Time once again to begin planning the next semester – such fun!
Most majors have pretty tight schedules laid out for their students to complete, leaving very little wiggle room (which can be quite frustrating).

However, there is usually the need to add in a few elective credits – especially if you have to meet a minimum course load and you have been backed into a corner by course availability.

So, how to make use of this “free” time?

While I am all for the proverbial “underwater basket weaving” course for a GPA boost (although underwater basket weaving doesn’t sound so easy to me!), why not take a course that might actually be useful to you in the real world?

As a business student, I might be slightly biased about the importance of my chosen major, but I would strongly advise that all college students should at least become acquainted with business basics.

May I remind you that no matter what your major, you will have to be involved in the business world?

All services have customers, and all professions have office politics, even those without offices!

Anyone paying even the slightest bit of attention to the political race can see just how important it is to have an understanding of the economy, and Personal Finance (FIN 2013) or Economics I (ECON 2003) are an excellent way to gain a better understanding.

As an added bonus, for many majors Economics I can count as a social science requirement.

Anyone who is planning on preparing a resume, writing a cover letter, or attempting to work with any sort of business professional should consider taking Business Communications (BUAD 3023).

Other good considerations include Management and OrganizationalBehavior (MGMT 3003), which is a basic overview of how a business is structured and should be run, and Principles of Marketing (MKT 3043).

There is also a minor in business available, as well as a minor in accounting and minor in economics and finance.

A minor in business is a wonderful asset to have and is great support for almost any major.

Learning another language, especially Spanish, is also an excellent and highly marketable skill.

Even if you only have one semester available, a basic beginning exposure can be very beneficial.

If the thought of business classes sends you into palpitations, or narcolepsy, consider expanding your horizons and take an extra fine arts or social sciences elective.

Just think of what interests you in your spare time, and find a class that relates.

Personally, I used my “free elective” this semester to take an entire course focused on the European Black Plague in 1348, just because it sounded like fun (yes, I know I’m strange).

Photography, American Studies, History of Music, there are tons of courses available to whet your interest and give your mind a welcome retreat into something completely different.

So, my final advice is to use your time wisely, whether it is something useful or something fun, and just enjoy.