What I Did with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism

When I graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire with a bachelor of arts degree in Journalism, I thought that I would become a journalist at some nice newspaper covering sports. That's not exactly how it turned out at all, but my degree has been invaluable to me since I started working.

Like I said, I graduated with a BA in Journalism. Now I work for a software company in the marketing department.

There were a ton of requirements for my degree such as how many science credits you take, where your liberal arts come from, etc. It was frustrating at the time, but has turned out to be extremely helpful. I need a wide array of knowledge, and more importantly, the ability to learn something new, something that isn't necessarily pigeon-holed into my area of expertise.

My degree also taught me how to relate what is most important in a story. This works for my job because a lot of times, I need to let customers know what is most important, without a lot of time or space. If they need to know how to do something, or if they are interested in one of our products, it's my job to inform them in a concise and efficient manner.

When you are majoring in journalism, you are taught to take interest in a lot of things. You learn at least a little about a lot of things, which makes it easier for you to cover a story. You want to make sure you at least have some idea of what you are talking about, so you know to ask the right questions. I think this is a skill that's developed over time, and is extremely useful not only in my job, but in life as well. If I have a grasp on at least some part of a product, I know where I need to go for more information, or at least where to start. If gives me a jumping off point for most of my projects.

I think having a degree is so important, even if it doesn't take you exactly where you thought it would. It's an experience, and it will help you grow and realize what it is you are interested in, and what your strengths really are. I think a lot of people don't necessarily go to school right away because they are afraid they will pick the wrong major. Technically, I picked the wrong major. I didn't end up anywhere near the journalism field. But that doesn't mean what I learned isn't important, or isn't valuable. It's something worth trying, and it's something that will always be useful in not only your professional life, but your personal one as well.