September 14, 1994 

Patrick Combs Copyright 1994 

by Communication Concepts 

Dear Patrick, 

I really want to major in art history, but everyone says that if do I will never get a job. What can I do? Worried about Eating Dear Worried, If art history is your favorite subject, by all means make it your major. The best major is always the one that turns your crank the most. As for getting a job after college, the fact is that employers care less about what you majored in than about your being able to do the following things: dress appropriately for the workplace; answer the phone in a professional manner; write a business letter; use a computer; manage your time effectively. If you can acquire these skills, you can major in whatever you want--even art history--and still be very employable after college. And if you don't have the skills listed above, no business anywhere needs you, no matter what you majored in. You might as well have drawn a Monopoly card that says, "Go directly to the unemployment line. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200." Even business majors without the five skills listed above are hurting for work. Here's how to build up these skills, while generating impressive items for your future resume at the same time: get involved in a campus organization that interests you, then volunteer for a project requiring phone work; take a business writing course; take an introduction to computers course (unless you've already got very strong computer skills); do at least one internship in your field to pick up some true workplace experience; and learn and practice time management. The Charles Hobbs Corp. will send you a free time management pocket kit if you call 800-556-5430. Organizations such as Open U. and The Learning Annex offer very brief, inexpensive and very helpful non-credit courses in time management. So do many college and high school community education programs. Once you have these practical workplace skills, you have the basic credentials that every employer needs and wants. The next step to ensure your success is a gold mining trip to the library. If you go straight to the books I'm going to recommend, I guarantee you will discover more than ten careers that relate to your major, no matter what it is. (The first book noted below lists 17 possible jobs for art history majors). Furthermore, you'll walk away from these books with a list of professional associations, career guidebooks, and newsletters that will help you to make the right contacts for getting your dream job. These three books are: Major Options: The Student's Guide to Linking College Majors and Career Opportunities During and After College by Nicholas Basta (HarperPerennial); Professional Careers Sourcebook: Where to Find Help Planning Careers that Require College or Technical Degrees edited by Kathleen M. Savage and 500 Annette Novallo (Gale Research, 800-347-4253); and Career Choices for the 90's for Students of _____ (fill in the blank with your major) (Walker & Co., 800-289-2553). There are 11 books in the series, from Art to Psychology. The five basic skills, some focused research, and a clear picture of your dream job all add up to job opportunities at graduation--regardless of your major.