4 answers
Prawn
Student
Portland, Oregon
3
Questions
Asked
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What are things I can do to explore my interests in terms of college majors?
Like internships, clubs, volunteering, etc.
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4 answers
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
364
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hey Prawn,
During my four years in college, I seized every opportunity and experience that came my way, shaping me into who I am today.
1. Make it a point to attend career and job fairs as often as you can.
Job fairs can be a bit chaotic and it might seem like a daunting task to stand out among all the senior students. But, starting to attend these fairs from your freshman year itself can be a valuable experience.
As a freshman, you might not land job or internship offers right away due to lack of experience, and that's okay! Look at it as a practice session for the real deal. Use this as a chance to polish your networking skills, improve your conversation abilities, and perfect your elevator pitch.
2. Make the most of your school's career centers.
Many colleges have career centers that offer counseling, networking opportunities, and even their own job search platforms. Utilizing these resources can help you establish connections in your chosen field.
3. Engage in conversations with your professors.
Take the time to visit your professors during their office hours. Ask them about their college journey, how they discovered their career interests, and how they prepared for their profession. In essence, find out how they reached where they are today. Their advice is more valuable than you might think, as they have firsthand experience in the career field you aspire to join.
Discussing your professor's career might help you identify what excites you the most about a potential career path and whether you're pursuing the right major for your interests.
4. Dare to step outside your comfort zone.
It took me several years of varied college experiences to figure out my desired career path post-graduation. This realization came with a lot of hard work and stepping way beyond my comfort zone.
From my first semester in college, I started joining clubs. Even though I didn't know anyone in these clubs initially, and many of them were senior students, I understood that building relationships was far more rewarding than spending time in my dorm room watching reality TV and munching on bland dining hall food.
5. Never say no to a promising opportunity.
Here's the key takeaway: seize all that your school has to offer. Every resource, connection, professor, and service. They are all there to assist you.
During my four years in college, I seized every opportunity and experience that came my way, shaping me into who I am today.
1. Make it a point to attend career and job fairs as often as you can.
Job fairs can be a bit chaotic and it might seem like a daunting task to stand out among all the senior students. But, starting to attend these fairs from your freshman year itself can be a valuable experience.
As a freshman, you might not land job or internship offers right away due to lack of experience, and that's okay! Look at it as a practice session for the real deal. Use this as a chance to polish your networking skills, improve your conversation abilities, and perfect your elevator pitch.
2. Make the most of your school's career centers.
Many colleges have career centers that offer counseling, networking opportunities, and even their own job search platforms. Utilizing these resources can help you establish connections in your chosen field.
3. Engage in conversations with your professors.
Take the time to visit your professors during their office hours. Ask them about their college journey, how they discovered their career interests, and how they prepared for their profession. In essence, find out how they reached where they are today. Their advice is more valuable than you might think, as they have firsthand experience in the career field you aspire to join.
Discussing your professor's career might help you identify what excites you the most about a potential career path and whether you're pursuing the right major for your interests.
4. Dare to step outside your comfort zone.
It took me several years of varied college experiences to figure out my desired career path post-graduation. This realization came with a lot of hard work and stepping way beyond my comfort zone.
From my first semester in college, I started joining clubs. Even though I didn't know anyone in these clubs initially, and many of them were senior students, I understood that building relationships was far more rewarding than spending time in my dorm room watching reality TV and munching on bland dining hall food.
5. Never say no to a promising opportunity.
Here's the key takeaway: seize all that your school has to offer. Every resource, connection, professor, and service. They are all there to assist you.
Thank you for your advice!
Prawn
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4063
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello there!
Discovering Your Perfect College Major:
Venturing into the realm of college majors can be an exciting journey! There's a world of activities and opportunities waiting for you to dive in and get a real feel for different fields of study. Here are some friendly suggestions to help you uncover your passions:
1. Internships: Internships are a fantastic way to get your feet wet in a specific field. They can help you figure out if a certain major is the right fit for your interests and career dreams. Keep an eye out for internships that align with the majors you're considering to get a taste of the real world.
2. Clubs and Organizations: Becoming part of clubs and organizations that focus on various academic disciplines can offer you a sneak peek into different majors. Whether you're drawn to a business club, an engineering society, or an environmental group, getting involved can connect you with people who share your interests and expand your knowledge about diverse fields of study.
3. Volunteering: Offering your time to different causes can introduce you to a broad range of industries and majors. For instance, volunteering at a hospital could shed light on healthcare-related majors, while helping out at an animal shelter might ignite a passion for biology or animal science.
4. Informational Interviews: Don't hesitate to reach out to professionals in fields you're curious about and ask for informational interviews. This is your chance to ask all your burning questions about their career journeys, day-to-day tasks, and the education they needed for their roles.
5. Job Shadowing: Spending a day in the shoes of a professional can give you a firsthand glimpse into a specific career. Reach out to people working in fields you're drawn to and see if you can shadow them for a day.
6. Research Projects: Delving into research projects or independent studies related to various majors can deepen your understanding of intriguing topics and give you a closer look at the academic content within certain disciplines.
7. Part-Time Jobs: Taking up part-time jobs in diverse industries can expose you to different fields and help you gauge your interest in specific majors.
8. Workshops and Seminars: Attending workshops and seminars tied to different majors can provide valuable insights into the subjects and potential career paths linked to those majors.
By immersing yourself in these activities, you'll gain a clearer picture of your interests and potential college majors. Remember to keep an open mind and actively seek out experiences that will guide you in making informed decisions about your academic journey.
Top 3 Reliable Reference Publications or Websites Used:
Harvard Business Review: A premier source for insights and information related to business.
The Chronicle of Higher Education: A respected publication offering news, trends, and issues within the higher education sphere.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): A reliable organization offering resources and data on career development and employment trends for college students.
These sources were used to compile thorough information on discovering college majors through internships, clubs, volunteering, and other activities.
Take care and best of luck on your journey,
James.
Discovering Your Perfect College Major:
Venturing into the realm of college majors can be an exciting journey! There's a world of activities and opportunities waiting for you to dive in and get a real feel for different fields of study. Here are some friendly suggestions to help you uncover your passions:
1. Internships: Internships are a fantastic way to get your feet wet in a specific field. They can help you figure out if a certain major is the right fit for your interests and career dreams. Keep an eye out for internships that align with the majors you're considering to get a taste of the real world.
2. Clubs and Organizations: Becoming part of clubs and organizations that focus on various academic disciplines can offer you a sneak peek into different majors. Whether you're drawn to a business club, an engineering society, or an environmental group, getting involved can connect you with people who share your interests and expand your knowledge about diverse fields of study.
3. Volunteering: Offering your time to different causes can introduce you to a broad range of industries and majors. For instance, volunteering at a hospital could shed light on healthcare-related majors, while helping out at an animal shelter might ignite a passion for biology or animal science.
4. Informational Interviews: Don't hesitate to reach out to professionals in fields you're curious about and ask for informational interviews. This is your chance to ask all your burning questions about their career journeys, day-to-day tasks, and the education they needed for their roles.
5. Job Shadowing: Spending a day in the shoes of a professional can give you a firsthand glimpse into a specific career. Reach out to people working in fields you're drawn to and see if you can shadow them for a day.
6. Research Projects: Delving into research projects or independent studies related to various majors can deepen your understanding of intriguing topics and give you a closer look at the academic content within certain disciplines.
7. Part-Time Jobs: Taking up part-time jobs in diverse industries can expose you to different fields and help you gauge your interest in specific majors.
8. Workshops and Seminars: Attending workshops and seminars tied to different majors can provide valuable insights into the subjects and potential career paths linked to those majors.
By immersing yourself in these activities, you'll gain a clearer picture of your interests and potential college majors. Remember to keep an open mind and actively seek out experiences that will guide you in making informed decisions about your academic journey.
Top 3 Reliable Reference Publications or Websites Used:
Harvard Business Review: A premier source for insights and information related to business.
The Chronicle of Higher Education: A respected publication offering news, trends, and issues within the higher education sphere.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): A reliable organization offering resources and data on career development and employment trends for college students.
These sources were used to compile thorough information on discovering college majors through internships, clubs, volunteering, and other activities.
Take care and best of luck on your journey,
James.
Thank you!
Prawn
Dawn Watson
Management Consulting
7
Answers
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Updated
Dawn’s Answer
It's normal to feel uncertain about a long-term career or future. Remember, your initial choice isn't set in stone. Many people shift their majors or careers, exploring different paths as they grow personally and professionally. Choosing a career is about aligning with your values and what you wish to contribute to the world. It's okay to start in one direction and find your true calling elsewhere.
There is a great resource - " What Color Is Your Parachute? 2022: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success". by Richard N. Boles. This book has been around for many years and still one of the best resources out there. It has been updated in 2022 and still relevant today. There are a number of workbooks and related materials available that leverage the content and help you explore what you want to do.
There is a great resource - " What Color Is Your Parachute? 2022: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success". by Richard N. Boles. This book has been around for many years and still one of the best resources out there. It has been updated in 2022 and still relevant today. There are a number of workbooks and related materials available that leverage the content and help you explore what you want to do.
Thank you so much for the book recommendation!
Prawn
Holly Huffine
Sales
18
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Holly’s Answer
Hello Prawn,
Numerous colleges offer what's known as exploratory majors. These are designed to help you accumulate the essential credits you need during your early years of study, while also allowing you to delve into a wide range of classes and fields of study. I would strongly advise you to participate in various job fairs during your first year. Most majors host job fairs at least once annually, providing you an excellent opportunity to interact with diverse business professionals. This can be incredibly helpful in pinpointing what truly sparks your interest!
Remember, it's completely normal to be unsure about your major when you first enter college. Furthermore, you often don't need a specific major to land a particular job. For instance, I majored in Marketing and Management but have spent the last five years working in Sales! You can often shape your resume and gain experience in areas that offer a broader perspective, opening up a world of possibilities for your career path. Best of luck!
Numerous colleges offer what's known as exploratory majors. These are designed to help you accumulate the essential credits you need during your early years of study, while also allowing you to delve into a wide range of classes and fields of study. I would strongly advise you to participate in various job fairs during your first year. Most majors host job fairs at least once annually, providing you an excellent opportunity to interact with diverse business professionals. This can be incredibly helpful in pinpointing what truly sparks your interest!
Remember, it's completely normal to be unsure about your major when you first enter college. Furthermore, you often don't need a specific major to land a particular job. For instance, I majored in Marketing and Management but have spent the last five years working in Sales! You can often shape your resume and gain experience in areas that offer a broader perspective, opening up a world of possibilities for your career path. Best of luck!