Interdisciplinary Studies is a great college major that lets you study several subjects at once to get ready for a career. So, when it comes time to find a job, what do employers really think about a degree that isn't focused on one single field? The answer is: they love it!
Today's job market changes fast. Companies look for people with a wide-ranging, customized education, and that's exactly what this degree offers. Here's a look at the powerful skills and knowledge an Interdisciplinary Studies degree gives you.
A Master at Problem-solving
Real-world problems are complicated. They don’t always fit into just one subject. Think about something big like climate change. Solving climate change requires knowledge of the environment, how money works, and government rules, all working together.
Interdisciplinary studies teaches you to look at a challenge from many angles and bring different kinds of information together. This makes graduates who are great at:
- Creative and Critical Thinking: You learn to connect ideas from different areas which leads to new, innovative solutions. This is a top skill for employers, since most employers say a candidate's ability to think critically is more important than their major.i
- Complex Problem-Solving: You're trained to see the bigger picture and come up with complete solutions, rather than just focusing on one small part of an issue..
Flexible and Adaptable
In business, new technologies appear, markets change, and job roles evolve. Employers want people who can keep up and adjust quickly. An Interdisciplinary Studies degree prepares you to be flexible and adaptable in a way a single, specialized major often doesn't.
- Wide Range of Skills: By taking courses from different areas, you build a wide range of practical and soft skills. This makes you a versatile employee who can fill multiple needs. This is especially attractive to smaller companies and non-profits.ii
- Career Mobility: Since your education isn't tied to one narrow field, you're prepared to move through different jobs and careers over your life. If one industry struggles, your varied background makes it easier to change direction.iii
Strong Collaboration and Communication Skills
Since an interdisciplinary program allows you to study with different departments, you naturally develop better teamwork and communication skills. When you work on a project that crosses different subjects, you learn how to:
- Understand Different "Languages": You learn how to talk to people who are experts in fields very different from your own.
- Work Across Teams: You're better at working with different areas of a company because you already have an understanding of what they know. This ability to bridge gaps makes you a valuable team member and a strong candidate for future leadership roles.iv
A Custom-made Expert
Interdisciplinary Studies graduates aren't just experts in one thing; they are experts at connecting things. That makes them forward-thinking leaders who are ready to tackle complex challenges of the modern workplace.
Your degree gives you a resume and skill set that is literally custom-made for your dream job, helping you stand out from other applicants.