1. Making College Major and Career Decisions
Clarke University Career Services

2. Do these sound familiar to you?
Can I get a job with this major?
How am I supposed to know what I want to do for the rest of my life?
I love History, but my parents want me to study Computer Science so I can get a job that makes a lot of money!
Why have I not decided on a major yet?

3. Keep in Mind 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
Avoid getting caught up in what you think you should do, rather than what you want to do
Parent/family expectations

4. You Are Not Alone
55-60% of college students change their major at least once
2/3 of college freshman do not have a declared major (NACE)

5. What Exactly is a Major?
A plan 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.).

6. Does my major have to relate to a specific career?
Not necessarily.
most majors do not lead to a specific job, by design
exception: careers that require a license or certificate such as teaching
80% of workers in the US are in a career field not directly related to their major
the average person changes career fields 2-3 times in a lifetime)
college degree satisfies most entry-level job qualifications regardless of major

7. Where do I start?

8. What do I want to do?
Choosing a major means thinking about what interest you
AND
Where your skills and abilities lie
Your values!

9. Three Key Factors Interests-what are you interested in?
Skills-what are you skilled at?
Values-what is important to you?

10. What Floats your Boat? Enthusiasm-what do you love to do?
Interests you have that you would do whether or not you were paid to do them
You do these in your spare time or whenever you can

11. Knowing Yourself
Reflect on your interests, values, skills/strengths, and personality
Ideally, your major and career choices match your values and interests
Take a career assessment MBTI
Occupational Outlook Handbook

12. Discover Yourself!
Research careers and career fields with a Career Counselor
Talk to people in the profession or a professor
Job Shadow/connect with alumni
Volunteer and get involved
Participate in events/clubs

13. Get Experience Volunteer/Service Learning/Community Service
Part-time and summer jobs
Join college activities/clubs
Internships;
Gives you great experience
Allows for you to “test” out a career field
Provides college credit
Paid and unpaid options

14. Reflection Question
What gets you excited and makes you happy?

15. Reflection Question
What motivates you?

16. Reflection Question
What are your gifts and strengths?

17. Reflection Question
What do you enjoy learning about?

18. Reflection Question What are you interested in?
What are you skilled at?
What is important to you?

19. Describe Yourself
Write a short paragraph that describes your personality
Tell me about yourself?

20. Exploring Majors
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 Clarke department websites for info on their degree programs
3. Look through course catalogs
2. Get involved with campus clubs or activities in your area(s) of interest
1. Use online resources to explore majors & careers

21. Career Development Process
Know Yourself
Explore Your Vocation
Get Experience
Prepare for Meaningful Work
Enrich Your Career

22. Career Plan First Year ; Adjust Soph0more Year ;Explore and Experiment
Junior Year; Focus
Senior Year; Seek Your Path/Career

23. Skills Employers are Looking for...(regardless of major)
Interpersonal Skills
Motivation/Initiative
Professionalism/Work Ethic
Organizational Skills
Leadership Skills
Self-Confidence
Communication Skills (oral/written)
Honesty/Integrity
Teamwork Skills
Strong Work Ethic
Analytical /Problem Solving Skills
Flexibility/Adaptability
National Association of College and Employers

24. Career Support Services How to find us
Career and self-assessment inventories; 0ne-on-0ne career planning/counseling/coaching 
Major selection 
Support undecided majors
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
Lower Level of Library
(563)
Becky Herrig Career Counselor

25. Questions?