|
Unsure about what major to choose?
| |
DON'T |
 |
This
is why...
- Statistics
show that most college students change their major
at least
once and some change their major several times during
their
college career.
- A
common belief about choosing a major is that it ties
you to a
specific career. Fortunately, the reality is that
a bachelor's degree
will prepare you for many career paths. Research shows
that only
about half of college graduates report a close tie
between their
major and their current career.
There
is more to your education than just choosing a major...
When
you graduate from Stephen F. Austin State University
you
will have acquired "marketable
skills" which are derived from all life's
experiences. Let's look at
the skills employers look for in potential
employees:
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
PLANNING SKILLS
HUMAN RELATIONS SKILLS
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
PERSONAL SKILLS
VALUING SKILLS
SOCIAL
SKILLS
ANALYTICAL
SKILLS
RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS
You
will see that your academic coursework and life
experiences as a college student help you
develop
these skills...
...so
major
in
something
you ENJOY!
How
do you select a major that will you make you happy?
Selecting a major is a several step
process, one which begins your
freshman year and evolves as you mature
and learn.
There is no
crystal ball, or perfect test, or clairvoyant
counselor who can direct
you to a perfect major. BUT, for most
students there are several majors
which will be a good fit and will prepare
you for numerous career options.
 What
are your ABILITIES?
Where
are your academic strengths? Refer to your college
admission test scores (SAT or ACT). Is one area noticeably
higher than the other? High verbal scores relate to
courses
which require significant reading and writing. High
math
scores indicate an ability to succeed in the math and
science
related courses. Check your transcript for those courses
you
were successful in and enjoyed.
Who are you - really?
Here
are a few self-assessment tools to aid you in identifying
your goals and interests.
- Do you like to work with people?
with
animals?
Or
do you like facts and figures?
Take
this ACT
WORLD-OF-WORK MAP ASSESSMENT
to find out!
-
What is your personality type?
Take
the HOLLAND CODE SAMPLE SURVEY
to find out!
 OTHER
ASSESSMENTS FOR FUN!
-What
is your medieval vocational personality?
Take
the KINDOMALITY
PERSONAL PREFERENCE PROFILE
to
find out!
Visit
CAREER
SERVICES
and
COUNSELING SERVICES
for more information about yourself and your possible
major selections.
One of the best places on campus to start exploring
your
personal self and your life goals is at the Counseling
& Career
Services office located in the Rusk Building. Contact
them to
see what they have to offer.
WHAT
CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN (blank)?
Here you can explore the possibilities of each major.
Visit
the OCCUPATIONAL
OUTLOOK HANDBOOK online.
This is a comprehensive handbook created by the U.S.
Department of Labor. It lists virtually every possible
occupation
and gives you valuable information on each one, such
as potential
earnings, training and education requirements, and job
outlook.
Explore YOUR possible occupations.
Contact
the appropriate academic
department for more information on choosing that
major.
Visit their web site,
email and meet with them for the essential
information on your possible major choices.
|
