As students we are rather eager to learn. At times, however, we are sadly clueless and stubborn, but lucky for us we are surrounded with an environment that offers constant help. As University of Arizona students/alumni we know, but sometimes forget, to appreciate and work with all of the help that is available to us.
I switched to a German Studies major after completing my first year of college and did not think of the possibility of combining my major with another. I was, however, advised by advisor Dr. Albrecht Classen to combine my German Studies degree with another major or minor, he encouraged business, but I chose French.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to learn languages. I wouldn’t change my French or German degrees or the experiences I gained from both for anything else. Nevertheless, I would strongly encourage students to consider the fact that languages are sadly not enough. Though languages are very important, the fact is that now that I am living in Germany and preparing myself to work here, I see how important it is to be skilled in more than one area.
I have come to realize while living and seeking jobs in Germany, that combining your German degree with a business, educational or health-related degree opens your doors greatly to the job world. Additionally, I would advise to simply go on the websites of the companies you are hoping to work for in the future or the fields in which you are preparing to work for and look for the qualifications they ask for in their job positions, this research is great for knowing how to prepare yourself sooner rather than later.
The German Studies program at The University of Arizona definitely prepares youstrongly for life after graduation. I, however, greatly encourage you to listen to your advisor at that very first sitting when he advises you to combine your degree with one in a different area. Consider, also, not being as stubborn as I was in thinking that knowing languages alone suffices in this world’s competitive job market. We can prepare ourselves extraordinary well for employment if we just take the time to listen to great advice.