Making College Major and Career Decisions Strommen Career

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, Pre -Med 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 • Behavior Therapist • Research Coordinator • Admissions Counselor • Editorial Assistant • Project Manager • ESL Teacher • Personnel Officer • Logistics Coordinator • Catering Assistant • Human Resources Generalist • Projection Implementation Associate • Direct Support Counselor • Medical Support Assistant • Assistant Manager • Fundraiser Group D • Account Manager Group C • Computer Technician Group B Group A Guess the Major • Customer Service Associate • Technical Consultant Assistant • • Loan Officer • Courier • 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 (written & verbal) Honesty/Integrity Teamwork Skills Strong Work Ethic Analytical Skills Flexibility/Adaptability Interpersonal Skills Motivation/Initiative Computer Skills Detail-orientation Organizational Skills Leadership Skills Self-Confidence National Association of College and Employers

Where do I start?

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

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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 2 nd 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

Questions?