How to Choose a Major and Investigate Careers!

Do these sound familiar to you? Can I get a job with this major? How am I supposed to know what I want to do for the REST of my life? So what are you going to do when you graduate, kid? I love History, but my parents want me to study Computer Science so I can get a good job. - I hear statements like these all the time! Fact is, your choice of major usually does not determine your career options after college. There are some exceptions, of course - if you want to be a nurse, you need a degree in nursing. But, you might be surprised to learn how much flexibility exists even in technical fields. Some engineering jobs are filled by graduates with degrees in math, geology, or physics instead of engineering. Most history majors do not become historians. They become stockbrokers, advertising executives, IRS agents, or Manage businesses. Also, majoring in something just because it looks like it might lead to a high paying job doesn’t mean you will do well in that major. If you don’t enjoy doing the tasks associated with that job, then you’re probably not going to be successful in the job anyway.

You Are Not Alone 55-60% of college students change their major at least once 2/3 of college freshmen do not have a declared major

Top Myths about majors and careers My major is the determining factor in what my career will be…. One major can lead to many different careers and one career can be reached through many different majors It is about your degree, but ALSO your skills and experience

Top Myths about majors and careers I won’t learn anything practical in an arts and science degree…. The skills you develop at school are valued by employers – communicating, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, analyzing complex issues It is true that sometimes a degree alone is not enough – you may have to consider further education and getting experience

Top Myths about majors and careers If I choose a major, I won’t be able to take anything else.… You can add to your degree with: Joint major Minor Electives Emphases

Top Myths about majors and careers The major I choose will determine what I study at graduate school…. You can go on to graduate school in areas different than your major. For example: Professional schools (social work, law, library, speech therapy, etc.) Graduate school in different disciplines (genetic counsellor, etc.) College post-graduate diplomas programs (GPS, museum studies, correctional work, paralegal, journalism, etc.)

Top Myths about majors and careers My major determines what I do for the rest of my life…. You want to carefully choose the best career choice for you now However, you will continue to make career decisions throughout your life as your interests change and circumstances change

What do I want to do? Self-Assessment Career Exploration Evaluate your interests, personality and values, skills and abilities. Career Exploration Evaluate career trends. Complete an information search. Put it Together Set a specific timetable for completing goals. Use your contacts. So, instead of asking “What can I do with a major in….?”, you may want to ask “What do I want to do?” In choosing a major, you should base you decision on what you are interested in. What kind of classes do you like taking? That’s part of the reason you have to take all those basic courses in the Core Curriculum.

Three Key Factors Interests- what are you interested in Skills- what are you skilled at Values- what is important to you

What Floats your Boat? Enthusiasms - what do you like to do? Interests you have that you would do whether or not you were paid to do them. You do these in your spare time or whenever you can. What activities give me the most pleasure?

What are your Skills & Abilities? What are areas in which I excel? What are my special gifts and talents? What are some things I do for which I receive compliments? In what subjects do I earn the highest grades?” What activities come easy to you?

Values…. What is important to you? What are my lifestyle preferences? Family- having time for them? Independence- working on your own Do I prefer to be indoors or outdoors? Would I rather be with lots of people or by yourself? Would I prefer a 9-5 work schedule or a flexible work schedule? $$ - a high-paying job Status/Title- climbing the ladder Philanthropy- doing good things

Reasons for choosing a major “My parents want me to study this.” “My friends are in this major.” “This major will lead to a career in which I’ll make buckets of money.” “Frankly, I’m too lazy to research this, so I’ll just choose something!” “I really love studying this field – in fact, I even read about it in my spare time.” “Pursuing this major seems right to me – I feel that it is a part of who I am.” “I have many interests, but after doing my research, I think this is the best major for me.”

What can I do to investigate my major and career? Use the following Internet sites to research specific careers. Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/oco/ Princeton Review www.princetonreview.com/cte/

Career Exploration Means Taking Action! Volunteer or do an Internship Job Shadow a professional in the career your interested in Talk to People in the Profession…. Informational Interview