DO NOT PANIC!
Choosing a major, getting an education, thinking about a career - these are the things college is all about. While some students arrive on campus sure of their majors and career ambitions, the majority of students do not. There is no need to rush into a decision about your major as soon as you step on campus.
Most of you are attending college because you believe it will lead you to better employment options, and many of you assume there is a direct correlation between majors and careers. While it's true that some majors, such as education or nursing, do relate to specific careers, most majors do not. Sometimes students fear that your major will restrict or dictate what careers are available to you. In fact, the majority of majors will actually help prepare you for many career possibilities. The most important step you can take is to supplement your major and academic work with internships, informational interviews, and other real-world experience to help you explore possible career paths and gain valuable practical knowledge outside the classroom.
Career Services and Employer Relations can suggest ways to help you focus your future, choose a major, and start building your career.
Making a Major Decision
Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Major
- What classes do I find myself most interested in?
- In which do I most actively participate?
- What homework or studying (or research) do I enjoy?
- Do I spend extra time on academic work for a particular class, above and beyond what is required?
- Where might I have a natural aptitude, skills or abilities (reading, math, writing, science)?
- What classes/area of study do I receive the best grades in?
- Which professors do I have a good rapport with?
- Do I read and particularly enjoy any literature discussed in any of my classes?
- When I go to a bookstore, what section do I head to first?
- Do I enjoy watching any movies or television programs (news, documentaries, Biography, the History Channel) that are used as references in any classes?
- Do I admire any public person/icon who would be a great speaker on campus or for any specific classes? What field is he/she in?
- Do I pattern my life after someone (such as a relative or public person) who would have chosen a particular area of study that may interest me?
- Do I have a hobby that could be easily applied in any certain area of study?
- What kind of environment do I prefer (people, books, computers, multi-cultural…)?
- Have I asked people who know me well what they envision me studying in school? How do their answers match up with mine from above?
Taking the Mystery Out of Majors
Portions of this handout are from Princeton Review's site: princetonreview.com
Facts:
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average college graduate changes jobs once every three years and changes career fields two or three times in their lifetime. So, for those of you who think choosing a college major locks you into a specific career for the rest of your life, think again. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by age 25, the average person has held 5.2 jobs.
What is a Major?
In many ways, a major is like a contract between you and the school you attend. By declaring a major, you agree to perform certain work, (i.e. classes) in exchange for a college degree. Another way to think of a major is simply as an organized collection of classes, either revolving around a subject (history or mathematics), or theme (women's studies, environmental studies).
Is choosing a major the second most important decision of your life?
Well, that depends. While it is true that choosing the proper major early on can help spare years of personal agony, the major you choose will neither predict nor guarantee your future. It is important to pick a major because you enjoy taking courses in that subject area. Don't worry about what you can "do" with it when you graduate. Sometimes students choose a major you think will open up job possibilities only to discover that you dislike the field, or that the job market changes suddenly and the "hot career" is no longer hot. Choosing a major is required in order to graduate, but it should not limit what you do after graduation. Within 10 years of graduation, most people are working in careers not directly connected to their undergraduate majors.
When do I need to choose a major?
Framingham State College requires you to declare a major by the end of your sophomore year or upon completion of 16 credits in the major. If you are interested in a major that requires many classes, or classes that are limited to students in that major, you might have to declare earlier than usual (i.e. fall semester of your sophomore year). Try out as many courses in a variety of departments as you can before you choose. For further information about declaring a major, check the information at the Center for Academic Support and Advising: CASA Advising
What if I declare early but change my mind?
Typically, nearly 3 out of 4 students change majors at least once before graduation. A certain amount of indecisiveness is built into the system. You can officially change your major quite late in your final year, as long as you have fulfilled the departmental course requirements. Some departments have specific course requirements or prerequisites.
How do I find out what these prerequisites are?
The best way is to get a copy of the course bulletin from the Registrar or download one at: http://www.framingham.edu/catalogs/. These guidelines provide a list of required classes, class descriptions and any other requirements you might need to fulfill (i.e. senior thesis) in order to graduate. Course guidelines are revised yearly, so make sure to get an updated version.
How important is it to choose more than one major or minor?
A small number of FSC students graduate with more than one major, largely comprised of those students who are pursuing a Coordinate Education major as they are required to have a major in a discipline or interdisciplinary area. If you have time to complete the required courses and enjoy multiple subjects, then feel free to select more than one major or minor. However, there is no evidence to support that declaring multiple majors/minors ensures future career success.
Who can I talk to for help in choosing a major?
- Career Services and Employer Relations provides assistance to students in the process of choosing or changing majors. Call x4625 or 508-626-4625 to schedule an appointment.
- Through CareerLink, Framingham State College alumni mentors are available to discuss issues related to choice of major, career preparation, and entry level positions. To connect with these alumni, visit CareerLink.
- Professors are excellent resources for learning more about a major. Meet with them during office hours or schedule an appointment.
- CASA (The Center for Academic Support and Advising) has resources to assist you in choosing a major: CASA
- Not sure at all where to begin? Career Services and Employer Relations offers a self-assessment tool called Pinpoint in the office (412 College Center) to help you define your interests, values and skills which may in turn assist you in selecting a major.
What should I do to supplement my major?
A key component to relating your liberal arts major to a career field is gaining practical experience. Most employers are not as interested in what you majored in as they are in what experiences and skills you have. An internship, summer or part-time job, volunteer experience, or campus activity will help you to build a resume that will catch the attention of future employers.
Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Major
- Ask around and get advice: Talk to fellow students, faculty advisors (or any faculty with whom you feel connected), and administrators/staff about their opinions and experiences regarding the various departments that interest you. Check with Career Services and Employer Relations about whether your career plans would be helped by choosing a particular major.
- Find out what the requirements are: Do you think you can handle the course requirements for a specific major (i.e. science labs, math or other requirements)?
- Explore: Take courses in different fields of study (could be intro class or another, more advanced class).
- Use the add/drop period wisely: At the start of each semester you have 6 days to check out professors and classes in different departments prior to the add/drop deadline. Try as many options as possible!
- Consider the clubs to which you belong: Is there a major that coincides with your activities and interests? (i.e. if you enjoy writing for The Gatepost, would you enjoy majoring in English, Communication Arts, Politics, History?)
- Look through the FSC Course Bulletin: Highlight the courses in each department that interest you or sound fun and challenging. Discuss these possible course selections with others, or check faculty reviews on www.Ratemyprofessor.com. Consult the current semester schedule to determine availability of these courses each term as many courses are offered alternating years.
- Pick a major that interests you: The major you choose will neither predict nor guarantee your future, so it is not essential to pick a major based on what you think you want to do with your life after you graduate.
- Look at your grades: Although grades aren't everything, many people equate grade performance with aptitude. If you have excelled in certain classes within a department, then that may be an appropriate major for you. Don't automatically rule out a major due to one or two tough classes where your grades were not as high as you wished, but do consider whether or not you feel comfortable with and/or interested in the course material.
- Attend programs: Attend events, workshops and programs offered by each department and Career Services and Employer Relations. This will allow you to meet faculty, alumni and fellow students from a particular department, as well as allow you to learn more about the major.
- Get experience: Involvement in an internship or job may assist you in finding a career direction and help you choose a major.
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Be sure to check out this new feature on our website to connect with alumni for career information and advice: » CareerLink
Interested in jobs or internships with local employers? Meet informally with company representatives each Wednesday, learn about their companies and submit resumes.
Fall schedule of employers on campus: » What's Happening
The top ten reasons to visit the Career Services & Employer Relations office are...
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Q&A with FSC Students.
» Nicole Daniel '08
» Ashlee Winston '07
Thinking About Graduate School? Career Services and Employer Relations can help you determine whether graduate school is right for you and help you with the application process.
» Full Article
DO NOT PANIC!
Career Services and Employer Relations can suggest ways to help you focus your future, choose a major, and start building your career.
» Making a Major Decision
» Taking the Mystery Out of Majors
» Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Major
» Full Article
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