This summer, I am taking classes completely separate from my degree plan, and has nothing to do with my future career pathway. I guess it's fair when people ask me why.
Why? Why not? I think a huge problem with choosing a major is people feel they have to narrow down their interests and pick one, and that interest is the one thing they have to spend time studying and working on for the rest of their life. I'm here to tell you, it's not true! Maybe you knew this, or maybe you needed reassurance in your double major of oceanography and sports medicine. I am here for you!
I have friends who want to attend college but have absolutely no idea what it is they want to do. They have so many interests that they can't pick. Event planning, marketing, health, etc.
They see it as a negative factor in their college decision making. Yes, I would recommend narrowing down your interests to maybe a top five? I don't know about you, but I can't afford to work on five degrees simultaneously. But what should stop you from learning about both even if they don't go together? You're allowed to have two different jobs right? Some of us already do. Why can't you be certified in two different areas of expertise?
This summer, I'm taking phlebotomy courses to become a certified phlebotomist (phlebotomists are the people who draw your blood and can do some light lab work). It is something quick that I am interested in learning while I'm on summer break from my full time major: public relations. Is being a full time phlebotomist my dream?
No, but that could change. My dream is to be an entertainment publicist. Learning PR hasn't stopped my other interests from flowing though. I still find the health field intriguing, and have always wished to be able to jump into it if I wanted to. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity and take it!
I know not everyone can double major, minor, or pay to be certified in something, but if you have the means to and you've been thinking about it for some time, why not? Yes, maybe your dream job is to be a marine biologist, but economics was a fun class and you'd like to know more.
Minor in economics then! I think a lot of students think they need a minor or certificate that matches with their degree, or makes sense in what they will be doing in the future, but I disagree! I think learning about completely different areas only challenges you and develops you into a better person, and therefore a better future employee. It's one more tool in your toolbox. Another arrow in your quiver.
The point I am trying to make is: Don't throw away your other interests just because you think you have to! If you wanna be a doctor by day, and a boxing instructor by night, only you can make it happen. There are no rules for what you have to be studying, or what you have to do. Dive all in if you want!
