Transcript Making College Major and Career Decisions

Strommen Career and Internship Center
Anderson Hall, Lower Level
612-330-1148
Agenda
 Introduction
 What 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?
Liberal Arts
Degrees
Professional
Degrees
Examples: English,
Psychology, Biology
Examples: Nursing,
Education, Pre-Law, PreMed
Coursework: Humanities
with an area of focus
(major coursework)
Coursework: Some
general courses, most
classes emphasize
practical skills
Applicable to variety of
occupations or advanced
degrees
Defined curriculum leads
to specific profession,
usually licensed
•Personal Care
Attendant
•Marketing
Specialist
• Teacher
Assistant
• Retail Manager
• Editorial
Assistant
• Project Manager
• ESL Teacher
• Personnel
Officer
• Logistics
Coordinator
• Catering
Assistant
Group D
• Account
Manager
Group C
• Computer
Technician
Group B
Group A
Guess the Major
• Customer
Service
Associate
• Technical
Consultant
Assistant
•
• Loan Officer
• Courier
• Behavior
Therapist
• Research
Coordinator
• Admissions
Counselor
• Human
Resources
Generalist
• Projection
Implementation
Associate
• Direct Support
Counselor
• Medical Support
Assistant
• Assistant
Manager
• Fundraiser
• Actuary
• Cash Forecast
Analyst
• Special Events
Coordinator
Does my major have to relate to a specific career?
Not necessarily.
• most majors do not lead to a specific job, by design
• exception: careers that require a license or certificate
• 80% of workers in the US are in a career field not directly related to their major
(according to a survey by the U of Illinois )
• the average person changes career fields 2-3 times in a lifetime
(U.S. Bureau of Labor)
• college degree satisfies most entry-level job qualifications regardless of major
Skills Employers are Looking for...
 Communication Skills
 Interpersonal Skills
(written & verbal)
 Honesty/Integrity
 Teamwork Skills
 Strong Work Ethic
 Analytical Skills
 Flexibility/Adaptability
 Motivation/Initiative
 Computer Skills
 Detail-orientation
 Organizational Skills
 Leadership Skills
 Self-Confidence
National Association of College and Employers
Know
Yourself
Enrich
Your
Career
Explore
Your
Vocation
Career
Development
Process
Prepare for
Meaningful
Work
Get
Experience
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 Majors
10.
Think about previous
courses/activities you have
enjoyed
9.
Take assessments to explore
your skills, interests & values
8.
Meet individually with a career
counselor
7.
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 Vocation
 Research 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 Experience
 Volunteer
 Part-time and Summer Jobs
 Join college activities
 Internships
 Gives you great experience
 Allows for you to “test” out a career field
 Both for credit and non-credit
 Paid and unpaid options
 Can start one anytime – recommend by 2nd year
 Make 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...
Assess where you are in
this process
Make an appointment
with a career counselor
Start to explore your
options