Transcript What can I do with a major in

What can I do
with a major in . . . ???
The Pennsylvania State University
Today’s Topics
Selecting a Major
Career Services Resources
Assessing Career Interests
Academic College Resources
Connecting the Two
Questions
Pop Quiz ? # @ % * ? !






Most students declare a major in their first year.
Once a major is declared it is unwise to change it.
If a student’s career goals are unsure then a major
cannot be selected.
Each major dictates certain career choices.
Family and friends know which major is the best for a
student.
The choice of a major should be put off as long as
possible to avoid a narrow education.
May I see the menu, please?
What majors are offered by
which colleges?
 What about minors -- how do
they figure into the picture?
 Are concentrations in certain
areas possible?
 Is a certificate necessary?
 Can an individualized program
be designed?

Where’s the passion?

The ideal major . . .
is the one that you are most passionate about!
Interests are key!

Not all classes are created equal . . .
some in particular will help to excel your career!
Not all people are created equal . . .
it’s important to examine our skills & abilities!
Rocket science isn’t for everyone!

Assessing Interests
I like working with . . .
DATA
PEOPLE
THINGS
IDEAS
HOW do you like to work with . . . ?
WHAT TYPE of . . . do you like to work with?
Where do you like to work with . . . ?
Making the Connection

Very related to major
– Health Admin major in hospital administration at Johns Hopkins

Job related in atypical organization
– Health Admin major in health care benefits at Grumman

Organization is related with atypical job
– Health Admin major in sales at Merck

Both job and organization are atypical for major
– Health Admin major in operating services at Mellon Bank
Resources at Career Services





Intake counselor always
available
Individual counseling
Self-Assessments - SDS,
Discover, & SIGI-plus
Occupational Information files, publications (Webbased information)
EXTERNship program and
Internship information
Resources within the Colleges
Contact the colleges you are
considering and talk to the
academic advisors
 Assess the accomplishments
of the alumni from the major
you are considering
 Look for ways to combine
interests through your
choice of major(s), minor(s)
and areas of concentration

Agriculture
Arts & Architecture
Business
Communications
Earth & Mineral Science
Education
Engineering
Health & Human Development
Liberal Arts
Information Science &
Technology
Science
Questions?
865-2377
413 Boucke
www.psu.edu/career