The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major

Myth #1: Most students know their major and career goals when they

enter college.

Myth #2: It is better to declare a major than be "undecided.“

The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major

Myth #3: There is only one major that will allow me to reach my goal.

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The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major

Myth #4: An academic major ties you to a specific career path. If I pick the wrong major, I’ll end up in the wrong career.

The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major

Where do you want begin?

Research What can I do with a Major in…?

http://valenciacc.edu/careerdevelopment/ConnectMajorstoCareers.cfmhttp://careerservices.rutgers.edu/CareerHandouts.htmlhttp://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/http://www.udel.edu/CSC/mrk.htmlhttp://www.k-state.edu/acic/majorin/

Major Career

The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major

Myth #5: Students majoring in the arts, humanities, or social sciences are either not qualified for any job (e.g., what do you do with a degree in philosophy?), or are only qualified for careers in those specific areas (e.g., philosopher) so they won’t be able to find a job.

Myth #6: I'll just take all of my General Education Requirements first.

Social Science Humanities English

Math Communication Technology

Arts

The Myths and Realities of Choosing a Major

Famous People QuizTest your ability to figure out what

celebrities majored in what academic subjects.

Famous People on Left- Major on Right- Place your answers in the middle

CELEBRITIES: Gene Simmons

Ashton Kutcher

Jennifer Garner

Michael Jordan

MAJORS?????

Mathematics

Education

Biochemical Engineering

Chemistry

Gene Simmons's flamboyant on-stage antics with his band "Kiss", may come in some way from his earlier academic pursuits.  He majored in education at Richmond College on Staten Island, New York. After graduating, Simmons briefly taught elementary school in New York's Spanish Harlem neighborhood.

The correct answer: Education

Michael Jordan, star basketball player from NC. Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he became one of the most effectively marketed athletes of his generation and was instrumental in popularizing the NBA (National Basketball Association) around the world in the 1980s and 1990s.

The correct answer is Mathematics

Known mostly for being a comic actor and

prankster, Kutcher was once a very earnest student at the University of Iowa, where he studied biochemical engineering with the hope of developing a cure for his brother’s heart problem.

The correct answer: Biochemical engineering

Best known as Agent Sydney Bristow, who works for the CIA on the hit show “Alias,” Jennifer Garner is also married to actor Ben Affleck. She enrolled at Denison University as a chemistry major, a decision that was later changed to a drama major when she found that her passions for the stage were stronger than her love of science

-The correct answer: Chemistry

What can I do NOW?

The more you understand yourself, the clearer your life goals and the way to reach them will become

Steps to a Major Decision…

Step 1: Evaluate YOUSelf-Assessment

Interests Personality traits & Strengths Values Skills

Make a career counseling appointment or attend a Career Planning workshop to learn about yourself. (cbazar@raritanval.edu)

Complete the FOCUS career assessment located in the Lions Den: Click the Student Services tab and go to the Career Services Channel.

DISCOVERMajors and Careers for your Type

Realistic Investigative Artistic Social Enterprising Conventional

Complete other Career Assessments through RVCC Career Serviceshttp://www.raritanval.edu/career_serv

What can I do NOW?Steps to a Major

Decision…

Step 2: Gather information and explore options 

http://www.raritanval.edu/studentserv/career_serv/index.html

Visit the RV Career Services page to learn how to explore careers.

ResearchTo Learn More about College Majors…

Examine the majors available to you and review the college catalog. Make a list of your options and eliminate those that don’t interest you.

Read about the majors remaining on your list. Mark the courses in each major that most interest you, match your abilities, and share your values. (This should help you further shorten your list).

Don’t just read the course titles or stop at the course descriptions at the end of the catalog-get specifics and check out the Course Outlines on the Quicklinks drop-down menu!

View academic department web pages

Attend Department Information Sessions

Check out Major-Career Converters Online!

Steps to a Major Decision…

Step 3: Evaluate and make your major decision 

Weigh pros and cons of optionsNarrow down to 2-3 majors

Discuss with an Advisor or Counselor

What can I do NOW?

Steps to a Major Decision…

Step 4: Take action & Set Specific Goals 

Sample introductory courses in the majors you are considering- Use free electives wisely!

Choose student activities/clubs, internships, volunteer work, and/or part-time employment that can help you further develop your skills in areas that interest you.

Talk with faculty and other students in the majors you’re interested in.

Talk to family, friends, and relatives who work in the career fields you are considering. Ask them about their major and how it helped them.

Go for it! Declare your major.

What can I do NOW?

Choose a major you truly enjoy-your career will happen

Remember, many times your career is not directly related to your major

From the famous people list you can see how a college degree/major can lead into a wide variety of careers

It’s ok to be undecided, but come and see us in Career Services so we can help guide you through the process.

Summary