The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major

1. The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major Myth #1: Most students know their major and career goals when they enter college.

2. The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major Myth #2: It is better to declare a major than be "undecided.“

3. The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major Myth #3: There is only one major that will allow me to reach my goal. 1 1 1 1 1

4. The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major Myth #4: An academic major ties you to a specific career path. If I pick the wrong major, I’ll end up in the wrong career.

5. Major Career Where do you want begin? Research What can I do with a Major in…? http://valenciacc.edu/careerdevelopment/ConnectMajorstoCareers.cfm http://careerservices.rutgers.edu/CareerHandouts.html http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/ http://www.udel.edu/CSC/mrk.html http://www.k-state.edu/acic/majorin/

6. The Myths and Realities of Choosing a MajorMyth #5: Students majoring in the arts, humanities, or social sciences are either not qualified for any job (e.g., what do you do with a degree in philosophy?), or are only qualified for careers in those specific areas (e.g., philosopher) so they won’t be able to find a job.

7. The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major Myth #6: I'll just take all of my General Education Requirements first. Social Science HumanitiesEnglish Math Communication Technology Arts

8. Famous People Quiz Test your ability to figure out what celebrities majored in what academic subjects.

9. CELEBRITIES: Gene Simmons Ashton Kutcher Jennifer Garner Michael Jordan MAJORS????? Mathematics Education Biochemical Engineering Chemistry Famous People on Left- Major on Right- Place your answers in the middle

10. Gene Simmons's flamboyant on-stage antics with his band "Kiss", may come in some way from his earlier academic pursuits.  He majored in education at Richmond College on Staten Island, New York. After graduating, Simmons briefly taught elementary school in New York's Spanish Harlem neighborhood. • The correct answer: Education

11. Michael Jordan, star basketball player from NC. Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he became one of the most effectively marketed athletes of his generation and was instrumental in popularizing the NBA (National Basketball Association) around the world in the 1980s and 1990s. • The correct answer is Mathematics

12. Known mostly for being a comic actor and prankster, Kutcher was once a very earnest student at the University of Iowa, where he studied biochemical engineering with the hope of developing a cure for his brother’s heart problem. • The correct answer: Biochemical engineering

13. Best known as Agent Sydney Bristow, who works for the CIA on the hit show “Alias,” Jennifer Garner is also married to actor Ben Affleck. She enrolled at Denison University as a chemistry major, a decision that was later changed to a drama major when she found that her passions for the stage were stronger than her love of science • -The correct answer: Chemistry

14. What can I do NOW? Steps to a Major Decision… Step 1: Evaluate YOUSelf-Assessment • Interests • Personality traits & Strengths • Values • Skills Make a career counseling appointment or attend a Career Planning workshop to learn about yourself. (cbazar@raritanval.edu) Complete the FOCUS career assessment located in the Lions Den: Click the Student Services tab and go to the Career Services Channel. The more you understand yourself, the clearer your life goals and the way to reach them will become

15. DISCOVERMajors and Careers for your Type • Realistic • Investigative • Artistic • Social • Enterprising • Conventional Complete other Career Assessments through RVCC Career Services http://www.raritanval.edu/career_serv

16. What can I do NOW? Steps to a Major Decision… Step 2: Gather information and explore options http://www.raritanval.edu/studentserv/career_serv/index.html Visit the RV Career Services page to learn how to explore careers.

17. Research To Learn More about College Majors… • Examine the majors available to you and review the college catalog. Make a list of your options and eliminate those that don’t interest you. • Read about the majors remaining on your list. Mark the courses in each major that most interest you, match your abilities, and share your values. (This should help you further shorten your list). • Don’t just read the course titles or stop at the course descriptions at the end of the catalog-get specifics and check out the Course Outlines on the Quicklinks drop-down menu! • View academic department web pages • Attend Department Information Sessions • Check out Major-Career Converters Online!

18. What can I do NOW? Steps to a Major Decision… Step 3: Evaluate and make your major decision Weigh pros and cons of options Narrow down to 2-3 majors Discuss with an Advisor or Counselor

19. What can I do NOW? Steps to a Major Decision… Step 4: Take action & Set Specific Goals • Sample introductory courses in the majors you are considering- Use free electives wisely! • Choose student activities/clubs, internships, volunteer work, and/or part-time employmentthat can help you further develop your skills in areas that interest you. • Talk with faculty and other students in the majors you’re interested in. • Talk to family, friends, and relatives who work in the career fields you are considering. Ask them about their major and how it helped them. Go for it! Declare your major.

20. Summary • Choose a major you truly enjoy-your career will happen • Remember, many times your career is not directly related to your major • From the famous people list you can see how a college degree/major can lead into a wide variety of careers • It’s ok to be undecided, but come and see us in Career Services so we can help guide you through the process.