Frequently Asked Questions (Career Counseling)

Many students are undecided about their career and have no idea what major to select.

Don’t panic! There is help. Visit with a career counselor to learn about career options at the Student Success Center located in MRCN Annex, phone # 882-8292. 
Appointments and walk ins are welcomed.

 

Does career counseling take long?  Career Counseling is a process and it takes as long as it is necessary for each student. However, students generally visit with a counselor for  3-4 sessions for about 50 minutes each session.

What do I do during these sessions? You may take an interest inventory; review the results, explore the world of work, research an occupation/profession, view the occupational handbook and develop a career path. Additionally, you can receive help with transfer information if you select a major not offered here.

Is there a fee to take the CHOICES or any other interest inventory? There are several interest inventories available on the internet free of charge. We also offer CHOICES assessment, a free service provided by the Stoddert Success Center.

When should I declare a major?
Many students change their major during the first two years of college.  The sooner you  decide and focus on a major, the less likely  you will take unnecessary courses and the sooner you  graduate.  Choosing a major gives students a guiding purpose and helps with goal preparation for future success.

 

How do I declare or change majors? One of the primary goals of our Career Counselors is for students to select a career path and choose a major that will fit with your interests and aptitudes.  Once this goal is reached, you will be referred to meet with one of the Academic Advisors who will provide you with an official degree plan and  declare your  major on the computer system.

 

What’s the difference between a minor and a major?
A major is the primary program of courses meeting the requirements for your degree. Minors are not mandatory instead they are a chance to tailor your degree and they usually require 15 to 18 hours on a specific field. Not all the degrees allow for a minor. Please consult with the Academic Advisement Center to learn more about minors offered in this university.

 

How does my major relate to a career?
How to develop a career path is another topic that can be discussed in your career counseling sessions.  Biology major opens career doors beyond being a biologist.  A History major opens career doors beyond being a Historian.  Your study in your major field helps equip you with transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, creative thinking that will apply to a variety of jobs in many career fields.  Your education will shape you into a well-rounded worker that employers in today’s global marketplace are looking to hire. Remember that in the fast paced changing world we live in most college graduates will likely change jobs and career fields several times in their lifetime.

 

Should I consider the job market demand in selecting a major?
In an ever changing world it is realistic to consider changes in the job market for job security when looking at career paths and a major.  However, the job market should not be the main factor used to determine an academic field or career choice.
Remember that job market can change rapidly, and the factors affecting it are often unpredictable. The careers in demand when you are a freshman may not be in demand by the time you graduate. It is more important for you to select a major or choose career goals that are genuinely interesting to you or an area that you are passionate about. New career fields and jobs emerge as a result of changes in technology and economic trends. The career you will have in the future may not exist yet but a college education will help you be prepared with flexibility and transferable skills for new opportunities in your future!

 

How can I gain experience and build job skills?
Internships, summer jobs, part-time jobs, and volunteer activities are great ways to start building the skills you will need to prepare you for the competitive job market.  Participation in student organizations, joining athletic teams, and social groups are other ways to build your experiences and refine your skills. They can play an important part in developing greater understanding of yourself and the world of work. Involvement with these activities can help develop and shape your career goals. You should contact the Career Services Department in Tandy 205 to help you locate internships and part-time jobs, polish your resume, and prepare for interviews.