20
Two Master's degrees - do I list both?
I have an MFA in creative writing and an MSc in a field called "Ethnobotany" which was half botanical science and half anthropology. I was planning to bring these fields together in a PhD but I'm no longer seeking to earn my PhD. I would still like to highlight that I am a proven creative and analytical thinker, but I'm concerned about listing a degree in a field that is not readily understood to be applicable to jobs outside of academia.
ROSALIE DAYPolicy (MPP) + upskilled data & communications
252
11/23/20 at 6:18PM UTC (Edited)
I have two master degrees that are more closely linked than yours - one is a specialization of the other. It is my opinion the two will confuse the AI and/or 7-second recruiter scan on your resume. Choose one - the most aligned - to put in the applications and resume. You could try explaining on LinkedIn.
I think you have to connect the dots in an interview situation. I know that is not what you wanted to hear, but both the AI and recruiter is biased by pattern recognition. You are unusual and interdisciplinary - which is what makes you exceptional. The screening process is reliant upon general.
Autumn SharpCommunications Manager | DE&I Advocate | Writer
20
11/23/20 at 4:53PM UTC
Thank you, this is incredibly helpful! I posed the question to get real, honest feedback to help me make a successful career transition so this is exactly the kind of answer I can incorporate into my decision making, with the number one goal of landing a job in my new field. I aim to leverage my past/current communications experience in my job search so the MFA most closely demonstrates a linked trajectory into my new field. I appreciate your time and response!
Autumn SharpCommunications Manager | DE&I Advocate | Writer
20
10/06/20 at 3:55AM UTC
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! Yes, I do have a section in which I list a number of accomplishments associated with the degrees. Maybe that is what will tie the resume story together without the PhD. Thanks, that was a helpful insight!
Evelyn LivantAssociate Software Engineer - Remote
493
10/05/20 at 4:58PM UTC
I just Googled ethobotany and I was immediately fascinated by it. Don't you list information related to the degrees you obtain on the resume? Like accomplishments, publications? I would think that should help?
