 Although there is no particular hurry to choose a major (after all, there are over 150 to choose from!), eventually you must choose a field of study that will lead to a degree and to a career path. Your freshman year is a good time to do the homework involved in choosing your major wisely. Because most college students change their major at least once before they graduate, however, this site is helpful for students who are considering changing their major as well.
Successful career planning involves a number of steps. These include: Some general steps you can take include:
- Taking your General Education classes seriously. Most incoming freshmen consider General Education classes nothing more than a series of hoops they must jump through on the way to the real classes. Well, that's one way to look at them. Another way is to look at "Gen. Eds." is to view them as an opportunity to discover what areas motivate you and spark your enthusiasm. Many a college student has found his/her major by taking a Gen. Ed. class. Sometimes just being exposed to a subject taught by a dynamic and interesting instructor can get you thinking about a career in that field. Take as varied a selection of Gen. Eds. as you can.
- Talking to advisers, faculty and friends in various majors - gather as much information as you can.
- Spending time reading course descriptions that sound interesting to you.
- Taking a survey class in a field that interests you.
Some specific steps you can take include:
- Taking the Career Planning class (1100:117) offered by University College. Career Planning is a class that offers you not only two credits towards graduation, but also an opportunity to do some guided career exploration utilizing the career resources available right here on campus, including the Counseling, Testing and Career Center and the Center for Career Management. It is never too early to discuss your options with a career counselor and to check out resources on majors and/or occupations that interest you.
- Taking the Student Success Seminar class (1100:101). Although the focus of SSS is on developing academic and personal skills, career planning is addressed in this class. You receive two credits toward graduation for successfully completing this class, too.
To guide you more directly in your choice of major and career, think about the following*:
- What are my interests? My hobbies? What would I do if I could do anything with my life?
- What are my abilities/special skills? Where have I been successful in the past? Have I been successful in the areas of study demanded by a particular major?
- What are my values? --Money? Status? Job security? Family?
- What motivates me? Am I self-motivated or does what others in my immediate circle think and advise provide most of my motivation?
- What are the realities?
Remember, your major will require intense study in a specialized area. Imagine not being interested in the subject that you will study in depth for four or more years!
Additional Helpful Links
*Adapted from the University of Montana, Welcome Freshmen. |
