1. “Choosing a Major” Project UI100: First Year Seminar

2. “Choosing a Major” Project Over the next month, you will be performing an investigation of the following research question: Is _______ the right major for me?

3. This project will engage our three primary University Studies objectives: –Locate & Gather –Critical Thinking –Communication “Choosing a Major” Project

4. On March 14 th, you will submit a project folder containing the following information:

5. “Choosing a Major” Project One-page typed write-up of your encounter with “FOCUS” software package. –To access “FOCUS” go to the portal at http://portal.semo.edu http://portal.semo.edu –Log in with your SE Key & Password

6. “Choosing a Major” Project –Click on the “Students” Tab –On the lower left hand side, there is a “Career Linkages” box. –Click on “Focus.” –Click on “Log on to Focus now” –It will take you right to the program

7. “Choosing a Major” Project What FOCUS will do for you: –Assess your skills, interests, values, and personality. –Identify your personal development needs. –Select the right college major for you. –Explore occupations; plan your career. –Search for jobs, graduate schools, internships and financial aid.

8. “Choosing a Major” Project Your one-page write up of FOCUS should include the following: –What did you think of the program? Did you find it useful? –Did the program surprise you with the results or did it confirm what you already know? –What did the program tell you about yourself?

9. “Choosing a Major” Project Need to include all nine “Printable Reports” with your one-page summary. By including each printout, you will fulfill your CL001 requirement.

10. “Choosing a Major” Project One-page summary of your interview with a Southeast faculty member who teaches in the degree program you are investigating.

11. “Choosing a Major” Project Some ideas for questions: –Why did you choose to enter this career field? –What are the most rewarding experiences associated with this profession? –What are the greatest challenges of the profession?

12. “Choosing a Major” Project –Would you choose the same field knowing what you know now? If yes or no, why? –What are the prospects for increasingly good salaries, professional development, and advancement?

13. “Choosing a Major” Project –When you call/e-mail your chosen faculty member, make sure you have a list of optional dates for them to choose from. –Always follow up your interview with a thank you note or e-mail.

14. “Choosing a Major” Project A copy of the Departmental “Academic Guide” which describes all requirements of that degree program.

15. “Choosing a Major” Project A “Prospective Resume” that outlines what you believe your resume will look like in the last semester before you graduate. Develop a resume that reflects the activities, employment, and other accomplishments you plan to have as you being looking for your first job after graduation. Be creative, but also honest.

16. “Choosing a Major” Project A Fall 2006 Semester Plan –Provide two or three “alternative” course selections. –Use the Fall 2006 Semester Schedule located online.

17. “Choosing a Major” Project Project Narrative that consists of –3-4 page paper where you provide your answers to the following questions. Can I do this? Will I benefit from this after graduation? Will it please me?

18. “Choosing a Major” Project Set a schedule for yourself.

19. “Choosing a Major” Project Please be aware that if you choose not to turn in any part of this project, there will be major points deducted.

20. “Choosing a Major” Project Project is due March 14 th ! “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” ~Frederick Douglass