Hi Everyone! I am transferring to Arizona State University with almost all of my undergraduate courses done. I was registering for my classes today and the adviser suggested I change my major to "Interdisciplinary studies". I would finish a year sooner and avoid 4 classes of a secondary language this way. She also explained that it includes an internship program and is more focused on a career path and would be blending my two areas of study (Film Studies and Culture and English). It sounded appealing for many reasons but then I was researching this and am getting two very conflicting perspectives about the degree. It seems to be better in theory, but is not as accepted in the real world as it seems unfocused to many or people do not know what it is.
I would like to use the degree to get work on a creative development team somewhere. The program seemed perfect, but now I'm doubting the real world practicality.
I was hoping to get some feedback from someone, or preferably many, in the industry. Would you embrace this degree when looking at it on a resume or do you think I should stick with my Film studies with a minor in English? Thanks all!
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I graduated from ASU. While there, I got a job with the Coen brothers on Raising Arizona working in the office, PA, got a role as a reporter, got my SAG card a little after, and worked as a stand-in for Nicolas Cage -- life changing! Anything you do, full commitment and respect for your employers.
Wow Ron, that's amazing! Yes, definitely commitment and respect, and I always like to have a good attitude. No one wants to work with a downer! :)
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My undergrad was from UA back in the mid '60s (in engineering) and look where that led me! I got some temp jobs out on the Western set in Ajo Way. Your career is going to be what you make of it - regardless of your major. You wanna work in the creative side of the film industry - just bear down on it and never take your eyes of the prize. It can be done if you work hard enough - but it ain't gonna be easy.
Thanks Doug! You're so right, my career will be what I make of it!
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Your major doesn't matter two bits to anybody in the business. Connections and opportunities get you initial opportunities and your own drive, skills and charisma make a career. Internships with real companies and real producers are the most important tools you can be using as a college student to build the relationships you need to land your first paying job after college. Then your dedication, perseverance and chutzpah make them keep hiring and promoting you.
Thank you David!
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My undergraduate degree is interdisciplinary, and it led to graduate film school at Columbia University. The opportunities that I've been offered since then extend far beyond the "film industry" to international work across mediums and media. I'm not presenting myself as some Hollywood insider, but rather as an artist working consistently over the years, doing work that matters to me and others. I'd be glad to discuss further if you want to reach out: sp@originalmind.com
Thank you all for taking the time to share with me your experiences and thoughts about this. I appreciate all of the responses very much. I love Stage32!
I am very proud of graduating from Arizona State University, and the motion and discipline of educating yourself from such an accredited university was and is a privilege. With that being said, practical knowledge is priceless. To give you a personal experience, then and there was when I got a job with the Coen Brothers on Raising Arizona. I can't begin to tell you how much inspiration and knowledge I received by working with the crew, John Goodman, Frances McDormand,
Holly Hunter, Nicolas Cage, and the Coens.
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Bear down Arizona! Bear down, red and blue! Wildcat for life ...and...my two cents is, when I'm hiring, I'm looking at reels and references, not degrees. Go with what makes you happy!
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I have an undergrad engineering degree from UA, an MBA from Colo and a professional career; so how the hell did I wind up in the world of film. What I've learned: Your interest, drive and ambition are in a constant flux - learn to go with the flow.
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Create the flow and go with the flow :)