Becoming an English major? (PhD, computer science, cost, anthropology)

[CraigCreek]

I agree that taking a battery of aptitude tests would be an excellent idea. It sounds to me as if you're rather overwhelmed by the wealth of possiblities available through college classes, but don't feel a strong interest in much other than English - am I right? If so, try to narrow down what interests you and strongly appeals to you about English: is it good writing? Literature? Drama? The link with the past? Good writers' ability to conjure up a separate reality through their words?

If it's literature, is it American Lit, English lit., world lit., poetry, drama, biography, short stories, novels, etc.? Once you know this, narrow it further: Early English Lit.? The Romantic Era? Early or Late Victorian literature? Shakespeare? Do the same if it's American literature. Then look at what you've discovered: this can be a valuable clue and guide to what is right for you.

And - it may turn out not to be English at all, but something related, even distantly related, but with much of the same appeal. Your interest could lead you to an interest in history, psychology, travel, theatre, costume design, fashion history and design, fashion marketing, art, culinary arts, library science, tourism, museum work (especially in a historic home museum), research in various areas, government, comparative literature, history of language - lots of other things that sound rather esoteric and fine-haired, but which could lead to a fascinating careers if you pursue them.

So - do some self-examination. Sit down with paper and pen and write down what you do and don't like about the various options available to you. Maybe audit some classes that sound interesting but that you fear are too academically challenging.Talk with an academic counselor, and take those aptitude tests. Examine your dreams - what have you always wanted to do? When were you the happiest? What brings you joy? Now, how can you re-create that happiness and satisfaction, given the realities of your life? Can you change some of those realities in order to achieve your dreams?

[Elle Oh Elle]

Originally Posted by CraigCreek

I agree that taking a battery of aptitude tests would be an excellent idea. It sounds to me as if you're rather overwhelmed by the wealth of possiblities available through college classes, but don't feel a strong interest in much other than English - am I right? If so, try to narrow down what interests you and strongly appeals to you about English: is it good writing? Literature? Drama? The link with the past? Good writers' ability to conjure up a separate reality through their words?

If it's literature, is it American Lit, English lit., world lit., poetry, drama, biography, short stories, novels, etc.? Once you know this, narrow it further: Early English Lit.? The Romantic Era? Early or Late Victorian literature? Shakespeare? Do the same if it's American literature. Then look at what you've discovered: this can be a valuable clue and guide to what is right for you.

And - it may turn out not to be English at all, but something related, even distantly related, but with much of the same appeal. Your interest could lead you to an interest in history, psychology, travel, theatre, costume design, fashion history and design, fashion marketing, art, culinary arts, library science, tourism, museum work (especially in a historic home museum), research in various areas, government, comparative literature, history of language - lots of other things that sound rather esoteric and fine-haired, but which could lead to a fascinating careers if you pursue them.

So - do some self-examination. Sit down with paper and pen and write down what you do and don't like about the various options available to you. Maybe audit some classes that sound interesting but that you fear are too academically challenging.Talk with an academic counselor, and take those aptitude tests. Examine your dreams - what have you always wanted to do? When were you the happiest? What brings you joy? Now, how can you re-create that happiness and satisfaction, given the realities of your life? Can you change some of those realities in order to achieve your dreams?

I've noticed that people who are the most successful in their careers usually have some sort of a leg up. For example, composers typically began playing instruments or singing when they were still in elementary school. Costume designers came from a family doing the same thing or always were well-dressed. Same goes with fashion and beauty. So forth, you get the idea. There are cases where people randomly make the switch from being a math genius to a painter overnight, but they're not as common as the other option.

Well, my leg up was being able to read and write a lot at an early age. I recall being only six years old and already reading books that most people wouldn't until high school. Just a couple years later, I was reading college-level books. I constantly wrote and basically enjoyed fictional stories and creative writing, although I did happen to do very well in history. No one should be surprised that English and history were the only courses I ever did well in in school. As a matter of fact, I got an A in Creative Writing one of my semesters in college!

I don't know if we have places that offer aptitude tests around here? Do you know of any organizations? I'm surprised because I live in LA and there should be some organizations like that but I couldn't seem to find any via Google within 40 miles of me.

Thank you for the advice!

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by Elle Oh Elle

I was suggested to go to the LA Times by a friend. She only does business-related situations, so I'm not sure how trustworthy she is. At that point, I was desperate and she told me, "Everyone does need to start somewhere. Try going to newspapers or something, like LA Times." However, she also gave me tips and tricks for applications and interviews. I remember mentioning that she was a hiring manager in the employment section of this site and one other woman wrote back, "Well, maybe that's how it works where your friend has been employed. BUT those codes aren't a universal thing. Some places check and some don't."

Are we required to have samples to submit? What are some good topics to write about?

Also, you never really answered the question of what to do about college. I want to go back but I visited the other day and I was instantly reminded me of the dangers of sitting in a classroom. I was concerned about failing the course. Additionally, I couldn't find one class I was interested in that wasn't full.

I'd spend that time doing some research. Nothing wrong with sitting out a semester:

Jobs for English Majors Selloutyoursoul.com

[dazeddude8]

aye I agree with sitting out one semster, no sense in spending money on a class(s) you don't want to do. Take some time off, examine life : What exactlyy do I want to do?-then go from there

[Elle Oh Elle]

Originally Posted by dazeddude8

aye I agree with sitting out one semster, no sense in spending money on a class(s) you don't want to do. Take some time off, examine life : What exactlyy do I want to do?-then go from there

My university also has short-term courses that start late next month, so this will be perfect.

I will start looking at places like cpg suggested. Am currently taking all your suggestions to heart.

[DrEarth]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

Do not listen to those people who say that a degree in English is a waste of time. They are knuckle-dragging halfwits without imagination. The problem isn't the degree. Rather, it's the English faculty who lack knowledge and experience on their part. They don't realize that, because teaching is all that they know or understand, they cannot tell students such as you all the possibilities an English degree embraces. They simply don't realize how many other options are out there in the real world.

I earned my degree in English. My plan was to continue on to graduate school, and was accepted to some very good ones. But shortly after graduating, my father dropped dead and left my mother in very bad financial shape. So I had to devise a Plan B in a hurry. To be sure, I struggled for a couple of years. However, I found that people who can write really well are in high demand in the world, whether in advertising, corporate communications, publishing or a host of other roles. Even now, as you read this, the traditional workings in all those industries are being turned on their ears. Rather that see that as an obstacle, view it as an opportunity for someone just like you. In fact, with the information explosion, there is more demand than ever for someone who can push subject and predicate together in unexpected and rewarding ways. As a matter of fact, I would argue that a traditional newspaper or a magazine would be the absolute last place you'd want to go, because they are pretty much sweatshops that pay coolie wages and are going under for the third time anyway.

The other thing about an English degree is that you have to assimilate large amounts of abstract information and coalesce it into a core idea. During my 30-year career, I have found this to be an incredibly valuable skill, one that has time and again been brought into strategic planning for my clients, chiefly because I saw the potential and the flaws of ideas before almost anyone else. The fundamentals of business are easy. A go-getter can understand any business in a matter of months, especially with enough outside reading. It takes a great deal more to synthesize new ideas and be able to articulate them in compelling ways.

Today? I'm fifty years old. I built a $5,000,000 business from scratch over a ten-year period and then sold it. I then turned around and began consulting for clients around the country as someone who specializes in helping mid-level companies hammer out strategies for new growth. I lecture to MBA programs around the country. I've been in the Wall Street Journal more than once, and a host of business publications multiple times. All because my degree gave me the necessary skills. All it takes is a little guts, a little imagination, and a lot of hard work. What's more, I've done far, far better than the army of people who majored in accounting or business because it would get them a job, only to become total, unhappy burnouts by the time they reached 45. Even now, working part-time for a select number of clients, I outearn all those guys who majored in Banking, Business, Accounting, and Engineering and gave me crap about pursuing a liberal arts degree. Yeah, I earned less starting out, but I had reached parity by my late twenties.

So rather than squander all your hard work so far, what you need is a plan. I was fortunate that I worked my way through college at the local daily newspaper, and parlayed that into a small job straight out of college. So I'd start there. Get the part-time job doing something relevant to your major, learn everything you can, and network your ass off. Those actions will help you succeed no matter what your major might be.

Ahh, the days when college was affordable. Today, one has to weigh the cost of a degree. Sure it may have helped you, but the fact is most people who study English, or any subject, will not build a multimillion dollar business. They will graduate with a degree and around $50k worth of debt in a poor economy.

[WyoNewk]

Originally Posted by Elle Oh Elle

... I recall being only six years old and already reading books that most people wouldn't until high school. Just a couple years later, I was reading college-level books. I constantly wrote and basically enjoyed fictional stories and creative writing, although I did happen to do very well in history....

I'm a little confused. In one post you suggest that you have trouble getting a passing grade and in another that you're a whiz kid. When and why did you lose your confidence?

I'm also a little confused as to what courses you've been taking. You have 25 credits? They can't all be English classes I'd hope. When I went to college it was pretty balanced the first couple years -- English, history, government, math, science. There are certain requirements for any degree, even a 2-year degree, wherein you must have these general subjects covered before graduation. Putting them off is not smart.

On applying to the LA Times:
Not to be a downer, but I seriously doubt you'd be hired as a reporter by the LA Times simply because you like to write. My guess is they will hire a few of the brightest grads from the best j-schools, mostly those who have already interned with them. Otherwise you'll likely need a few years of good reporting experience, a solid resume, and some superb clips.

I formed this opinion after being editor of my own small daily for several years. My reporters were generally the brightest j-grads from major universities. Their goals were either to gain experience, hone their writing skills, win some awards and get some good sample clips so they could move up to a larger daily or to learn all they could about community journalism so they could manage and eventually purchase their own small newspaper. Even though I had no degree, I never hired a reporter who didn't have a degree in journalism.

Some did very well. Others did not. And this was before the collapse of daily newspapers.

On the other hand, you CAN certainly break into reporting without a degree. My experience is much like CPGs except I did it without any degree. I got a crappy job at a small weekly newspaper that was owned by one of my high school friends. I did well and was promoted, got some college credit, then a series of better jobs as my reputation grew until I was offered eventual ownership of a good weekly if I'd manage it. I converted it to a daily, ran it for a decade and sold out with *almost* enough to retire at age 35. I had a goal and the drive to work hard to achieve it. And the confidence that I could. After "retirement" I went back to school for fun.

One guy who I worked with on my first job went on to become a state governor's press secretary, from there to manage a major metropolitan daily, to manage a chain of large radio stations and finally ended his career as CEO of a major U.S. banking corporation. He earned a journalism degree from a small college and started in that weekly newspaper as a sports reporter!

You won't get far by sitting on your bum wondering what you should do nor by aiming for pie-in-the-sky jobs that you have no aptitude to perform.

My best advice is to get your head straight and go after a 4.0 gpa in whatever degree you want, but you really needn't decide what degree that is until you have your general requirements met. Then work your tail off at whatever job you can get that corresponds with your degree. If you decide to study journalism, plan to be editor of your school's newspaper or intern at the best newspaper you can find. Earnings are secondary at this point. Learning and gaining good experience should be your main goals.

Good luck!

[Elle Oh Elle]

Originally Posted by WyoNewk

I'm a little confused. In one post you suggest that you have trouble getting a passing grade and in another that you're a whiz kid. When and why did you lose your confidence?

I have trouble getting a passing grade in other courses besides English and history. I thought I clearly stated that, though I'll throw it out a second time. Like I said before, I've only done well in Creative Writing and history.

I was never particularly strong in other topics to begin with.

Originally Posted by WyoNewk

I'm also a little confused as to what courses you've been taking. You have 25 credits? They can't all be English classes I'd hope. When I went to college it was pretty balanced the first couple years -- English, history, government, math, science. There are certain requirements for any degree, even a 2-year degree, wherein you must have these general subjects covered before graduation. Putting them off is not smart.

They aren't all English classes. The way our university works, it's far too crowded so people pretty much take what they can take. So far I've taken every single one of those courses except math.

[findly185]

I just started grad school for professional writing after obtaining my BA in English Lit in 2009. A lot of people in my class shared the unrealistic pipe dream of writing novels, non-fiction, autobiographies, and children's books. Meanwhile a majority of them are working at Starbucks, in retail, or grocery. I was the only professional writer in my class of 20. I realized somewhere in my Jr year of undergrad, that while I loved ancient texts and poetry, it was highly unlikely that I would go anywhere without a doctorate in order to continue doing research and writer papers. So I wised up and started focusing on becoming a proposal/technical writer. I was a copy writer right out of undergrad and now I am a proposal writer.

If you're going to follow through with the writing, you have to be realistic. Everyone and their mom wants to write blogs, or novels. You need to find a realistic, marketable path. 1 in a million will receive that big break of getting their work published....I dont like those odds so I found something applicable (that pays).

[dazeddude8]

Originally Posted by findly185

I just started grad school for professional writing after obtaining my BA in English Lit in 2009. A lot of people in my class shared the unrealistic pipe dream of writing novels, non-fiction, autobiographies, and children's books. Meanwhile a majority of them are working at Starbucks, in retail, or grocery. I was the only professional writer in my class of 20. I realized somewhere in my Jr year of undergrad, that while I loved ancient texts and poetry, it was highly unlikely that I would go anywhere without a doctorate in order to continue doing research and writer papers. So I wised up and started focusing on becoming a proposal/technical writer. I was a copy writer right out of undergrad and now I am a proposal writer.

If you're going to follow through with the writing, you have to be realistic. Everyone and their mom wants to write blogs, or novels. You need to find a realistic, marketable path. 1 in a million will receive that big break of getting their work published....I dont like those odds so I found something applicable (that pays).

Amen to this, that does not mean you only bank your hopes on writing the next great american novel, become the next walt whitman etc... you get a job-techincal writing, sales etc.. whatever whilst working on the next great piece of American literature . If it so happens that your writing hits it big and you can quit your "real Job" then go for it. I would recomend to the OP if the heart is set on writing, look at some techincal writing classes and of course try to land a internship, part time work with the university paper, town newspaper