Personal Portfolio
During my studies at the university I have taken courses in algebra, statistics, English, history, wind energy, and pharmacology. This wide variety of courses has helped prepare me for interdisciplinary studies in that I am creating a wide base and background of basic knowledge in multiple areas. This variety will give me a basis well in the range of areas as they move into upper-level courses and become more specialized in certain areas during my studies in my later years of schooling.
The algebra course that I took builds on basic knowledge that is required of high school graduates. These basic skills are expected of people with a high school diploma or higher when they enter the work force. Part of the course was review of what I took in high school which reinforced the foundations of algebraic concepts and the other part of the course was the introduction of new material. The instructor did an excellent job in explaining to us ways in which the concepts being taught would be applicable for use in everyday life.
Even when one reads the newspaper or nutrition labels on products in the grocery store statistical data is used to convey basic information. The statistics course that I took involved taking practical concepts and applying them to real-world situations. I was afraid that this course would be irrelevant to anything that I would use in life but I was glad to learn that it was quite relevant. Much of the information that will be presented and that I will need to present in the field of interdisciplinary studies will involve statistics and this course helped me learn how to interpret as well as present information in a clear and concise format.
Basic communication skills are necessary just to survive in the everyday world. As a college graduate, far more will be expected of me as I enter a career. It is for this reason that I will be required to take several more English courses at the University and I agree that this is the proper curriculum for all students to follow. Being able to read, write, and express one's ideas clearly is essential in the workplace and in life in general. In the field of interdisciplinary studies communication is one of the key aspects and key elements for success. Without good communication skills, one cannot succeed.
A basic understanding of history is expected of educated people in this country. In interdisciplinary studies, it is yet another area where some knowledge can help a person be more rounded, more valuable, and demonstrate more knowledge across a wide variety of areas. Additionally, by studying history, one learns skills in research, critical thinking, map reading, interpreting charts and graphs, and reasoning skills. All of these skills are necessary to be successful in interdisciplinary studies and history courses are good practice to develop these skills.
When one decides to work in interdisciplinary studies, a unique area of study is valuable. By taking a course in wind energy, a growing phenomenon in this country as we seek to find alternative energy sources, I added a slightly different component to my studies. By studying something that is up-and-coming, expanding, and will see an increasing demand in the future I have made myself more valuable in this area of interdisciplinary studies.
In a few years I see myself working in the pharmacological industry. Although a background in interdisciplinary studies can help in this career as well as many others, pharmacy courses are of course essential. Because of this, I of course have taken courses in pharmacy and will continue to do so during my time at the University. I will probably take some electives and advanced courses in pharmacy to enhance my resume and showed dedication to this field. I probably will look into working as an intern as well for practical reasons as it looks good on a resume and will give me an edge over the competition upon graduation.
Adding interdisciplinary studies to my pharmacological studies demonstrates my being a well-rounded person. I will most likely be interacting with the public, so demonstrating excellent communication skills is of course essential as well. Any type of course that demonstrates competence and a diverse education is helpful. Interdisciplinary studies is one that does this well.
Reference
Augsburg, T. (2011). Becoming Interdisciplinary – An Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies.
(2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Kendall Hunt Publishers.
