There seems to be a slight confusion for students when deciding what major to declare. The problem comes in when students don’t know the importance of each degree, or when a major is declared but not certain if the degree will aid in getting that desired job.
Students were asked if they knew what the importance of their degree would be in aiding them to getting their dream job, or going to the graduate school of their choice. Many of the students knew exactly where their degree would take them and knew what degree they would be receiving, although there were some who had no idea. Markel Barnes, a junior biology major, knew that he would be receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. “I feel that with this degree, I will be able to obtain the job I have always wanted.”
“If I don’t go straight into working, it will assist me in getting into graduate school,” Barnes said. Jaleeza Kent, a junior industrial engineering major, said she plans to work for Intel Corporation doing manufacturing automation with her degree. She knows exactly what she is doing after graduation, which degree she will be receiving, and how it will help her after graduating.
Kanesha Sheelor, a junior public relations major, also knew that she would be receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. “I believe my degree will help me get into a great communications program,” she said. “Then, I will go on to get a competitive position as a media relations specialist for a federal government agency.”
DaMario Ervin, a freshman criminal justice major, knows which degree he is going after and how he will use it after he graduates. Unlike many of his peers, he is confident in knowing this information and said, “I will be receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. I plan on going to graduate school, and I know my degree will assist me a great deal.”
Furthering an education after an undergraduate degree is earned could take a lot of work depending on the degree chosen. There are about 86 various degrees offered at A&T, it just depends on the student to know exactly what it is that they want to do after graduation.
Dr. Sue Schumacher, a professor in the psychology department received numerous degrees and definitely feels her degrees are being put to use. Some advice that Schumacher gave to students who struggle with finding a job that pertains to their degree is “first learn as much as you can while you are in college, get involved in research, practica and volunteer work related to your field so that you will graduate with experience.
A student should begin a job search at least six months prior to graduation and consider taking a graduate course or two while working just in case you want to apply for graduate school sometime later.”Dr. Godfrey A. Gayle, professor of biological and natural resources engineering, also gave advice to struggling students. Dr. Gayle received a degree in biological and agricultural engineering. Giving advice to students Dr. Gayle said, “Their degree should be something that they love, just don’t get a degree for college. A student should focus on the well being that will change society. Think before a major is decided so the impact to society will be a contribution and meaningful.”Students should be well aware of the importance and meanings of various degrees. This is simply because it is their life, and what they do and decide now, will affect what they will be doing later. Deciding a major and obtaining a degree may be two of the most confusing and difficult things in your college career, but in knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life, an appropriate decision should be wisely made to eliminate any confusion. It is a known fact that the more you learn the more you earn, and the less likely you are to be unemployed; therefore, earning a degree is extremely important and students should be well aware of the major they declare and the degree they receive.
- Whitney Dickens and Christin Hope