Integration??

When you bake something (i.e. cakes, cookies, cupcakes....) you need to integrate multiple ingredients: eggs, flour, sugar, salt, water, baking soda...individually these things are very different from each other but somehow come together to make something delicious. The important aspect of interdisciplinary studies is not just being aware of your different backgrounds and view points, but to integrate the different perspectives and practices together to create a new unique approach. The reason this is important is because the main benefit of an interdisciplinary approach is the unique viewpoint it creates. For example, if someone's major is Hospitality Management and one area is Education then a way to integrate those areas is when it comes to training in the Hospitality field. Effective training involves using teaching techiniques. And to teach someone how to be a professional in the Hospitality field they need to understand the importance of service. So, when training one needs to teach well.

From a professional aspect, integrating multiple studies can be very valuable. Being well educated in more than one area gives you a unique approach to any job or even a single decision. Having studied psychology, for example, can help you in any position that involves dealing with a lot of different people on a regular basis. Realistically, what job wouldn't be easier if you had a little knowledge about how and why people act the way they do. In addition, knowing and understanding people gives you a leg up on the best way to communicate with them and get what you want. Therefore, integrating psychology into education is logical. We are not going to retell you why we think our areas of study play off each other well only because we did that in a previous post and would like to spare you having to read it again. However, it is something for you to think about in your current position. Consider how you can incorporate all of your skills and knowledge to make you better at a specific career. Maybe more than one career.

Think about a time when you may have integrated two viewpoints to make a decision. Was there ever a time when you maybe thought about advice from your mother and advice from your friends to make a decision? How can your areas of study be best integrated?

You have to stand out from the crowd.... (e-portfolio)

Hopefully, the ultimate goal of earning this degree is to establish a great career. We each have our own definition of what makes a good career. For many, a great career is one that involves growth and promotion, while earning a living comfortable enough for a house, a car, and maybe to support a family. Others want to wake up loving what they do in spite of income. No matter where you stand, there are others out there wanting the same thing. Believe that.

One major thing to bare in mind is that the working world is truly a marketplace. Potential employers set up their "booth" showing off what their company is about, what they provide, and what type of people they need. However, this marketplace so to speak, is bustling with potential employees, with less employer booths to visit. Even setting aside the economic problems we've faced recently, finding the job is extremely competitive.

You have to stand out from the crowd.

Fortunately, being forced to take cornerstone and capstone will, with a little effort, give you a head start of your competition. A lot people have a standard resume, and maybe a cover letter. That's all the promotional tools they use. Generally, we would opt to not be just another standard resume. Half the battle of getting a job, is getting an interview. Therefore, using the e-portfolio to show your accomplishments, your skills, and your personality may be the difference between getting your foot in the door or getting your resume into a "no need to contact" file. Building your e-portfolio will give you insight into where you are academically and where you want to go in the future. If you take your assignments seriously, or at least put some genuine thought into them, you should end up with a portfolio of your academic accomplishments, a head start on a resume, as well as a good grasp on what career you will aim for once you've got your degree in hand. If it is not done well it could work against you or not give any insight at all. That is why it is something that is started in Cornerstone, and then hopefully perfected in Capstone. Ultimately, your e-portfolio should express the hard work and effort you put into this degree and show off what you can bring to the table in any future endeavors. Whether it's for graduate school or to get the interview, make yourself look good.

Make it work for you....

The IDS degree can be explained as the next evolution from Liberal Studies. Generally, people think of Liberal Studies as a catch all type degree, or the degree you go to when you have no idea what your Major should be. While this may be true for a lot of college IDS majors, the degree is the idea taking different areas and putting them together. It is examining the different areas, discovering a relationship between them, and then approaching your life and career with a perspective that is unique to that particular set of combine areas. Ultimately, an IDS degree is as valuable as you make it. If you are taking your classes, going though the motions to get out of college as soon as possible, your IDS degree will look just like that. So, some advise looking back as we near our finish line?? Look at how your areas of study can work together, be passionate about the areas you're studying and get involved in as many "experience driven" opportunities as possible. "Experience driven" meaning that non paying gigs can be pretty valuable and far easier to come by. From here on out you can build your resume and use the IDS degree you made for yourself to your advantage.

In other words, approach your minor from the mindset of your other two areas, or look at one of your areas with the perspective of your Minor and other area. For example, if your minor is Hospitality Management and the two areas being English and Education, look at Education with a perspective of serving those you educate. Use your experieces in communication to help you relate to your students.

Another combination is having Spanish as a minor with elementary education and psychology being two areas of study. From experiences as well as some education classes, an ESOL teacher is a perfect way to combine every aspect of this degree. Second language learners have an entirely different mindset than average English speaking students and it will greatly benefit a teacher to know about the psychology of young children and second language learners.

These are the examples that we can offer based on our personal degrees. However, as previously mentioned, have enthusiasm toward your degree and get out there, develop, and explore your career options. If you like hospitality, get into the hotels, restaurants, etc. Marketing and advertising minors can always find experience with non profit organizations and voluteering. Teachers need to get into the classroom whether by substituing or volunteering.

The advantage of an IDS degree is that you expand your horizons. You are not limited or "pidgeon holed". Your degree and thought process is unique, slightly un-manufactured. However, it can be difficult for future employers to understand the value of your degree. They may be unfamiliar and may generalize, thinking an IDS degree is just a fancy term for Liberal Arts. Be confident, and show them how valuable you and your interdiscipinary education can be.

Meet Dani & Natyeli...

My name is Natyeli. Although I was born in Acapulco, Mexico, I grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. English was still my first language and I have stuggled to reestablish my Mexican roots. Aside from the outward appearance...I'm an American girl for sure. I chose UCF because I wanted to explore a new city and had no idea what I was interested in as a career. After changing my major a couple times I found I had the most passion for teaching and being in the classroom. In particular, I became very interested in teaching ESOL elementary classes. After exploring other majors, taking a few classes in which I had little to no interest at all, I landed on Interdisciplinary Studies. The major incorporated everything I enjoyed and kept a lot of the credit hours I had already completed. My focus is on Elementary Education and Psychology with a minor in Spanish.

Now more than ever, I can finally see what I want for the future. Teaching elementary school students is the goal but I want to travel as much as possible. My immediate plan is to teach English abroad for at least a year. Then I will ultimately want to be certified to teach ESOL classes in the U.S. preferably somewhere new. Teaching on military bases around the world and doing some volunteer work also sounds appealing but I'm taking it one day at a time for now.

Dani Dennison:

I am born and raised in Central Florida. My mother attended UCF before it was even called such (Florida Tech University - I believe it was). Also, in high school I attended a camp for Color Guard / Dance held at UCF and felt a connection because of it.
I became an IDS Major because I wanted to add more to my degree than just Hospitality Management. I have a strong interest in learning, training, and development. Therefore, through IDS I was able to combine Education, English, and Hospitality Management.

Upon graduation I would like to earn either another Management / Supervisor role in the Hospitality industry, much like the one I am enjoying now. It would be great to get a position in the CVB.