What is the right major for me?

[Juice Malone]

Originally Posted by alester237

I don't know how big the company you work at is, but if they do any business internationally, a foreign language might be nice to know. Even if they don't currently, you could ask if they are looking to expand their business in the near future and what languages they might need. I wouldn't recommend studying a language as your primary major though, but you could study it on your own when you have time or minor in a language. You could also double major. It sounds hard but really it isn't because the core curriculum classes for most majors are basically the same and with a foreign language degree you might be able to take a lot of free electives. Basically the main classes you would need for an IT or engineering major (or whatever major you decide on) would count as free electives for your language major, so in other words pretty much the only thing you would need to do to add a language as a double major is take the language classes you would need, which might only take an extra 3 semesters (give or take 1) of classes.

They do do some business internationally, but not much and primarily in Canada. As it is a recession proof business it will continue to grow. Alot of our equipment is manufactured in Europe though. I don't really want to do foreign language. I have a knack for language learning, but it is something that I would prefer to learn myself not learn in a classroom from a teacher. I think the way they teach languages in school is terrible. When we were babies we didn't learn about reading or proper grammar at first. We figured out how to speak. The double major idea is good though.

[Juice Malone]

Originally Posted by lchoro

Industrial engineering and operations research is probably well-suited if you're in manufacturing. I've taken a few courses. It's heavy in statistics. You study manufacturing processes, products, supply chain, etc.as it relates to an industry. You can apply it to whatever industry that's heavy in manufacturing.

Material sciences might be better suited if you're going to research products, packaging materials, and so on.

What are your thoughts on pursuing those majors online?

[Juice Malone]

Originally Posted by NewbiePoster

MBA and sales. You could combine them. Engineering's a no-brainer, as you said. Pharmacy.

Look up the Geography departments of some big universities, and see what specialties they offer. You might get some ideas. With a degree in Geography you could work for NOAA. Environmental science would be good, too, as you said. Are you good at math and science? That's one thing to consider.

You know what you could do--get a double major. One in a field that would benefit your company, and one that would prepare you for a job that's more to your personal interests and that would help you when you relocate with your wife. So for example, a double major in Environmental Science and Geography/atmospheric science. Those combine well, and requirements would probably overlap to some degree.

I like the double major idea. Does environmental engineering combine well with geography too?

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by Juice Malone

I like the double major idea. Does environmental engineering combine well with geography too?

That would depend on what specialization in geography. Some Geography departments have an International Development concentration. Environmental engineering would be an awesome combination with that! If that's what you're into. But, don't mind me. I'm just dreaming.

[L210]

I also think it's important to point out that there is physical geography (which seems to interest the OP) and human/cultural geography. Human/cultural geography would be helpful for international business.