By Lynn Post |Staff writer|
I have majored in English at CSUSB for the past two years and I will be graduating on June 15.
The work I have done in English mainly prepared me for ESL teaching. However I most likely will not teach at all and if I do it will be in a high school.
The teacher I had who gave me the most useful tools for that goal was Joel Harris. I was in his English 312 class this quarter.
The projects he gave me helped me develop some of my teaching skills and learning skills as well.
He encouraged his students to find out how they learn and use that strategy for increased success.
I have had countless other professors in the English department who have been encouraging and helpful for different reasons, but Harris’ assignments went above and beyond to help his students become more successful in life not only through just English.
The only problem I encountered while an English Major is not being given other avenues other then teaching, where I could use my degree.
Also networking as being a powerful tool in order to gain future employment is not something the English department seems to value, because there was little to none on opportunities for communication with potential employers.
As a soon-to-be graduate I do not feel prepared to get a job at the moment, but am running out of time with my loans needing to be payed back in a matter of months.
With the lack of emphasis put on marketing yourself to gain employment in the department, to much emphasis is placed on joining the masters programs or teaching abroad.
As a student who does not have the option to travel abroad, along with many others, getting a job here in the states would be a primary goal.
One which the English department does not help with.
I suggest that new students in the department utilize the resources given to them through other departments.
If students have the ability to get multiple degrees, I suggest doing that.
For example I will be returning to the university for a post baccalaureate degree in Communications, because I feel that would help me reach the success level I want.
Others I have spoken with have chosen very different degrees from English such as Biology, Mathematics, or Business.
Studying a lot of your options and career choices and what degree will get you there, is key to your success in life and at this university.
A clear goal on what you want your life to be like is key.
You might learn that here, but four years is not enough time to make such a crucial life choice for many individuals.
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