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"I can remember the first time I contemplated selecting an American Studies major, asking the very question, 'What does one do with a degree in American Studies?' Happily, it has taken less than five years since graduating from Smith for me to come up with an answer to that questions: An American Studies degree is a suitable major for just about anything. At Smith in general, and through American Studies in particular, I learned many of the skills that are most valuable in my current job. Without getting too carried away with business jargon, I will attest that the American Studies major taught me to 'think outside the box' and retain a global perspective in my work. Immediately after graduating, I worked on strategic alliances with Kraft Foods, Inc. At Kraft, I was faced with the challenge of identifying new and unique ways to position products so they would capture the attention of consumers. In developing marketing plans and strategic initiatives, I heavily rely on my understanding of the current zeitgeist of American consumer culture. Since Kraft, I have been working in advertising at Ogilvy & Mather. Historically and currently, advertising has maintained a key role in representing American thought and social structure. In a world where inter-disciplinary thought is becoming a household word, the American Studies major prepared me to think globally and recognize the affect that economy, trend, and social beliefs have on culture. I wholly endorse this major to anyone interested in pursuing a career in marketing, management, and business." |
