Parents-Welcome!!! Charlie Endicott Associate Director of Career Services Salisbury University

Myths and Facts about Major and Career Choice for Your Son/Daughter “ I won’t be able to do anything with a liberal arts degree.” “Something is wrong with me if I don’t know what I want to do.” “There is only one career for me.” “ If I choose a major or career, I’ll be stuck with it forever.” “There is a test or an expert that can tell me what to do with the rest of my life.” “ I want to know what’s out there before I make a choice.” “ I want to leave my options open.” “ I just need a little more information before I can make a decision.”

Ten Steps in Planning a Major Follow this plan to success!

Ten Steps in Planning a Major STEP 1. Visit the college career center. Meet with a counselor to discuss options Use resources including assessments and electronic resources Develop a plan

Ten Steps in Planning a Major STEP 2. Write a resume. This is a reality check Identify strengths and weaknesses

Ten Steps in Planning a Major STEP 3. Become “occupationally literate.” Read journals and trade articles in fields of interest Research occupational fields Talk to friends, family in careers fields that are of interest Use the SU Mentor Network

Ten Steps in Planning a Major STEP 4. Students make the decision. Myth; “ A student must major in something practical or marketable” Myth, “ Picking a major means picking the career you will have forever.”

Ten Steps in Planning a Major STEP 5. Internships and experiential learning are important. Employers look for experience. Great way to try out options. Great way to build a network.

Ten Steps in Planning a Major STEP 6. Extra curricular involvement is important. Can develop leadership and communication skills. Demonstrates ability to provide community service.

Ten Steps in Planning a Major STEP 7. Stay up-to-date with current events. Read local newspapers or IPad. Read the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Education Week.

Ten Steps in Planning a Major STEP 8. Explore the world of work. Visit and or shadow professionals in fields of interest. Develop network contacts

Ten Steps in Planning a Major STEP 9. Network, Network, Network. Join professional organizations. Take advantage of internships. Use the Mentor Network Volunteer Meet professional contacts through family and friends.

Ten Steps in Planning a Major STEP 10. Help the Career Center help you. Make and show-up for appointments Attend events Use their databases

Parents of First Year College Students Support your child’s exploration of new areas and interests Affirm what you know to be areas of skill and ability he/she has consistently demonstrated Use your resources if asked Encourage them to visit CC

Parents of First Year College Students Talk with your child about the courses and activities he/she is enjoying and how well your child is doing. Don’t panic if your child is excited about majoring in something like English, Psychology or Art.

Parents of First Year College Students Support your child’s responsible involvement in campus activities. Urge your child to seek assistance from the college career center or faculty advisor.

SU Career Services Understanding Students come first no matter what The students are our customers and we are here to help them We will provide any and all services needed Help the students succeed and reach their dreams