Increase your Marketability
Supplement your degree and improve your career outlook with a
minor or area of specialization, an internship, a study abroad experience, or a research project.
Maximize Flexibility and Increase your Marketability
Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics and Management, Environmental and Resource Economics and Management, and Economic majors include several elective hours. These elective hours can be used for:
- A minor or specialization
- A study abroad program
- An internship
- A research project.
What do we mean by increase your marketability?
By pursuing one of these options you make yourself more attractive to employers or graduate schools. Industry leaders and universities seek competitive students with specialized skills or experiences who can offer more than just good grades.
Steps to take
Plan early. These programs require careful preparation. You will need to work closely with your advisor to develop the best program for you.
Minor or Specializations
How can a minor or specialization add value to my career?
Organization leaders are looking for graduates with many developed skills.
Steps to take:
- Discuss your interests with your advisor and with advisors in the departments offering those minors or specializations.
- Decide on a minor or specialization.
- Prepare a tentative schedule with your advisors in your major and minor or specialization.
Some suggested minors or specializations include but not limited to:
You are encouraged to pursue a minor or specialization in a complementary field including but not limited to:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Technology
- Animal Science
- Business Administration
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Crop Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Science
- Finance
- Food Science
- Foreign Languages
- Horticulture
- Hotel and Restaurant Administration
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Management Information Systems
- Natural Resource Science
- Risk Management and Insurance
- Soil Science
- Sustainable Development
Study Abroad
How can a study abroad program add value to my career ?
This experience broadens your perception of the world, and employers and graduate schools value it.
Study Abroad in Italy with our faculty
In Spring 2005, our department will offer a program in Florence, Italy titled "Global Resources: Italian Style." Students receive 13 credits studying global environmental and resource issues.
Are there other study abroad programs?
Yes. Visit with the office of International Programs at www.ip.wsu.edu or stop by Bryan Hall 108.
Steps to take :
- Discuss your interests with your advisor and the office of International Programs.
- In order to make sure your credits from abroad will transfer into your degree , you must select your courses with your advisor prior to your departure.
Internship
What is an internship?
An internship is a job experience for which you obtain credit hours that count towards your degree.
How can an internship add value to my career ?
An internship can help you screen a type of job and/or organization. It also adds value to your resume by providing you with a job experience. Organizations may want to hire former interns.
Steps to take :
- You are in charge of finding an internship, but many resources exist to help.
- Discuss your interests with your advisor as early as possible.
- Research a semester ahead of actually interviewing for internships. The Career Services (www.careers.wsu.edu) office can help you follow the appropriate steps.
- Check our main office for internship opportunities.
- Prepare your resume in advance.
Research Project
What is a research project ?
A research project allows you to work closely with faculty doing a specific type of investigation that relates to your major. You may receive credit.
Who should pursue a research project ?
Any student interested in doing more advanced work in their field especially those interested in graduate school.
How can a research project add value to my career ?
A research project can help you further understand a topic of your interest inside your field of study.
Steps to take :
- Discuss your interests with your advisor as early as possible.
- Interview different faculty to find out what type of research they are involved in and opportunities that might be available for you.
- Choose a subject of your interest. Keep in mind that research projects take time and patience. Therefore, you should not get involved in something that you do not find appealing.
University Minor Policy
A student who has completed 60 semester hours may certify a second major or a minor with the approval of the department granting the major/minor. The student should consult with that department concerning hours, grade point requirements, and an approved schedule of studies to meet such requirements.
Visit with your School of Economic Sciences advisor for more information.
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