SELECTING A MAJOR/CAREER PLANNING
“What can I do with this major?” is a commonly asked question. Selecting a major should not become a frustrating chore. You should select a major based on your interests and talents; not because you heard you could get a high paying job. Following that path does not usually lead to academic success. If your interests and skills are not appropriate for the major, you may find yourself in academic jeopardy.
Through the advice of your undergraduate major advisor and the Career Center, you will gain valuable information about how the academic major can prepare you for your career. You can also obtain information by reading the online Undergraduate Bulletin. In addition, the two more well-known assessment tests, Strong Inventory and Meyer-Briggs Type Indicator, are excellent resources administered through the Career Center (Melville Library W-0550, 632-6810). Your responses to the questions on these assessment tests will give you valuable information about areas you may be interested in.
Some occupations do require a major specific to the job. Those who are seeking employment or a career in operating a small business should seek a degree in business. Those seeking careers in scientific research must major in the appropriate natural science. Most employers are not as concerned about the undergraduate major as they are about an applicant’s qualifications for the position being offered. It is imperative to work on developing and enhancing “human skills” such as communication skills, both written and verbal; analytical and cognitive skills. Also, explore internships, research opportunities (creative and scientific), National Student Exchange, and part-time jobs to gain valuable experience before you graduate.
Selecting the appropriate major is the first step in attaining your goal. The following information is from Your College Experience by John Gardner and A. Jerome Jewler:
TIME FOR ACTION:
In selecting a major, ask yourself these questions:
- Am I interested in learning about the field?
- Do I have the necessary skills for success?
- Am I gaining skills, information, and perspectives that will be helpful in my career choices?
After choosing a major, begin to learn about academic opportunities in your department. Talk with your advisor about minors, internships, independent study, international study abroad, and other options that might broaden your academic experience. For some people there is direct correlation between the major and the career; for others the choice of a major is best based on subject interest, not career considerations. If your major is not directly related to your career choices, plan to use work experience or campus activities to gain entry into your first job. Talk with faculty members about their internship skills and areas of expertise. Ask if they are aware of careers or jobs in which the skills and knowledge can be utilized. Look at the available resources on the Academic & Pre-Professional Advising Center’s website. Be sure to take advantage of all the opportunities and resources available here at SBU!
For more information on choosing a major and for numerous helpful links, check out the Career Center’s Website at: http://www.career.sunysb.edu/content/students/understanding-professions-and-careers