So you’ve picked a major (or two), and maybe a minor to focus on. Now you just have to register for classes that fit the core curriculum. Sure, you could take fun classes like that one about Underwater Basket Weaving or Philosophy and Star Trek (yes, awesome classes like these do exist, and you should probably indulge yourself in a few of these unconventional courses if you can). But what classes might actually be useful after graduation?
Here are just a few classes you should consider taking that will help you long after you’ve graduated from college:
Introduction to Programming
Like it or not, the world we live in is dominated by computer code. No matter what industry work in, your company will always rely on computers in some capacity. Knowing the ins-and-outs of reading basic code, and maybe even writing it yourself, can put you ahead of your colleagues. Bonus: it will help improve your problem-solving skills as well.
Economics
A basic understanding of how the economy works will not only help you understand supply and demand, price elasticity and markets, but some of the concepts you will learn can benefit you in negotiating your salary, shopping at the grocery store and even understanding political platforms and ideas. Forbes recommends microeconomics if you have to make a choice.
Statistics
In a statistics class, you will become savvy to just how easy it really is to skew numbers and data. Taking a statistics class might seem like a harrowing prospect if math isn’t your thing, but you might be surprised to know that statistics lie to you everyday. And for that reason, it’s worth it to learn a thing or two about the percentages that are being thrown at you in magazine ads, on billboards, and on television.
Finance or Accounting
Taking a basic introductory course to finance or accounting will teach you the ins-and-outs of basic business. One of these courses will give you the know-how to be financially literate. Not only will what you learn here be invaluable in your personal finances (taxes, anyone?), but you never know when your knowledge of APR rates, balance sheets and accounts payable might need to be put to good use. Just think, you might be the business manager for your kid’s soccer team in a few decades.
Professional Writing
Many college students will do anything they can to get out of this class. Not all colleges and universities require a professional writing course, but if your university offers it, you should take advantage of it. You will learn how to write a cover letter, how to build and tailor your résumé, and write proposals. If you know what field you would like to enter into after graduation, consider specialty classes on grant writing, writing research articles, technical writing or legal writing.
Before you let out a groan, think about the overall practicality of the courses listed here. They are all things that are pertinent to your everyday life and giving you a leg up in your career. After all, you did go to college to learn, didn’t you?
Photo via Yahoo News
About the Author
Nicole Booz is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of GenTwenty, GenThirty, and The Capsule Collab. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is the author of The Kidult Handbook (Simon & Schuster May 2018). She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably hiking, eating brunch, or planning her next great adventure.
Website: genthirty.com