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.
It is funny because in the blog topic below this one I posted what I thought the advantages and disadvantages are for this major and I just guessed what I would suspect to be a disadvantage. I also stated that I would feel future employers would look at an Interdisciplinary Studies degree and not really know what it is or feel that is as respected as say a degree in business or medicine. Have you had much experience with any employers about your degree and whether or not it holds much value to them?
ReplyDeleteI have to say I am not sure how future employers will take or understand the value of IDS. At the same time, I think we hold an advantage because we have other experiences. My main goal is to teach young children, and in Florida all you need is a bachelors degree. With a minor in ECE and experience in the Arts and Psychology, I feel that I hold an advantage more someone that received a degree in nothing related to the Education field. In many school, teachers have never worked with children before. They graduated college, and decided to get their teaching certificate.
ReplyDeleteI think having any type of background in education gives you a leg up. This can also go for many other majors.
That could not have been said in better words! Most the time when I tell people what my major is, adults included, they don't understand what interdisciplinary means. They think it may be some medical field or something to do with English. I feel that the school systems people start attending so young in life all teach that you have to choose one area to pursue, and getting one particular job is the best way to succeed in life. However, I look at it as keeping my options open and being able to use different backgrounds to come to one final solution. I like to tell people that when I go in for interviews, I will be able to say “I can do it all.”
ReplyDeleteI do feel it is so great having a a variety of areas from which to pull. Jess, I am interested in your comment of "I can do it all". I would like to know a bit more as to what you are envisioning in that situation... I just want to make sure you are not believing that upon graduation that you will be perfectly prepared. Certainly, earning the degree of course prepares you. Just remember to always keep learning.
ReplyDeleteCassandra, I personally have not gone career hunting but I would say that a lot of times a bachelor's degree in anything is looked at as a good thing and often a necessary thing to even get an interview. As far as how an employer will look at you for having an IDS degree, I think it will be up to you to sell it. Like I said make yourself look good...a person with a degree, some good experience and knowledge who can present themselves professionally and articulately will look pretty good to any employer.
ReplyDeleteThis post addresses one my main concerns with this degree; the fact that future employers may or may not understand my degree and the validity of it. I have this concern because a few of my friends don’t see the significance of combining different areas of study. I have to fully explain my areas of study and my minor and how they relate to each other. I have to prove to that person that if I decide to pursue my career goal of being an FBI agent having a criminal justice minor paired with Behavioral/ Social Sciences as an area of study is helpful to analyze and understand people as well as their motives. That an additional minor in Theatre will also help me in this field because if I become an agent I want to be undercover and proving to the agency that I can successfully act like someone else in a believable manner is crucial and my minor shows that I have the training it takes to play a role.
ReplyDeleteCristina Gutierrez