Michigan Technological University has more than its fair share of engineers working in high-tech jobs. But it might come as a surprise to find a Michigan Tech Humanities grad at Google.
A small fish in a big pond – that’s what being a humanities major at Michigan Tech can feel like.
There doesn’t seem to be as many job offers for humanities students as there are for engineers at the annual Career Fair either. Humanities courses are often considered “filler classes” by other students who ask the infamous question “Tech has a Humanities Department?” all too often.
Yes, Tech has a Humanities Department, and its students are just as crazy smart as the others. For example, meet Kayla Herrera.
Herrera graduated from Michigan Tech’s Humanities Department in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Culture and Media (CCM). She also earned a minor in journalism and a certificate in writing. Even without a degree in engineering or technology, today she works for one of the most recognizable names in the tech industry.
Herrera says being a humanities major at Tech was interesting because of the feedback she received from people. Often, she heard from other students she wouldn’t be able to do anything with her major. She also notes that venturing into a Career Fair that was centered around engineering was difficult for its lack of humanities-friendly companies and job positions. “I received my share of negative feedback.”
Maria Bergstrom, an advisor in Tech’s Humanities Department, says “Although humanities students sometimes feel like there aren't as many jobs for them at Career Fair, the reality is that every one of those companies likely has someone working in communications, writing, marketing, media, or other related jobs. I am really proud that almost 50 percent of humanities majors attended the Fall 2016 Career Fair.”
A small fish in a big pond – that’s what being a humanities major at Michigan Tech can feel like.
There doesn’t seem to be as many job offers for humanities students as there are for engineers at the annual Career Fair either. Humanities courses are often considered “filler classes” by other students who ask the infamous question “Tech has a Humanities Department?” all too often.
Yes, Tech has a Humanities Department, and its students are just as crazy smart as the others. For example, meet Kayla Herrera.
Herrera graduated from Michigan Tech’s Humanities Department in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Culture and Media (CCM). She also earned a minor in journalism and a certificate in writing. Even without a degree in engineering or technology, today she works for one of the most recognizable names in the tech industry.
Herrera says being a humanities major at Tech was interesting because of the feedback she received from people. Often, she heard from other students she wouldn’t be able to do anything with her major. She also notes that venturing into a Career Fair that was centered around engineering was difficult for its lack of humanities-friendly companies and job positions. “I received my share of negative feedback.”
Maria Bergstrom, an advisor in Tech’s Humanities Department, says “Although humanities students sometimes feel like there aren't as many jobs for them at Career Fair, the reality is that every one of those companies likely has someone working in communications, writing, marketing, media, or other related jobs. I am really proud that almost 50 percent of humanities majors attended the Fall 2016 Career Fair.”
From journalism to social media
Majoring in CCM gave Herrera the career flexibility to move from journalism to social media. After graduation, she started as a journalist for All Day Media, a news and media website, and then worked for Cinemablend, a popular entertainment website. “My switch from journalism to social media happened somewhere while I was working as a Games Editor for CinemaBlend, when I took over their Facebook page,” she says.
Today, Herrera is the head of social media for Google Play. In this position, Herrera is in charge of the Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Tumblr pages of Google Play. Everything that gets posted on these social media platforms must be approved by Herrera first. “I also uphold partnerships with movie studios, television studios, game developers and book publishers,” she says.
Today, Herrera is the head of social media for Google Play. In this position, Herrera is in charge of the Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Tumblr pages of Google Play. Everything that gets posted on these social media platforms must be approved by Herrera first. “I also uphold partnerships with movie studios, television studios, game developers and book publishers,” she says.
"Michigan Tech humanities students often work in positions that help bridge the gap between technical professionals and the general public." - Maria Bergstrom
When asked about the success of humanities students, Bergstrom says, “Our students learn how to sell themselves and their skill sets to employers. The ability to write well, communicate with both customers and fellow employees, see the world through a global perspective, understand and make connections between different types of information, these are all really valuable skills. Michigan Tech humanities students often work in positions that help bridge the gap between technical professionals and the general public."
Herrera’s advice to humanities students at Michigan Tech is to roll with any negative feedback you may receive and use it to fuel your determination. She also recommends choosing a versatile major if you aren't sure what you want to do, and emphasizes the importance of showcasing your skills outside the classroom.
For example, Herrera did freelance work all throughout her time here at Michigan Tech for various publications in order to build her résumé, which helped her secure an editorial internship at Game Informer Magazine right after graduation. “Employers expect you to have experience when you graduate. It’s impressive, and it shows you’re a hard worker,” she says.
Herrera notes it was her father, a mechanical engineering alumnus from Michigan Tech, who pushed her to pursue her passion. He told her to never settle in her career and to strive for what she wanted to do in life. “He taught me to not be afraid, to never doubt myself, and to keep trying no matter what."
Herrera recounted the job interview process from her experience and how it related to finding the right career.
“When you sit in a job interview and you can talk extensively and passionately about what you are doing or want to do, you’ve found your passion.”
While her career options appear limitless, each day Herrera brings her passion to the social media platforms of Google Play.
More information about Tech’s Humanities Department can be found online.
Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 60 countries around the world. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our beautiful campus in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior.
Last Modified 2:19 PM December, 27 2017
Herrera’s advice to humanities students at Michigan Tech is to roll with any negative feedback you may receive and use it to fuel your determination. She also recommends choosing a versatile major if you aren't sure what you want to do, and emphasizes the importance of showcasing your skills outside the classroom.
For example, Herrera did freelance work all throughout her time here at Michigan Tech for various publications in order to build her résumé, which helped her secure an editorial internship at Game Informer Magazine right after graduation. “Employers expect you to have experience when you graduate. It’s impressive, and it shows you’re a hard worker,” she says.
Herrera notes it was her father, a mechanical engineering alumnus from Michigan Tech, who pushed her to pursue her passion. He told her to never settle in her career and to strive for what she wanted to do in life. “He taught me to not be afraid, to never doubt myself, and to keep trying no matter what."
Herrera recounted the job interview process from her experience and how it related to finding the right career.
“When you sit in a job interview and you can talk extensively and passionately about what you are doing or want to do, you’ve found your passion.”
While her career options appear limitless, each day Herrera brings her passion to the social media platforms of Google Play.
More information about Tech’s Humanities Department can be found online.
Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 60 countries around the world. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our beautiful campus in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior.
Last Modified 2:19 PM December, 27 2017