Choosing a minor unrelated to physics, such as liberal arts, does not negatively impact future employment or graduate school applications. Employers primarily focus on the major, while graduate schools appreciate additional coursework that enhances the major or demonstrates passion. A minor can showcase diverse skills, such as communication, but excessive focus on unrelated subjects may detract from core physics studies. Ultimately, the education path should align with personal interests rather than solely catering to employer or graduate school expectations.
PREREQUISITESUndergraduate students in STEM fields, particularly physics majors, and anyone considering a minor that diverges from their primary area of study.
Your minor can never hurt, so long as you don't get miserable grades because of it. Some interviewers may love your minor being something in the liberal arts 'cause it may show good communications skills and personality, but the guys in HR vetting the resume are basically just looking at your major. Grad schools are much the same; generally you don't get penalized for not taking stuff above and beyond your course requirements, but get bonus points for taking stuff that'll enhance your major/research 'cause it shows you're really serious and passionate about it. There's also the whole complementary opposing major to think about; if you're doing a lot of optics research, an art major with a photography focus may be cool-just sell it on the personal statement/cover letter.Shukie said:I'm not sure what I want to do yet, but I think doing something completely unrelated might be fun. Will it look bad to future employers/grad schools if I don't fill it in with physics/math courses though or do they not look at it?
Shukie said:Will it look bad to future employers/grad schools if I don't fill it in with physics/math courses though or do they not look at it?