Strommen Career and Internship CenterAnderson Hall, Lower Level

612-330-1148

AgendaIntroductionWhat is a college major?How does a major relate to a career?Where to start?What is important to consider when selecting

a major and a career?What is an internship?Next steps...

Career and Internship Center Services

Career and Self-Assessment Inventories  One-on-One Career Planning/Counseling/Coaching  Major Selection  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 Anderson Hall, Room 23 612.330.1148

Career Services and Internship Wiki http://cswl.pbworks.com/

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.).

Liberal Arts vs Professional Majors?

Does my major have to relate to a specific career?

National Association of College and Employers

Skills Employers are Looking for...Communication

Skills (written & verbal)

Honesty/IntegrityTeamwork SkillsStrong Work EthicAnalytical SkillsFlexibility/

Adaptability

Interpersonal SkillsMotivation/InitiativeComputer SkillsDetail-orientationOrganizational

SkillsLeadership SkillsSelf-Confidence

Knowing Yourself

Reflect on your interests, values, skills/strengths, and personality

Want your major and career choices to match your self-concept

Take a career assessment

Video Clip

Reflection Questions What gets you excited and

makes you happy?

What motivates you?

What are your gifts and strengths?

What do you enjoy learning about?

What would you be willing to make sacrifices for?

Exploring Majors10. Think about previous

courses/activities you have enjoyed

11. Take assessments to explore your skills, interests & values

12. Meet individually with a career counselor

13. 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 department websites for info on their degree programs

3. Look through course catalog

2. Get involved with campus clubs or activities in your area(s) of interest

1. Use online resources to explore majors & careers using the wiki: http://cswl.pbworks.com/

Exploring Your VocationResearch careers and career fields

See the wiki: http://cswl.pbworks.com/

Perform informational interviews with professionals

Job Shadow

Volunteer and get involved

Participate in on campus events

Get ExperienceVolunteerPart-time and Summer JobsJoin college activitiesInternships

Gives you great experienceAllows for you to “test” out a career fieldBoth for credit and non-creditPaid and unpaid optionsCan start one anytime – recommend by 2nd yearMake an appointment with a career counselor

and visit the wiki: http://cswl.pbworks.com/

Keep in Mind “On average, students change their major at least three times

during their college career” (Julia Barlow Sherlock, director of Career Services, cm-life.com)

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

The average person changes careers 2-3 times

Avoid getting caught up in what you think you should do, rather than what you want to do

Parent/family expectations

Next Steps...