Concordia University Wisconsin students are choosing unique major and minor combinations to strengthen their skills and prepare for careers after graduation.
The students say these pairings help them understand how different fields connect and how broad skill sets can make them more competitive when applying for internships or fulltime roles.
One student, Sarah Poynter, majoring in psychology and minoring in human resources said the overlap between the two areas has already helped her understand workplace dynamics. She said she frequently sees connections between what she learns in different classes.
“Personality tests for hiring, group dynamics, and creating a positive workplace culture all connect to psychology,” she said. “Understanding why people behave the way they do is really helpful for building a positive workplace.”
Student Kirsten Harrington is majoring in photography and minoring in mass communication. She said she chose photography because she loved taking pictures and capturing meaningful moments and added mass communication later on after taking a journalism class she enjoyed.
“I feel like the pairing benefits my career because it lets me learn other forms of digital media besides photography and will enhance my storytelling skills,” she said.
CUW academic advisor, Tricia Meyer agrees that these pairings can benefit students’ long term by helping them stand out to employers. She noted that students who blend fields often demonstrate initiative and adaptability.
“Blending programs helps students develop a broader tool set that employers look for,” Meyer said. “It shows they’re being thoughtful and flexible with their future career paths.”
Both students said their programs help them build strengths in more than one area, giving them confidence in finding a job post-graduation. They hope these combinations will help them secure careers where they can use their wide range of skills in real-world settings.
Looking ahead, the students plan to continue exploring how their coursework connects and how they can use that knowledge to shape meaningful career paths after graduation.
— Alexandra Princeton is a junior majoring in Mass Communications with a minor in Marketing, set to graduate in December 2026. She currently works at Baird in downtown Milwaukee and serves as Student Editor for The Beacon.