Category Archives: Majors

What Can I Do with a History Major?

Despite popular myth, there really are many career possibilities available to history majors.  Some of the following resources may help you discover ways to apply your knowledge and skills out in the professional world.

Careers for History Majors (American Historical Association)

Careers for the History Professional (American Association for State and Local History)

History (University of North Carolina-Wilmington)

WebLinks: History (Northern Illinois University)

Three Ways to Major in Economics

For students who take an interest in economics, there are multiple ways to build an academic plan that will suit each student’s unique career needs.  Students can choose a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, or Bachelor of Science degree plan.  What this means is that students who have an interest in double majoring have 86 possible choices for their second major.  Students can use this foundation to enter thousands of occupations, including business, law, and healthcare.  An Economics minor is also available.

Click here for some initial ideas on career possibilities with an Economics major.

Career Spotlight: Marketing Manager

 

Marketing is a popular major choice for many of our students, due to the perception that interpersonal skills and creative talent are key elements.  Today’s post will focus on the responsibilities of marketing managers.  From Occupational Outlook Handbook:

Marketing managers estimate the demand for products and services that an organization and its competitors offer. They identify potential markets for the organization’s products.

Marketing managers also develop pricing strategies to help organizations maximize profits and market share while ensuring that the organizations’ customers are satisfied. They work with sales, public relations, and product development staff.

For example, a marketing manager may monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services. Then they oversee the development of that new product.

Take note that strategy based on data is a key element of this profession.  Do you consider yourself a strategic thinker?  Do you like analyzing information?  Obviously, the ability to work as part of a team is also critical.

It is also important to recognize that many marketing managers have work experience in the field prior to taking on the management role.  Reviewing full-time job postings for marketing managers will help you gain an understanding of what kinds of experience you will need to be qualified for a leadership role.  You could even begin gaining experience during college through internships.  Make sure to visit the website for the Office of Career and Professional Development for information on how to prepare for and find an internship.

Another resource, the American Marketing Association, has a section of their website devoted to students.  It includes a job board.  Keep in mind that once you determine if a career in marketing is for you, you will need to develop a plan for marketing your own skills and talents.

Click here for more information on the Marketing major at Baylor.

Religion Major: Not Just for Pre-Seminary Students

Many Baylor students say that they were first attracted to Baylor because of the opportunities to nurture their faith.  After taking the required Religion classes, some of these students realize they have a desire to learn more.  Of course, a major in Religion can be excellent preparation for seminary, but there are many other options for students with this background. 

In fact, Tim Copeland shares in his blog that a recent report from the American Association of Colleges and Universities highlights the skills that employers are looking for in their new hires:  critical thinking, communication, and problem solving.  Religion majors gain plenty of practice with these skills in their coursework.  You can visit the website for the Department of Religion at Baylor to read about career possibilities with a Religion major, listen to a podcast with Dr. Doug Weaver, or review a list of courses that make up the major.

Career Spotlight: Real Estate Agents and Brokers

Many House Hunters fans out there have pondered a career in real estate.  Here is a bit of information to help you take that idea from fantasy to reality.  The primary difference between real estate agents and brokers is that brokers can run their own real estate businesses.  Agents must work for a broker.

Baylor students can major in Real Estate through the Hankamer School of Business.  To learn more about the job duties, pay, and job growth of brokers and real estate sales agents, you can visit Occupational Outlook HandbookRealtor.org has a list of designations and certifications available through the National Association of Realtors®.

Happy hunting!

Exercise Physiology Major

If you enjoy learning about fitness and nutrition, you might find a nice fit with the Exercise Physiology major.  The program has a built-in internship and can prepare students for working in a wide variety of settings.  Consider if you would enjoy taking classes like:

  • Principles of Health Fitness Instruction
  • Exercise and Sport Nutrition
  • Techniques of Strength Training and Conditioning
  • Sports Psychology
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • Exercise Programming for Individuals with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities

For more information on the major courses, check out the Major Academic Planner for Exercise Physiology.  To learn more about becoming an exercise physiologist, you can visit ExploreHealthCareers.org.

Entrepreneurship

Do you have a desire to create your own company? If so, you might be called to entrepreneurship. Lucky for you, Baylor has just the program you need.  Click here to learn more about Baylor’s Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship programs.

Here are a few related articles you may find interesting:

6 Tips For Starting Your Startup From An Entrepreneurial Guru

Female Startup Founders Share Lessons Learned

I Started My Own Company: Ten Lessons I Learned

“Give Me the Bright Lights”

Have you ever thought it would be fun to plan major events like concerts or release parties?  If so, you may be interested in exploring the Brand Engagement and Promotion [BEaP] track in the Business School’s Marketing department.  Part of this track works directly with Uproar Records to promote artists and plan concerts.  Even if you are interested in planning other types of events, this pathway would give you some great hands on experience in the event planning process and may lead to valuable networking opportunities.  Please visit: http://www.baylor.edu/business/marketing/beap for more details about this exciting program and other career pathways it can provide.

Athletic Training Major

Trying to avoid cubicle jobs?  Sports fan?  Athletic training just might be for you.  Active, hard-working students should explore this field.  First off, visit Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn more about the career itself.  Second, you can read online about Baylor’s Athletic Training major.  Athletic training requires long hours, including early mornings and working outside.  It can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy working with an active population.

Baylor’s program is quite structured compared to some other majors.  If it appears that you are too far behind to complete the degree on time, you could also consider an entry-level Master’s degree program in athletic training.  The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education accredits such programs and maintains a database.  These programs could be good options for prehealth students looking for a “Plan B.”