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Some of you may have already selected a major
(some of you have probably known what you want to be since you were
knee high to a grasshopper), but most of you probably don’t know
what you want to do "when you grow up." Don’t worry about it. I know
lots of college graduates who still don’t know what they want to do.
It’s natural for you to have some indecision. If you’re like I was,
you’re having enough trouble figuring out high school, let alone
anything as far away as the rest of your life. Parents are often the
ones who have the strong need for you to have direction (since
they’re often paying for college, that’s to be expected), and if you
show them that, while you may currently be undecided as to a major,
you do have a plan… It often makes them feel a whole lot better. So
sit back and let Joni Hays fill you in.
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Joni Hays is
Coordinator of the Career Resource Center and OSU's University
Counseling Services. She earned her Ph.D. from Kansas State
University and her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Pittsburg State
University. Joni has been at OSU since 1989. |
CHOOSE A MAJOR
BEFORE ONE CHOOSES YOU
Your ideal career choice would probably be to win the lottery,
travel, and retire early. Very few people have the luxury of these
options. Most people choose their career or college major without
much information about themselves or the world of work. You may
choose your major based upon classes that you have done well in,
upon what others think you would enjoy or letting a major choose you
by not actively exploring your options. Choosing your college major
is one of the most important decisions that you will make. Most
people spend more time thoroughly researching the new car they wish
to buy than they do on career decisions. Many graduates are
surprised to find that their degree is not marketable.
When buying a car you may want to do research
about the car by reading Consumer Reports, you may want to consult a
mechanic to ensure the engine runs well, you may want to test drive
the car, and carefully consider the financial implications of buying
the car. A similar process of deciding will be helpful in your
career decision-making process. When considering a career direction
you may wish to do research via books, data bases, and the Internet;
you may want to consult a career counselor or consultant; you may
want to do volunteer or job shadowing in the areas you are
considering; and you may wish to consider the future implications of
your decision. Buying a car simply because you like the color is
typically not a responsible choice, just as choosing a major based
upon a
high salary may not be the best choice.
You will spend the next 30 to 40
years working. Spending the time and effort in
making a good career choice is well worth the
investment. Entering into a systematic process of
career development can allow you to make your career
decision based upon good information about yourself
and about the world of work. A noted career
development expert, Betty Neville Michelozzi
suggests that as you begin your career search you
may find it helpful to focus on the following
important questions.
Gather information about yourself
- Needs, wants, and shoulds
What do you need to survive? What do you want to
enrich your life?
- Interests and values
The choices you have made over your lifetime
have developed into a strong pattern of
interests. What are your interests? Are your
values clear?
- Skills
What do you enjoy doing most?
Become informed about social
issues that affect your career
- Roles
What roles do you play now?
- What are the major
challenges that face the world today?
Job market exploration
- Explore the job market
What jobs fit your self-image?
- Research workplaces
What are the important characteristics of
various workplaces?
- Research job market
opportunities
Will there be a need for people to do the job
you are considering?
- Information interview
Have you talked to people in careers that
interest you? Have you surveyed and evaluated
possible workplaces?
- Tools for the job hunt
Do you know how to network, portray yourself
effectively through resumes, applications,
interviews, letters?
Choosing a career or college major that fits with
your values, interests, and abilities will likely lead you in a
direction of satisfaction. You may learn a process of deciding
that you can use throughout your life. There are a number of
excellent resources available to assist you in deciding on your
career.
Career resource centers are available on nearly
all college campuses. Career resource centers typically have print
and computerized career resources available for student and
prospective student use. Ask your advisor where you may find these
resources on your college campus.
Career assessment offered through career
counseling offices is an excellent tool for getting objective
information about your interests, abilities, personality, and values
(i.e., Discover, SIGI-Plus, Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs
Type Indicator, and many more). This information helps you to
identify viable career possibilities that may match you.
Enroll in an academic course on career
exploration and interviewing. Practice and confidence can make a
huge difference in your career development.
Advisors, career counselors, instructors,
friends, family, and acquaintances are excellent sources of
information. Ask lots of
questions about areas you are considering. Interview advisors in
areas you are thinking about. Visit some workplaces of careers you
are considering.
The university and
community library are great resources. Reference books such as Occupational Outlook
Handbooks, Dictionary of
Occupational Titles, and guides for career exploration provide
great information about occupations.
Do an internship or practica even if it
is not required. Practical experience allows you to be really sure
that your chosen major
is a good match for you. Volunteer and paid work are also an
excellent way to find out more.
The Internet can be
an excellent resource
for gathering career, internship, and college information. Many
colleges and businesses have home pages on the World Wide Web.
Many universities,
fraternities,
sororities, and other organizations have career networks established
that may give you access to a network of people that welcome
inquiries about their career and workplace.
Take responsibility
now for your career
choice and college success. You are the architect of your future! To
make yourself as
marketable as possible upon graduation, begin your preparation now.
Develop a resume that
you expand upon throughout your college career. Develop
relationships with faculty and
colleagues. Network and find a mentor. Research employment and
graduate school possibilities.
Accept that it is
alright to be undecided
or to change your mind. Above you have a process of career decision
making that you may
use at any time to make a good decision for yourself. Your college
experiences offer you
many avenues of learning about yourself and the world of work. Take
advantage of these opportunities.
Develop a plan of
action for your
personal and career success. If you do not actively research,
explore, and evaluate your
career possibilities, then your career may choose you and may not be
the best match with
your interests, abilities, personality, and values.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM
LANCE
I only have a comment to add to what Joni suggests. If you are
unable to select a major, which is very likely to happen at some
point, promise yourself, and whomever else you feel pressure from to
decide, that you will spend time each week thinking about it. If you
aren’t sure what you want to do, you will probably be sure of some
things you don’t want to do, and that’s still progress. It will
eventually hit you, as long as you spend the time looking.
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