Making College Major and Career Decisions
description
Transcript of Making College Major and Career Decisions
Strommen Career and Internship CenterAnderson Hall, Lower Level
612-330-1148
AgendaIntroductionWhat is a college major?How does a major relate to a career?Where to start?What is important to consider when selecting
a major and a career?What is an internship?Next steps...
Career and Internship Center Services
Career and Self-Assessment Inventories One-on-One Career Planning/Counseling/Coaching Major Selection Career Information and Resources Career Exploration through Internships and Work Experience Resumes, Cover Letters, Interviewing, and Networking Assistance Employment Trends Information Job Searching Techniques Graduate School Planning
How to find us Anderson Hall, Room 23 612.330.1148
Career Services and Internship Wiki http://cswl.pbworks.com/
What Exactly is a Major?A plan of study; your college guide. Outline of
courses and experiences required to receive a specific degree.
College majors are organized collections of classes emphasizing one of the following:a subject (English, Biology, etc.).a theme (Urban studies, Women’s studies, etc.).a professional field (Nursing, Respiratory care,
Pre-law, teaching etc.).
Liberal Arts vs Professional Majors?
Does my major have to relate to a specific career?
National Association of College and Employers
Skills Employers are Looking for...Communication
Skills (written & verbal)
Honesty/IntegrityTeamwork SkillsStrong Work EthicAnalytical SkillsFlexibility/
Adaptability
Interpersonal SkillsMotivation/InitiativeComputer SkillsDetail-orientationOrganizational
SkillsLeadership SkillsSelf-Confidence
Knowing Yourself
Reflect on your interests, values, skills/strengths, and personality
Want your major and career choices to match your self-concept
Take a career assessment
Video Clip
Reflection Questions What gets you excited and
makes you happy?
What motivates you?
What are your gifts and strengths?
What do you enjoy learning about?
What would you be willing to make sacrifices for?
Exploring Majors10. Think about previous
courses/activities you have enjoyed
11. Take assessments to explore your skills, interests & values
12. Meet individually with a career counselor
13. Talk to faculty about specific majors
6. Talk to students in majors that interest you
5. Take classes that spark your interest
4. Go to the department websites for info on their degree programs
3. Look through course catalog
2. Get involved with campus clubs or activities in your area(s) of interest
1. Use online resources to explore majors & careers using the wiki: http://cswl.pbworks.com/
Exploring Your VocationResearch careers and career fields
See the wiki: http://cswl.pbworks.com/
Perform informational interviews with professionals
Job Shadow
Volunteer and get involved
Participate in on campus events
Get ExperienceVolunteerPart-time and Summer JobsJoin college activitiesInternships
Gives you great experienceAllows for you to “test” out a career fieldBoth for credit and non-creditPaid and unpaid optionsCan start one anytime – recommend by 2nd yearMake an appointment with a career counselor
and visit the wiki: http://cswl.pbworks.com/
Keep in Mind “On average, students change their major at least three times
during their college career” (Julia Barlow Sherlock, director of Career Services, cm-life.com)
Common Feelings “Everyone is always asking me what my major is, I feel like I should have an
answer” “Everyone else seems to have it figured out already” “I feel like I am making a career decision for the rest of my life”
Find a major first, then focus on a career
The average person changes careers 2-3 times
Avoid getting caught up in what you think you should do, rather than what you want to do
Parent/family expectations
Next Steps...