact Ohm at 864-4810
Graduating on time not easy,not always a priority
By Kaydee Smith Kansan correspondent
And most are taking the school year in stride.
More than 500 students are back for a fifth year as they pursue their undergraduate degrees.
"I enjoy it. I'm only on campus one day a week and I'm not ready for a job yet," said Lexi Fellers, fifth-year senior from Salina.
The situation has its advantages. The campus feels comfortable, Lawrence is home to friends and has a great atmosphere for college students.
Tips to finish in four years
But these students have the same worries as traditional seniors. They are trying to find jobs for next year and find ways to make extra money.
Make a four-year degree a priority and complete 15 to 16 credit hours a semester.
"The only difference is now I'm older and I'm facing more decisions," said Michael Neitzel, Dallas senior.
Meet the grade point average and course requirements defined by your school.
But just as many others want to get on with their lives.
"The only way I could graduate on time is if I took a lot of summer school," said Lauren Brown, Omaha, Neb., sophomore. "It's a tradeoff. I'd rather take less credit hours and get better grades than rush through school."
"I am a very efficient person, so graduating in four years is a goal for me to be as successful as I can be in my college education," said Amy Waldron, Overland Park sophomore.
Many KU underclassmen may confront the same situation. Changes in majors, availability of classes, studying abroad and general indecision can lead many students to an extra semester or year on the Hill.
Declare your major by the end of your sophomore year.
Meet regularly with your adviser
CONTRIBUTED ART
The booklet "Graduate in 4" is distributed by the Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center to help students plan to graduate on time.
For those students dedicated to leaving the Hill in four years, staying focused is key.
"Sometimes worrying is a good thing because a sense of urgency is a motivator for students," said Gloria Flores, associate director of the Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center.
To help students achieve a productive education and graduate on time, the University offers an elective course focusing on choosing a major. Brown said she found the course helpful.
"I took PRE 210: Career and Life Planning, and I was able to decide on my major, and I'm now heading in the direction of graduation." Brown said.
The Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center also put together an informational notebook, "Graduate in 4."
"My parents are paying for approximately four years of my college education, and if I end up spending more time, they said it was up to me to pay for it," said Casey Frailey, Wichita sophomore.
Freshmen and new transfer students should have received the notebook the first time they met with their advisers.
Paying extra tuition money is another concern, especially for parents.
more of a concern than graduating on time.
"I could do it in four years, but I almost want to stay and take classes and have more of the college experience," said Phil Anderson, Shawnee sophomore. "I am in no hurry."
In the end, graduating becomes
Contact Smith at 864-4810
'Useless' majors not so useless, say professors
By Collin LaJoie Kansan correspondent
To some students, a major that does not emphasize a certain career, such as history or philosophy, may be considered useless in the long run. But as the saying goes: One man's trash is another man's treasure.
Some students may consider these majors "useless" because they are perceived to have few opportunities in the field after college.
"I think English and history majors are kind of useless because all you can do is write books and teach," said Kayt Schwarten, Overland Park freshman.
Jaime Blum, Shawnee sophomore, said a philosophy degree might not be useful in a career.
"I guess if you were a philosophy major you could sit around and talk with other philosophy majors, write a book or teach." Blum said.
But professors and students in these fields argue that there are benefits to every major. Thomas Tuozzo, professor of philosophy, said philosophy had something for many people.
"For some, (philosophy) is an undergraduate requirement, and for others, they just take it out of interest, although many start with Western philosophy." Tuozzo said. "Lots of students double major with philosophy and something else, and some end up teaching or being a professor at a college."
Philosophy also leads some students to the law.
"Many use philosophy and go to law school because it teaches you how to think, analyze and argue." Tuozzo said.
Philosophy is important in several ways, said Roman Bailey, Shawnee junior.
"(Philosophy) is a culturally important outlet in asking and answering questions," said Bailey, a philosophy major. "It fosters critical thinking used in many fields, including math and law."
Bailey plans to attend graduate school and study the philosophy of language.
Jeffrey Moran, professor of history, said he thought a history major could not only lead to many job opportunities, but also provided skills that could be useful.
"Few [students] become professional historians," Moran said. "We did a survey of alumni and many became lawyers, or went into medical school or business."
History can also provide skills to undergraduates and those at the end of their college careers.
"What it does for everyone is give them research skills and the ability to sift through evidence. It also gives undergraduates writing skills." Moran said. "History) is useful for graduates entering international business because they know how the world or a country works."
Alison Hall, Chicago junior, is majoring in art his tory - but not necessarily for a future career.
"I enjoy,fine arts, and I enjoy history." Hall said. "I don't want to have to take classes I hate just to get a high-paying job. I mean, if a job comes around I'll take it. Right now I'm just doing (art history) for education and enjoyment."
Despite the perception that some majors are useless, many students think any degree is worthwhile.
making money and working 9 to 5 isn't for everyone," said Zahra Knott, Wichita freshman. "Whether you do something for academic reasons, to get a job or for interest sake, if you work hard enough at it, there's always something you can do with it, no matter what you pursue, if you just go for it. You could always teach it."
Contact LaJoie at 864-4810
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Please stop by the following events to learn more about career opportunities with Philip Morris U.S.A.
Pre-select Deadline for On-Campus Interviews Deadline is Thursday, October 11th.2001 (You can pre-select on CareerConnections in the Career Center)
Business School Career Fair Wednesday, September 26th, 2001
You may also view and apply for openings at Philip Morris USA, by visiting our website at www.philpmorrisUSA.com/careers. Select the "Search Our Jobs" option, select the "Apply Online" option, enter 1144HS into the keyword search box, select the job and click "Apply Now." If you do not have Internet access, please call 1-866-2-JOINPM to request the necessary Internet forms be mailed to you.
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