Isn’t more education always a good thing? But after interviewing academics and non-academics, as well as those with minors and those without, and examining hiring practices and upon personal reflection, I've arrived at a different answer. It’s “yes, no, maybe!”

‘Tain’t So Simple

One of the major reasons for higher education is to broaden one’s horizons, to delve deeply into topics that interest us, as well as new ones that perhaps we never even knew existed until we went to college.  Students can embark on an intense adventure and pursue learning opportunities they may never have again in their lifetime.

Intellectual growth and fulfillment – sounds great, but would it help an electrical engineer to secure the position she deserves to have a minor in French Literature? Or would it hinder her? It might not help, especially if other applicants had either taken more engineering classes or earned a minor in a related field.

Memory Lane

I wanted to enter the Foreign Service, but after a few years in Washington, D.C., where I was interviewed by many F. S. officers, cooled on that career path. I majored in history and minored in political science. But in graduate school, I was advised by a number of professors to pick one or the other. “Specialize” they said, “don’t be a jack of all trades and a master of none.”

More importantly, they noted college departments don’t hire multi-disciple persons. I researched that premise and found it to be true quite often. Ergo, concentrate on one discipline, no minors.

But a few years later, I chaired a 26-person Social Science Division. We had a vacancy. The search committee recommended an individual who had a major in economics and two minors: history and political science. We considered him desirable since our division offered classes in those three disciplines. He did not accept our offer because he received several better offers. So, in that case it was advantageous to have minors.

Conflicting Opinions

Every person who responded to my inquiry who did not have a minor said they didn’t need one. They were unenthusiastic about their value, would not recommend them. But most with a minor said a minor which reinforces your major is advantageous.

I interviewed an English professor.  He has a minor in Russian Studies. He laughed that it did not help him secure employment and led to pointed critical questions during interviews. He stopped listing his minor on his resume and was hired.

But his face lit up when he told me how delighted he was that he had studied a different topic. It led to an avid interest in global affairs and United States politics.  His is an example of the intrinsic value of a non-related minor. It may not help you in your career, but it can provide fundamental enlightening benefits and fulfillment.

“Education Life” reported employers consider a minor an indication of  a well-rounded individual. Surprisingly, to me, they noted it is best if your major and minor are completely different. By pursuing studies in vastly different areas, they contend, you’ve shown that you’re not just one-dimensional.

The University of Chicago asserts minors allow students to use their free electives with “intellectual effectiveness.”  Instead of selecting electives willy-nilly that might not provide any real benefit. Students are advised to pursue specific coursework in fields that interest them.

Finally, Michelle Slatalla in a New York Times article observes “a minor offers a quicker path to specialize in a certain field without all of the work of a major.” Specifically, minors provide an opportunity to study an area one enjoys but doesn’t want to select as a career.

Observations

So, a carefully selected minor seems advantageous to most. But is there a downside?  Yes, for some studying a different field has led to a lower cumulative grade point average and in some cases to graduation being delayed and even to some students dropping out of college. Good to be aware that. A minor entails a lot of extra work and will limit if not eliminate your free electives and your opportunity to take further courses in your major.

A minor can also support your major, strengthen your credentials.  For example, a minor in accounting may enhance your business administration major.

Many who read this column are Hispanic. You may have an interest to learn more about your Latinx, the new term, background. It can be a satisfying experience. Times have changed. Nowadays being bilingual and able to relate to Hispanics is a positive for many private and public sector careers. Would a minor in Latin American Civilizations, Chicano Studies, etc. help?   Just a suggestion to ponder.

It’s a serious decision. If you select a minor, pick one that will support your career path or one that you just love regardless of career benefits.

Bottomline

First and foremost, selecting a minor or not is not a minor decision.

There is no definitive universal recommendation. Your decision, a highly personal one, should be yours. Give it as much thought as you should selecting a major.

Interview a lot of people, professors and employers about your major and the possible advantages of a minor.

Project what the future might hold. (In researching this column, I was amazed how many people told me students would be well advised to minor in a STEM field. None would have said that ten years ago.)

Charting a course for a well-paying job is no sin. But it should not be your primary objective. You have a life to live; your daily work will impact your life. Pick careers, yes plural, you’ll have more than one, that satisfy you. A minor might help.

Study your options. Give yourself time to think intensely before deciding to select a minor or not. In selecting a minor, pick one that will support your career ambitions or one that just interests you regardless of career benefits.

If it feels right – one way or the other – do it.