Introduction to Dual Majors in Literature and Math

Graduates with a dual major in literature and math can find themselves equipped with a unique set of skills that open up a variety of career paths. This combination of disciplines not only enhances one's analytical and critical thinking skills but also cultivates strong writing and communication abilities. In this article, we explore how a literature major with a minor in math or double major in both fields can leverage their educational background to excel in software development, a field that increasingly values these interdisciplinary skills.

The Path from Literature to Software Development

I am a case in point. My journey began with degrees in BA and MA in English, leading to a position as a copyeditor/production editor for research journals. Initially, this role seemed to align well with my educational background, but it eventually transformed into a career in software development. Part of what facilitated this shift was my ability to identify opportunities within my existing knowledge base. By using programming skills to enhance my editorial work, I caught the attention of my employer, who then supported my part-time study for a computer science degree.

Using Technical Skills to Enhance Expertise

I developed programs to automate and improve the efficiency of my editorial tasks. This not only made the work faster but also more accurate. By leveraging my understanding of the publishing industry, I was able to build a service that could "pre-edit" texts, relieving the copyeditor of countless repetitive tasks and allowing them to focus on more creative aspects of their work. This blend of technical and professional expertise made me stand out in a field where many programmers do not have the same understanding of the publishing process.

Career Pathways in the Modern Workforce

The relationship between literature and math, or literature and computer science, might not be immediately obvious, but the skills developed through these disciplines often complement each other well. For instance, a strong analytical skill set from a math background combined with excellent writing and communication skills from a literature background can be highly valuable in the tech industry, especially in software development.

Law as a Potential Career Path

Law is another field that can benefit from a dual major in literature and math or computer science. Both fields require strong analytical skills and the ability to write effectively. Lawyers must be able to dissect complex information and present it clearly, a skill that can be honed through a background in literature. Additionally, some areas of law, such as legal analytics and forensic linguistics, can benefit from a mathematical and computational approach, further highlighting the intersectionality of these fields.

Personal Experience: My Sister's Journey

My sister's journey provides another compelling example. She majored in math and minored in English literature and computer science, and she is now a software engineer. The mathematical rigor she developed is complemented by her ability to write clearly and effectively, making her a well-rounded developer. Her unique skill set has set her apart in the tech industry, much like my own.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

While the direct path from a dual major in literature and math to software development may not be immediately obvious, the transferable skills learned in these disciplines can be highly valuable in the tech industry. Whether it be using programming to enhance editorial tasks, contributing to the development of legal analytics, or simply adding to the diverse skill set within a tech company, a dual major can provide a solid foundation for a fulfilling and rewarding career in software development.