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Making College Major and Career Decisions

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?

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Making College Major and Career Decisions

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  1. Making College Major and Career Decisions Strommen Career and Internship CenterAnderson Hall, Lower Level612-330-1148

  2. 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...

  3. 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/

  4. What Exactly is a Major? • Aplan 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.).

  5. Liberal Arts vs Professional Majors?

  6. Guess the Major

  7. Does my major have to relate to a specific career?

  8. 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 Skills Employers are Looking for... National Association of College and Employers

  9. Where do I start?

  10. 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

  11. Video Clip

  12. 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? Reflection Questions

  13. Think about previous courses/activities you have enjoyed Take assessments to explore your skills, interests & values Meet individually with a career counselor 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 Majors

  14. 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

  15. 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/

  16. 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

  17. Next Steps...

  18. Questions?

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