Concentration Confusion

Dear CRCers: 

I am feeling really unsure about my concentration decision. I haven't taken a lot of classes in it yet because I recently switched from another concentration. Also, though I went to an alum panel sponsored by the concentration, it's still not clear to me what kind of careers I'll be qualified for.

Signed,

Wavering and Lost

www.creativedigest.net

If you're a fourth-semester sophomore, your concentration declaration is due April 1; for many of you, the deadline may feel like it's too soon to decide. To aid you in organizing your thoughts, try answering these questions:

1. Which concentration(s) allow me to explore my academic interests broadly and deeply? Do the upper-level requirements appeal to me?

2. What is the field's methodology (or methodologies)? Which analytic research or creative skills do scholars and practitioners use for their scholarship or artistic practice? Which ones do I want to learn and hone when doing independent work, a thesis, etc.?

3. What experience have I had with the sense of community in the concentration? Which professors have I enjoyed learning from? Does the concentration have a DUG or sponsor events where faculty and students meet outside of class?

Your concentration is related to what you want to do after college, but it's not the same thing as exploring and developing a career path.  In other words, do not assume that a particular concentration is required for a particular job or career. Many concentrations have alum data listed in the lower right-hand corner of their Focal Point description, and you can see what graduates do a year after college. Beyond this, find out what knowledge and skills certain employers or job fields expect from recent graduates by reading job descriptions carefully, conducting informational interviews, and going to on-campus career events. 

Many employers will tell you that your actual concentration is not as important as being able to demonstrate the knowledge you've acquired through a variety of classes and getting some job exposure (through internships, job shadowing, and summer work). Caveat for F-1 visa students: Your concentration will factor into the jobs you seek in the United States, so consult with the Global Brown advisors about your visa requirements.

Finally, to actually declare, make it a priority to meet with one of the concentration advisors. When you declare in ASK, you'll need to map out your course plan and write a statement about your intended learning goals. Many students end up changing some of their electives after declaration, and some even change their concentration junior year. So, just do the best you can with making your decision in the time you have left.