All posts by amy_ames

Majors

Considering an anthropology major?

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For students who enjoy hard sciences, arts, and social sciences, the Anthropology major just might offer the perfect blend.  According to the Princeton Review:

“Anthropology is the broad study of humans and human cultures throughout the world and throughout history and prehistory. It’s part natural science, part social science, and part humanistic study. If you major in Anthropology, you’ll compare and contrast biological, social, and cultural similarities and differences among humans and human societies…The field of Anthropology is conventionally divided into four sub-fields: (1) archaeology, (2) biological anthropology, (3) linguistic anthropology, and (4) cultural anthropology.”

Baylor offers the Anthropology major with your choice of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree plan.  Bachelor of Science students must choose a concentration in General Anthropology or Forensic Anthropology.

The College of Arts and Sciences at Baylor states that

“Graduates of this major go on to:

• work in museums or cultural organizations
• take jobs that can include excavation, research, marketing or advertising
• attend graduate school
• work in a number of government agencies such as the CIA, the FBI, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, historic preservation offices, or environmental agencies.”

Obviously, the major is versatile, both in the subjects studied within the discipline, as well as the career opportunities that this major affords.  Students considering this major might also be interested to know that the Anthropology major requires six credit hours of summer field work or original research.  Not only do such opportunities help students to learn more about professional anthropology, but they look great on those all-important resumes and graduate school applications.  Click here to read more about summer field experiences.

If your interest has been piqued, you are encouraged to visit the website for the Department of Anthropology, Forensic Science, and Archaeology.

http://www.princetonreview.com/Majors.aspx?cip=450201

Creativity, Occupations, Web Resources

Web Resource: Careers in Interior Design

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Each year, students inspired by HGTV and Southern Living magazine question if a career in interior design might be a good fit for them.  There are many ways to learn about the profession, such as college courses, job shadowing, and conversations with faculty.

What if you want to learn more about this career at 2:00 a.m.?  In that case, you might want to begin with this web resource:  Careers in Interior Design.  Several associations made up of interior designers came together to provide a thorough explanation of the career to students.  They address questions like, “How is an interior designer different from a decorator?”

If designing useful and aesthetically appealing spaces sounds like a good career choice for you, keep in mind that Baylor offers an interior design major, which you can learn more about on the Baylor website.

Announcements

Chemistry, Biology, and Math…Oh, My!

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Was your first test grade lower than you were expecting? Follow the lead of some of Baylor’s most successful students and take advantage of FREE tutoring.

Starting TODAY, students in chemistry, biology, math, and physics classes can drop in for FREE tutoring in BSB A.235, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.. This is a satellite location of the Tutoring Center in the Paul L. Foster Success Center, which is still available for tutoring in more than 50 subjects! Click here for more information.

You might be surprised to learn that the majority of students who visit the Tutoring Center are “A” and “B” students. If career success, is your goal, do what you can now to make sure your grades don’t hold you back from achieving your dreams.

Announcements, Majors, Web Resources

What majors will get me a job?

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The short answer:  any of them.  The longer answer is that any major can provide a solid foundation for career success.  However, simply possessing a degree is likely not going to ensure employers come looking for you.  Successfully landing a job requires strong academic performance, relevant experiences, and keen job search skills.  With that being said, many students ask me about whether or not a given major leads to careers that are “in demand?”  Here is one strategy to consider when trying to answer this question for yourself.

Imagine that you have been able to fast forward to the time in your life when you are starting your job hunt.  Consider employers for whom you might like to work.  Review job listings on the company websites, paying particular attention to the qualifications.  Do you notice any trends regarding the level of education, area of study, or relevant experiences they are seeking?

The beauty of performing this exercise early in your academic career is that it allows you time to acquire education and skills that are “in demand.”  If you wait until your last semester of college, there may not be much time left to gain sales experience, learn a foreign language, or demonstrate leadership.

What if you don’t know what employers to consider?  Maybe you aren’t even sure of your career goals.  That’s okay.  A strategy for you could be to review the company websites of organizations who actively recruit at Baylor.  There are several career fairs coming up, and the Career Services office updates their website with lists of the companies that will be represented.

Log in to your HireABear account for more information on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Job Fair and the Hire a Bear Career Fair.  Click the “Career Events” tab at the top, then search “Career Fair.”  Each of the fairs listed in your search results will offer a link to “Search Employers.”  You will have many criteria from which to select as you search those who will be in attendance.  If you click on an employer’s name, you will see a list of majors they recruit.

If you are undecided on your major, or unsure of your major, this is a great way to discover what majors can prepare you for a career with the employer of your dreams.

Mark your calendar!  The STEM Job Fair is TOMORROW, September 15.  The HireABear Career Fair is September 29.  You can register for the events through your HireABear account, and you can also get specifics on times and locations.  These fairs are for all students, whether you are exploring opportunities, looking for an internship, or trying to secure that first full-time position.  Take advantage of this wonderful service that Baylor offers you!

Healthcare, Majors, Plan B

Health Science Studies Major

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We frequently receive questions about the Health Science Studies major in Baylor’s School of Education.  It should come as no surprise, since approximately one-third of Baylor freshmen indicate that they are on a pre-med track.  If you are interested in a career in healthcare, pre-med or otherwise, please take a few moments to learn some basics about this popular major.

The Health Science Studies major is offered on a Bachelor of Science in Education degree plan.  Be aware that this does not automatically mean that you will be prepared for teacher certification with this program, though some students choose to include teacher education classes in their courses of study.  Students in this major have a choice of four options:

  • Pre-Physical Therapy Option
  • Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Option
  • Secondary General Science Education Option
  • Health Professions Option

Obviously, the first two options are intended for students who plan on applying to a professional school in physical therapy, medicine, or dentistry.  The programs include the prerequisites needed for admission to the professional schools.  Students in these two options should note the following requirement, taken directly from the Baylor University Undergraduate Catalog (2011-2012):

“Students in Health Science Studies (HSS) Premedical/Predental and Pre-Physical Therapy majors will be required to have a 3.0 or beter cumulative GPA after 60 hours are completed (with at least 15 hours at Baylor). These 60 hours will include but not be limited to BIO 1305-1105, BIO 1306-1106, CHE 1301, 1302, 1316, HP 1420, and required math coursework. If a student does not have the 3.0 GPA after completing the required 60 hours, the student will be placed on probationary status for one term.  At the end of the one probationary ter, (two summer sessions count as one term) if the GPA is still not at a 3.0 and/or the above coursework is not completed, the student will not be allowed to continue in this major. Students may appeal the GPA requirement only in very unusual circumstances. Appeals must be made in writing to the director of the HSS program within 15 days of the end of any semester after 60 hours when a student’s GPA falls below 3.0.”

Students in the latter two options must maintain a 2.6 GPA or higher, meaning that some students who are not able to continue in the Pre-Physical Therapy or Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Options are able to change to the Secondary General Science Education Option or Health Professions Option as a back-up plan.

The Secondary General Science Education Option has Health Science Studies students to take courses that would make them eligible to apply for teacher certification, while the Health Professions Option gives students the choice of a minor in Business Administration or Community Health.

Many students find appealing the professional field experience or internship that is built into this major.  Also, students are quick to notice that the Health Science Studies major does not require students to take a foreign language, a significant difference from a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree plan.

We hope this summary whets your appetite for information on the Health Science Studies major.  Stay tuned, as we plan to add an interview with Dr. Barbalee Symm about this major to our Meet the Majors podcast series soon!

Communications, Occupations

Career Spotlight: Public Relations Specialist

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When you hear the words public relations, what comes to mind?  Is it planning massive events, a celebrity’s spokesperson sending out a “no comment” response, or even someone “spinning” a story to make an organization look more positive?  The media has done little to conquer stereotypes of the profession of public relations.

At the core of public relations is writing, which makes it fitting that the Public Relations sequence is an option of the Journalism major at Baylor.  Strong grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills are a must for success in this field.  Public relations specialists work hard to promote a positive image of an organization or individual.  They use various forms of media to communicate their messages, such as print, online, and broadcast media.  Public relations specialists also need to be adept at interpersonal skills, since they work closely with staff from the various media outlets.

If promoting the good that others are doing sounds good to you, here are some ways you can learn more about a career in public relations:

Public Relations Society of America

Baylor University’s Department of Journalism, Public Relations, and New Media

What Can I Do with This Major?

Business, Occupations

Career Spotlight: Management Analyst

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Do you enjoy offering advice?  Is research your forte?  Are you looking for a career in a growing industry?  If so, read further for information on a career as a management analyst.

According to the O*NET OnLine, management analysts, “conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplifications and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.”  They help managers determine the best strategies for success.

The Occupational Outlook Quarterly explains that educational backgrounds for management analysts vary, though many possess a Master of Business Administration degree.  It goes on to list common undergraduate majors as business, management, marketing, economics, and engineering.  The publication also notes that many management analysts have work experience with management information systems.

For more information, and to determine if a career as a management analyst might be a fit for you, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Announcements, Government, Internships

Announcement: U.S. Department of State Presentation at Baylor

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The Department of Career Services in the Paul L. Foster Success Center shared the following announcement:

Ambassador Ron McMullen will discuss Foreign Service careers, internships, and experiences from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on Monday, September 12, 2011 in Kayser Auditorium in the Hankamer School of Business.  All students, staff, and faculty are invited to attend. Students/Alumni please RSVP in Hire a Bear.

Following this presentation Ambassador McMullen will be conducting individual consultations regarding summer 2012 internships with the U.S. Department of State.  Please request an interview via Hire a Bear to schedule an individual consultation with Ambassador McMullen.

Internships are paid positions. Minorities, students with disabilities, wounded veterans, speakers of hard languages, 1st generation college-goers, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and others are encouraged to apply.  Candidates must be American citizens, undergrad (but not Freshmen) or graduate students, and be planning to continue their college or grad school education after the internship.

 

Web Resources

Meet the Majors Podcast Series

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Have you ever raised the question, “What can I do with that major?”  Maybe your interest was piqued by a major, but you worried that switching majors would push back your expected graduation date.  For others, the thought of a new major was derailed by someone making negative remarks about it.

The Meet the Majors Podcast Series allows students to hear vital, accurate major information straight from the mouths of faculty members at Baylor.  They address questions like those listed above, and they showcase the unique opportunities students have in their programs.

You can click here to view our archives of previous podcasts.  We are at 29 interviews and counting!  Enjoy our latest installment on the Geology major with Dr. Joe Yelderman.  There is also a link on the web page so you can subscribe to have all new interviews sent directly to you.  If you have ideas for majors you would like to see highlighted in our series, please leave a comment below.  Happy listening!