Psychology

 

So, we're going to start today off with a personal story--

When I was in my undergrad program, I often met people from time to time that would ask me about my major. This is usually how the conversation went:

Person: "So what's your major?/What are you majoring in?"

Me: "Psychology."

Person: "Hmm, so are you going to analyze everything I say? Are you reading my mind?"

Me: "...no."

It's quite the misconception that all psychology majors will analyze, pull apart, or judge everything that  someone may say. However, analytical ability is a gained skill through this major, along with other skills. Psychology is the study of the mind and human behavior--"why do we do the things we do?" It also studies the relationship between the brain and behavior, as well as behavior and the environment. Psychology is a multifaceted discipline.  So, yes psychology does analyze and observe behavior whether natural or experimental, but usually within the confinements of an office, laboratory, or planned natural location.Community, Clinical, Social, Cognitive and Perceptual, Counseling, Developmental, Educational, Engineering, Environmental, Experimental, Forensic, are just a few of the various areas that one could study. Please check out this link to learn more about the specifics of each of these areas.

 

 Sometimes students interested in psychology will go on to fulfill a completely different field of work. Because the major has so many transferable skills it makes for a great foundation for all types of areas such as business, human resources, sociology, social work, education, and other human service areas. 

Here are some skills that you should gain from a psychology major:

• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
• Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Below are links for more information about possible career choices for psychology majors. Thanks for reading!

what can i do with a major in psychology? 

American Psychological Association

Communication

Communications is one of the largest majors at Oakland University. And per the request of a student, this week's topic is on the Communication's major.

Let's start today's topic off with a video. This is a classic video clip from the awesome duo of Ernie and Bert. Let's take a look at what they taught us about the communication major.

So not only for entertainment but there is a clear lesson behind this clip! Miscommunication can cause problems. Although we take our ability to effectively communicate for granted, academically there are those that may be a bit better at it than most. And because it's not a universal skill [to effectively communicate] we have those who really succeed amongst different fields while having just a background in a communication's major.

A communication major studies the practices and theories of how people interact verbally with others as well as their choices in communication contexts. Specific areas of study may be in mass media/communication, interpersonal  communication, intrapersonal communication, group communication,  print, or oral interpretation.

We've come across a great resource on Oakland University's website. You can check out further information about the Communication major, jobs, internships, and scholarships.

Careers for Communication Major: (some areas may need addition academic work)

Business:
Management	Manager
Personnel Recruiter	Vice-president Human Resources
Trainer	Director of Training and Development
Admissions Counselor	Benefits Administrator
Sales Representative	Executive Manager
Public Information Officer	Industrial and Labor Relations
Negotiator	Customer Service Representative
Newsletter Editor	Human Resources Manager
Mediator	Buyer
Advertising:
Advertising Specialist	Marketing Specialist
Copy Writer	Account Executive Manager
Media Planner	Media Buyer
Creative Director	Media Sales Representative
Public Researcher
Communication Education:
Language Arts Coordinator	High School Speech Forensics/Debate Coach
Drama Director	Speech Communication Department Chairperson
School Counselor	Education Researcher
Audiovisual Specialist	Educational Administrator
Director of College News	Educational Tester
Educational Fund-raiser	Alumni Officer
Electronic Media/Radio    Television/Broadcasting:
Broadcasting Station Manager	Director of Broadcasting
Film/Tape Librarian	Community Relation Director
Unit Manager	News Writer
Transmitter Engineer	Technical Director
Advertising Sales Coordinator	Market Researcher
Actor/Actress	Announcer
Disc Jockey	News and Relation Manager
Comedy Writer	Casting Director
Producer	Business Manager
Floor Manager	Talk Show Host
Journalism (Print or Electronic):
Reporter	Editor
Newscaster	Author
Copy Writer	Script Writer
News Service Researcher	Technical Writer
Acquisitions Editor	Media Interviewer
Public Relations:
Publicity Manager	Advertising Manager
Marketing Specialist	Lobbyist
Corporate Public Affairs	Specialist
Account Executive	Development Officer
Sales Manager	Media Analyst
Media Planner	Creative Director
News Writer	Public Opinion Researcher
Theatre/Performing Arts:
Performing Artist	Script Writer
Arts Administrator	Performing Arts Educator
Costume Design	Scenic Designer
Lighting Theatre Critic	Makeup Artist
Stage Manager	Model
Theatre Professor	Casting Director
Government/Politics:
Public Information Office Writer	Legislative Assistant
Campaign Director	Research Specialist
Program Coordinator	Elected Official
High Technology Industries:
Trainer for Communication Tech.	Circuit Television Producer/Director
Systems Analyst	Technical Copywriter
Language Specialist	Cognition Researcher
	Audio & Visual Computer Display Specialist
Communication and Health Care:
Health Educator	School Health Care Administrator
Medical Grants Writer	Hospital Director of Communication
Clinic Public Relations Director	Health Communication Analyst
Research Analyst	Medical Training Supervisor
Health Personnel Educator	Medical Center Publications Editor
Hospice Manager	Heath Care Counselor
Activities Director	Marketing Director
International Relations and Negotiations:
On-Air International Broadcasting	Corporate Representative
Translator	Student Tour Coordinator
Diplomat	Foreign Correspondent
Law:
Public Defender	Corporate Lawyer
District Attorney	Private Practice Lawyer
Legal Researcher	Mediation & Negotiation Specialist
Legal Secretary	Legal Reporter
Legal Educator
Social and Human Services:
Public Administrator	Social Worker
Recreation Supervisor	Human Rights Office
Community Affairs Liaison	Park Service Public Relations Specialist
Religious Leader	Mental Counselor

Here are some important skills to possess: 

Listening skills

Non-verbal, Oral and written ability

Analytical ability

Because the major of communication is so broad,  a big suggestion that we've heard a number of times is that "internships" are the leading way of getting a better chance at gaining a job after college.

Lastly, we want to leave you with this thought: The way in which we communicate is ever changing. It is up to those who find this field interesting to stay up with the times and find ways to best market themselves, as well as find out why things are changing in the ways that they do.

To end this week's blog post, here's yet another youtube video. Let me know what you think!

Enjoy! 

Environmental Sciences

Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone! In celebration of this hallmark holiday, our topic today seems to be fitting. How so you may ask?

 

Environmental Science is the study of the relationship between humans, society, and our environment. It studies worldly issues such as pollution or global warming, and looks for solutions as to how to preserve our beloved home here on Earth. Topics of "going green", being "Eco-friendly", and "sustainability" have hit areas from college campuses to car industries. We all have our part in cleaning up our mess, but also finding solutions to prevent problems for the future. Environmental Science looks at all of that! Environmental Scientists also work in, for, and with many different types of companies to ensure our limited resources are valued. 

Career Option Areas:

Soil Science

Waste Management

Water Quality

Fishery and Wildlife

Parks and Recreation

Urban Planning

Education

Law

Auto Industry

Laboratory Sciences

Skills:

Most environmental science majors must have an interest in problem solving, research, mathematics; enjoy challenges, and have a love for the natural sciences. They also may have a very strong interest or even love for wanting to save our planet, recycling, and alternative methods of living.

Lastly, if you're living in Michigan and are interested in this field, have a look at this link.

English, Writing and Rhetoric...Oh My!

 So I thought this would be a perfect major for today seeing as how today is Charles Dickens' 200th Birthday, according to Google. Dickens was one of the greatest English novelists back in the Victorian Era. You can read more about him and his legacy here. (But after you finish the blog :))

Ah, the major that most Americans have learned about first, probably before they even knew it could be a major or an area that one could work in-- English.When I meet with students who have an interest in English, mainly their first response is similar to what they think of most humanity/liberal arts majors: “What can you do with an English major?” Well, let’s look at the world a little differently. What if we did not have English majors. How would things be? 

 

Well for one, I would be a bit worried for businesses who have to write proposals for their companies.They may have slight trouble fully expressing their plan to the higher-ups. An English or writing background can help here.

The President of the United States may have a hard time delivering a speech to the country next time he has something of great importance to share with the world.No speech if there’s no team of writers.

What about manuals? Who creates those? Well, you guessed it, usually a person with a background in English or writing. Remember back when you were a kid and you studied Aesop's fables or nursery rhymes, or short stories like the “Boxcar Children” and “Babysitters Club”(I may be dating myself a bit)....no author= no favorite books.

English majors don’t just read. Yes, they usually become professionals at that after college, however there are many areas that one can work in. From being an English or Writing and Rhetoric major, you gain 4 important skills that can be used in many positions. --Reading, Writing, Critical Thinking, and Speaking.

Here are some Related Careers:

Acquisitions Manager

Advertising Copywriter

Art Bibliographer

Critic

Editor

Copywriter

Grant Writer

Historical Interpreter

Journalist

Librarian

Media Relations

Information Specialist

Technical Writer

Sales Promotion Specialist

Teacher

Professor

University Relations Administrator

Proofreader

Press Representative

Speech Writer

Interviewer

News Broadcaster

Comedian (or ghostwriter)

Filmmaker

Children’s Literature Writer

Researcher

Internet Blogger

 Tips for success in English and related fields of interest

o   A major in English can be good preparation for continued graduate or professional training in areas such as English, law, political science/government

o   Public administration, psychology, counseling, communications, and religious studies (i.e., seminary)

o   Develop a specialty area of interest via additional coursework and/or work experience for greater marketability within that specific career field.

o   Save samples of written work to be used for a portfolio.

o   Be prepared to be proactive, determined, assertive, and confident in order to secure freelance writing opportunities.

o   Cultivate other career opportunities in order to supplement a freelance writing income.

For more information about these majors check out this link.