Changes for the Arc Tuesday Talks blog

Hello readers!

It's been about two weeks since our last blog entry. We have completed most of the Liberal Arts majors and are ready to move on to a new focus area. Unfortunately, there's a reason for this current delay. As much as I can share with you today, our current office is in the process of expanding its staff along with its capabilities. In fact, the "ARC" or Advising Resource Center name is being replaced with a new one that will fit perfectly with the functions of the future office. So with that, I'm sad to say that the ARC Tuesday Talks will be on hiatus until September and will start up accordingly with a new major direction. Find out if we move towards engineering, health science, or business next! :)

Thanks for following and please stay tuned.

Philosophy

Have you heard of this one: I think therefore I am.- Descartes. Or what about this one (I really like this one): It requires a great deal of faith for a man to be cured by his own placebos.- John L. McClenahan

These are thought provoking statements that spiral further abstract critical thinking and lengthy conversations. Philosophy has spanned over 2500 years. It covers areas from politics, ethics, reality, religion, society, etc. It searches for truth and value among human life.
A major in philosophy is also a great springboard major that can prepare students for graduate studies, such as law school, medical school or other graduate study programs. From the major some skills that are gained are the following: thinking logically, critically, independently, and ethically. Strong oral and written communication skills are also major areas that are developed throughout the major.

To share more information with you about this major I have selected 3 very helpful videos that i believe sum up the philosophy major very well. Please enjoy!

History

History--If I could describe history in one phrase, it would be: "The storyteller of life". History shares the events of our pasts and gives insight to the future. Your life, my life,...we all have history. This is a personal note: History to me always seemed interesting because it let's you in on the lives of others from the past. It shares with you the lifestyle and ways of the world without you even having to be there. No, we can't say we've walked in each others' footsteps but we can say we've seen parts of steps either through literature, movies, or through stories passed on by family...but I digress.

So we know what history is. Now, what can I do with a history major? Well, as we know, teaching is always a popular choice for this major however, DON'T limit yourself only to teaching!! But wait, there's more!

Watch this video to learn more about the History major:

Common areas to work in with a History Major:
Government
Law
Politics
Non-profit organizations
Curatorial
Archival
Journalism
and yes, Education (including higher ed)
For more info, see this link: what can i do with this major

Just full of videos today! Have a good one!

Mathematics

For this entry I think I can spare you my witty attempt of sharing my idea of what I think about math. I will say this, it is ubiquitous-- there's no way around it and within everything that we do, we deal with  math in some form. It is a pure form of knowledge where other information is based off of it. From numbers to equations, shopping, driving, our paychecks- they all have to do with math. And I'm sure you're aware of this....

Let's just jump in to the reason you are even reading this entry today- What can you do with a math major and why would anyone want to major in it? Well, to answer the second question first, those who enjoy math, understand it, or like to approach problems in a logical, systematic way may excel at math and therefore, mathematics may be a great choice. Because it is involved in everything it is a very versatile foundational area, the first question will be answered by this: there's so much you can do with a mathematics major!

Other options:
Accountant
Actuary
Benefits Specialist
Biomathematician
Economist
Numerical Analyst
Teacher
Cryptologist
Demographer
Statistician
Systems Analyst
Data Analyst
Cartographer
Computing Analyst
Computer Engineer
Business
Investment Analyst

and MORE just click here: career profiles from math majors

One thing to keep in mind, math is in a lot of fields however, there may be majors that specifically designed to meet the needs of specific career options. A mathematics major can be a means to an end, or be the building block of which to continue on with; it's all based on your interest and passion within the area.

Cheers! :)

Internships

Today marks the 20th Blog entry since starting in January! We've come a long way and have discussed a number of majors and careers thus far. Instead of spotlighting another major this week, we are dedicating this entry to: INTERNSHIPS!


What is an internship?
 An internship is a supervised, para-professional position  that allows individuals learning experiences and skills for future professional work. Most students will start an internship around their Junior/Senior year, but will start looking for internships around the end of their Sophomore year. For some majors, it is required to have an internship completed prior to graduation. Presently, employers are looking for students who have had at least one internship, but 2-3 internships can be advantageous. Internships may last between 1-2 semesters and may be part-time or full time.

Why be an intern?
Ask any employer- internships are the gateway to not only work experience, but to networking and possibly a future career opportunity. Employers are looking to see real, dedicated, on-the-job experience for entry level employees. For 2011-2012 recruiting trends, 71% of respondents stated that their organization will be seeking out interns during the academic year.This means-- it is quite important to get an internship prior to graduation in order to maximize your potential work opportunities. Also, the skills that you learn on the job are vast. An internship allows you to try some of your career interests out and leaves room for mistakes, learning, and development without as many high expectations as a professional employee may have.

Paid vs. Unpaid internships:
While its great when we can get paid for the work that we do, not all internships are paid. Paid interns earn between $10-15. For the many that are unpaid, something far greater is to be expected: real, transferable skills will be developed as well as gift of expanding your dedication to the work that you do!From my experience of working 3 internships in my life: paid or unpaid internships are invaluable! You never know what may come from an internship, like a full-time position. Last year, 39% of internships were converted to full-time positions. Also, if an internship is a part of your major's requirements, you probably will receive credit for the work that you've done.

Other options:
Volunteer experience- supplies great experience as well.
leadership in professional or non-professional organization- if you have time outside of class, join a student organization or executive board to broaden leadership skills. Leadership opportunities definitely stretch your ability and knowledge about your personality.


Having a degree is important, no doubt, however, to stand out amongst other students who have just received a piece of paper just like you, think about your future in interning.
For more information please see the links below:

http://internships.about.com/od/internshipsuccess/u/success.htm
http://www.wetfeet.com/advice-tools/internships/unpaid-internships-no-pay-no-gain
http://www.imdiversity.com/villages/careers/entry_level/wsj_internships_0308.asp

Social Work

What would the world be like without social issues? Probably awesome, right? Well social issues seem to be inevitable. Now think, what would the world be like without social workers? There are a vast majority of social issues that occupy the minds of our society everyday. Luckily there are gifted individuals who study and work to help, advocate and empower others when dealing with personal difficulties.

Social workers are individuals who work to help others with social issues in a variety of ways. It may be work related, health related, community related or school related. Social workers work in a number of different environments such as hospitals, private practices, in research, schools, and community public service offices.Typically, there are two major types of social workers: social workers who deliver direct-service- (help people solve and cope with problems in daily lives); and clinical social workers- diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.

For direct-services, a bachelors degree is the minimum requirement, however those wanting to do clinical work must receive at least a master's degree as well as a license. In the capacity of helping others, social workers also provide resources and referrals to clients who are in need of a service maybe outside of therapy. The clientèle that one may work with will vary depending on area of interest. From children and protective services to elderly and hospice care-- everyone can use a hand from a social worker.

Interested individuals will want to have the following interests:
Social- working/helping others
Artistic- creative ability

Some skills and abilities necessary: listening skills, people skills, compassion, organizational skills, problem solving skills, time management skills

Similar occupations to consider:
Health Educator
Substance Abuse Counselor
Mental Health Counselor
Marriage and Family Counselor
Probation Officer
Correctional Treatment Center
Psychologist
Rehabilitation Counselor
School and Career Counselor
Social Service Specialist
Human Services Assistant

For more information on the social work major or this career field please check out the following links:


bls.gov
social workers
Oakland University- SW

Studio Art/ Art History

Mona Lisa by: Leonardo Da Vinci

 Art is the creative expression of the human imagination. Art covers areas from music to theatre and writing. For our purposes today, we will focus on studio art/fine art and art history. 

Studio Art- Studio art ties together two main pieces: visual communication and aesthetic expression. This may include but not limited to drawing, painting, photography, video, digital media, pottery, sculpting, etc. 

Art History -This may sound quite silly but art history studies the history of art from prehistoric times to current modern art (You probably already gathered that much from the title). However, it does not just a focus on the piece of work at hand, but also things that may have influenced it such as the following: culture, economics, politics, religion, and technology.

Studying studio art or art history as a major will not only help students strengthen their artistic creativity, but also develop written communication, critical thinking and visual analysis skills. Studio art courses tend to focus more so on the creation and techniques of art along with a specialty area.  Art history courses usually will involve an array of cultural courses in relation to art. Art is hardly just a western world talent. 

 

Transferable skills:

With an art major students will gain great transferable skills in communication and expression, work ethic, flexibility, and visual analysis amongst other skills.

Careers for Art majors:

Art history majors can find employment in art museums and galleries (education, administration, curatorial, registrar, sales, publications, development, public relations, exhibit design and preparation, archivist, travel guides), art sales (art and antique galleries, auction houses), education (K-12, university and college teaching), arts administration, publishing houses, historical societies, historic preservation, art conservation, library science, visual resource curatorship, art therapy, antiquarian book trade, artist representative, insurance claim adjusting, law (concerning copyright and art ownership) and landscape architecture. For non-teaching career alternatives in art history visit this web site: www.nd.edu/~crosenbe/jobs.html. 

Starry Night by:Vincent Van Gogh

The studio art program is intended for students who are considering careers as professional artists, or in one of the many fields with ties to the arts. Studio art majors can find employment in commercial and graphic arts, advertising, illustration, computer design, photographic studios, and galleries. Many career fields, however, require additional degrees or certificates in art history, museum practice, art education, library science, historic preservation, art conservation, arts administration, fine arts, etc.

For further information please check out the below links:

What can I do with this major?

Art Careers

Career Guide for Art History majors

What to do with a studio art major

Career Guide for Studio Art

 Lastly, here are some helpful tips for art majors:

- Volunteer, find an internship or study under a faculty member who has a side area still in art

- Foreign languages are very helpful and sometimes required at some universities (fluency in another language gives you more flexibility of where you can work)

- Really study art history- from paintings and origins, to artists and companies. (know your stuff)

- Join student organizations that can help manifest your skills

-Decide if this is an area of future career interest or if art is just a hobby (this field takes dedication!)

-A bachelors degree can get you entry level jobs, but advanced course work gives you better opportunities

-Consider the idea of relocation if you want to live closer to areas with larger markets for art

Have a great one and see you next Tuesday!