Major ExplorationRussel Potter

Case 1: Completely Lost

Role of Majors

• Why a liberal education? • Major/Career relationship

Getting to Know You• Decision-making style – how does the student make

choices? • Inventories reveal:

– preferences– abilities/strengths– stuff students hate

Narrow the Field• What majors line up with preferences?

– Degree Search• What majors line up with interests?

– Departmental Websites• What careers line up with what majors?

– whatcanidowiththismajor.com

Remember, it’s a process

• Give the student homework– Talk to advisors– Research departments– Research careers– Complete more inventories– Talk to people!

Case 2: I have an idea, but I don’t know what major that is

Start with career/area relationship to degree

• Employers value degrees, but they often care more about transferable skills

• Reference real examples

Meet with advisor

Enroll in classes

Find internship

Help the student develop a roadmap to the destination, explaining that the degree is a small part, with the major an even smaller part of the journey.

Case 3: Specific idea with obscure or

specific requirements

• Reference to specific advisors • Different paths to different fields• Many advanced degrees don’t require specific majors

I want to… go to Law/Medical/Professional school

I want to… be a senator

• While many have Political Science or History, and then Law degrees, it’s not about degrees.

• Get involved, get active, and structure your Bachelors to maximize opportunities with internships and volunteerism.

I want to be a police officer/CIA agent/work in the FBI

• Learn a language• Be competent• Think Critically• Be successful/accomplished in your field first,

then join…

Pizza with a Professional

• 2 times a semester• Upcoming programs– Careers in Social Media, Sept. 18– Careers in Law, Oct. 28

Questions?

Additional resources will be sent electronically to attendees