As a pre-business student, you’re likely going to be asked about your alternative major at some point. There are typically three responses to the alternative major question:
- I don’t need an alternative major…I am getting into Kelley.
- What is an alternative major?
- It’s Merchandising/Informatics/Media Advertising/Sports Marketing and Management/Management + Human Organizations, etc.
Let’s dive into question #2. The alternative major is simply another way for you to meet your career goals. There’s a lot of pressure in high school, when you’re applying to colleges, to pick a major. But does the major itself mean you’ll get the career you want? No. There’s more to it than simply pursuing the “right” degree.
What is going to get you the career that you want is:
- Accumulating strong grades, which demonstrate work ethic and communication skills
- Developing your leadership, planning and people management abilities
- gaining mastery over certain skill sets (Excel, anyone?) that will make you a candidate who’s easy to hire
- creating a compelling narrative about how you see yourself fitting into the needs of the company
Pick an alternative major in something you are interested in studying. But how do you know what you’re interested in studying beyond your original major? Meet with me and let’s find out!
Leave a Reply