Careers in Artificial Intelligence

The complex field of artificial intelligence (AI) requires an interdisciplinary team to bring fantasy into reality.  Students with interests in computer science, linguistics, and neuroscience could find ways to use their expertise in AI.  You can visit AITopics.org for information on this field.  Click the following links to learn more about related majors:

Majors for Creative Types

Maybe you march to beat of your own drummer.  Maybe you notice yourself spending more time on your creative hobbies than your homework.  Maybe you know you get bored with the same old routine.  Any of these reasons might be cause for exploring a major that allows you to practice and refine your creative talents.  Here are some ideas to consider: 

Fine Arts and Applied Art Majors

Let’s start with the obvious.  Fine arts majors offer very direct ways of honing your craft, whether it involves visual art, music, or theatre.  Related majors at Baylor include:

  • Apparel Design and Product Development
  • Apparel Merchandising
  • Interior Design
  • Art History
  • Studio Art
  • Music
  • Theatre

Communication and Creative Business Majors

Many students have a gift for written expression.  Others are able to apply creative business strategies to help increase profit for an organization or use their business savvy for an employer in the arts and entertainment industry.  Here are some related majors to consider:

  • Communication Specialist
  • Film and Digital Media
  • Communication Studies
  • English
  • Professional Writing
  • Journalism
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing
  • Media Business

Majors for Innovators

Some creative problem solvers might not describe themselves as creative in the artistic sense of the word.  However, the mind for approaching dilemmas from new and varied perspectives is definitely a creative asset.  Though this type of thinking can apply in any industry, it is often found in those with interests in some of the following areas:

  • Science majors
  • Engineering majors

It is important to remember that each of us is equipped with creative potential, and any discipline has opportunities to explore and develop.  Take a look at the list of Baylor majors.  What ignites a creative spark in you?

Exploring Careers Through Student Organization Involvement

In high school, students often participate in extracurricular activities to aid in the college admissions process.  As a college student, you can focus on the other benefits that student organization involvement can provide.  Of course, student organizations are great for personal enrichment, social opportunities, and service activities. 

Student organizations can also open your eyes to different ways you can exercise your gifts and talents out in the “real world.”  Many of Baylor’s student organizations regularly host guest speakers from the professional community.  These presentations might help you in choosing a major or identifying career possibilities with your major.  Acquiring leadership experience through such organizations can help in your job search, too.  Visit the list of student organiztions at Baylor to begin considering where you might like to plug in.  Many of these groups have been actively recruiting new members lately, so it is a prime time to try something new to you.

Polish Your Skills with a Mock Interview

Are you able to confidently communicate how your skills and experiences make you an excellent job candidate or prospective graduate school student?  Does your job search involve many interviews but no offers?  A mock interview gives you the opportunity to answer questions with an experienced interviewer.  You also get the added benefit of receiving their candid feedback about your performance. 

The Office of Career and Professional Development will be hosting mock interviews on February 8th and 26th.  This is an excellent way to prepare for any kind of interview that you might have coming up, from summer/part-time jobs and internships to graduate/professional schools and full-time employment.  Click here to sign up for an interview.

Careers with the Texas Attorney General’s Office–Information Session Today!

Ever thought about working for the State Attorney General’s Office?  Representatives will be on Baylor’s campus TODAY, Wednesday, January 23rd from 4-5pm in Cashion 103  to discuss local internships as well as  full-time jobs and internships at the over 60 locations of the state organization.  The information session will be a time for discussion about openings available beginning right away, as well as general information about opportunities available in the upcoming months and year-round.   Come to learn and ask questions about these opportunities to gain experience and begin a career in public service or law. We hope to see you there!

Contact the Office of Career and Professional Development if you have questions about this event.

Are You Serious About Medical School Admissions?

Any prehealth student at Baylor should be utilizing one of the most valuable resources that you have available on campus:  the Prehealth Programs office.  The sooner you connect with a prehealth advisor, the better.  Current prehealth students can view announcements in Blackboard, attend information sessions, or enroll in courses to become more informed.  You can also contact the Prehealth Programs office with your questions about the medical school admissions process.  The advisors have expertise in guiding students through this process and helping them understand what it will take to be successful.  Visit the website for Prehealth Programs to get started.

Have You Heard of This Health Care Career? Orthotist and Prosthetist

 

So often we hear students state with confidence that they want to work in health care, yet they are unsure of the specific ways they would like to serve patients.  I would like to introduce you to a health care occupation that might be unfamiliar to you.  Orthotists and prosthetists, also referred to as O & P professionals, design medical support devices and prosthetic limbs.  They also measure and fit patients for these devices. 

O & P professionals must have a Master’s degree in the field.  A list of accredited programs is available on the website for the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education.  Common prerequisite courses include biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology.  This is not a comprehensive list, and interested students should consult the websites of the graduate programs they are considering.

More information on this career can be found at the Occupational Outlook Handbook website, including the favorable job growth projection for this occupation, or at OPCareers.org.

Exploring Nonprofit Work

Baylor students are known for their service to the community and aspirations for making a difference through their work.  Relevant experience can be gained through volunteer work, and it may also help you discern what type of occupation will suit you best.  There are also internships available with many nonprofit organizations, and quite a few of these opportunities are open to all majors.  Conducting a job search in Hire a Bear can be a great place to start.  Just this morning, I conducted an advanced search for “Intern” positions in the “Nonprofit” employer category, and the search yielded 60 results!

Another great resource for researching nonprofit organizations is Idealist.org.  Donna Sparks, Assistant Director of Career and Professional Development at Baylor, points out that the job search feature on the site will allow students to view some available positions.  However, many nonprofit employers do not have the funds to pay to advertise their positions on websites like Idealist.org.  A student who is serious about finding employment with a nonprofit organization should also visit the websites for the individual nonprofit organizations.

For more information on how to use your major to make a difference in the world, visit our websites for career exploration and job search resources.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm: Preparing for Summer Employment


The spring semester has just begun, but you really should be considering your summer plans.  Employers and graduate schools expect that your college experience has consisted of more than simply going to class.  Successful students know that gaining relevant experience throughout college is critical to future success.  Whether you want a prestigious summer internship or you plan to work to save up for next semester’s textbooks, work experience is valuable.  The Office of Career Development has many events already taking place to help you prepare.  Check out our calendar.  You can also review opportunities through Hire A Bear.

Would you like some personalized help with your search?  First, our career counselors can help you identify what type of career you would like to pursue.  Second, resume critiques and career coaching are available to help you make a plan for how to get the job you want.  Let us help, and make sure to tell us your success story!