Major & Career Exploration
Undeclared Majors
- Are you sick and tired of hearing the dreaded question "What's your major?"
- Do you wish you had even the smallest clue about what the answer might be?
- Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed at the whole prospect of having to make a decision?
- Do you wish that some wise soul would just tell you what to do?
Well, you're not alone! More than 25% of entering college freshmen are undecided about their major (also known as undeclared, exploratory, general studies, pre-majors, deciding, etc.). Plus, 50% of freshmen who do declare a major will change that major at least once. In fact, the average student changes majors up to three times! This isn't very reassuring is it?
RELAX, The Major & Career Exploration page is here to help (and not a moment too soon).
There is a process for deciding on a major and we are going to tell you what it is. Steps, that if you follow, are sure to lead you in the right direction and relieve some of the stress and anxiety you have been feeling. But, if you don't follow the steps or choose to do nothing at all, you may be setting yourself up for the 10-year plan. We know college can be fun, but do you really want that? We didn't think so! Take a look at the information below to get you started on the "right path."
- Myth vs. Reality
- Surf the Web
- "Baby Steps" to a Major
- Q & A
- I Need Help!
- I've decided…Now what?
Myth vs. Reality
Below you will find four commonly held beliefs and the reasons they are totally, completely, absolutely, utterly, undoubtedly (get the point?) FALSE!
1. Your major will determine the career you will have for the rest of your life. FALSE!
There are two things wrong with this statement. First, in most cases your major does not determine your career. Any one major can prepare you for any number of careers. Second, you will most likely not have one career for the rest of your life. Experts predict that today's college students will have four to five different careers over their lifetime. Your college education is meant to create a foundation for your unique career path, not train you for any one job.
2. All my friends know what they want to do with their lives. FALSE!
Over half of all college students will change their major at least once. In fact, three major changes is not uncommon. Does this sound like rock solid decision making to you? The majority of students have some level of indecision about their choice of major. This indecision is often the result of misinformation about self and careers. Many students declare a major too soon because they feel pressure from family or friends, not because they know all they need to about themselves and their options.
3. Only a few certain majors will lead to good jobs. FALSE!
Employers are much more interested in your skills, abilities, experience and capacity to learn than your major. What you do while you're earning your degree is just as important as the degree itself. Gaining relevant work experience, networking and fine-tuning transferable skills will land you a great job. No single major is the ticket to success.
4. The right major will come to me in time. FALSE!
Some students believe that just by being in college they will somehow figure out what major to chose (a bolt of lightening, perhaps). Others believe that their parents, friends, professors or advisor can pick the best major for them. Choosing a major takes time, commitment and hard work. You are the only one who can decide what is best for you. In order to do this you must learn a great deal about your likes, dislikes, skills, interests, abilities, etc. Then you must educate yourself about careers. No decision can be made well without using a systematic process of gathering information, identifying alternatives and weighing all available options.
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Surf the Web
Choosing a Major and more!
WISCareers
UW Oshkosh Career Services
UW Oshkosh Counseling Center
What can I do with a major in...
UW System Help Online
Monster.com - Major to Career Converter
CollegeBoard.com - Career Browser
Career Information/Profiles
Occupational Outlook Handbook
America's Career InfoNet
Job Profiles.org
JobWeb.com
Career Zone
On-Line Career Assessments
Transferable Skills Survey
Job Hunters Bible
The Career Key
The Princeton Review
Or, try this Google search
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"Baby Steps" to a Major
Feeling "dazed & confused?" Nobody ever said choosing a major would be easy. It takes a great deal of time and hard work to make a decision this important. We think using the "baby steps" listed below will make it easier, and so will taking advantage of the services available to assist you at each step along the way. We don't expect you to do it alone. Let us help you, but remember the ultimate decision is up to you - YOU CAN DO IT!
Step 1: Identify the decision to be made and the desired outcomes
What do you want in a major?
Does it have content you enjoy?
Does it allow you to use skills you are good at?
Does it suit your learning style?
Can it lead to a satisfying career?
Consult with an academic advisor for assistance with these questions.
Step 2: Gather Information
Self-assessment results.
Information about majors.
Information about related careers.
Talk to an academic advisor, faculty members in majors of interest, professionals in careers of interest, a career advisor in Career Services and/or a career counselor in the counseling center to help you collect this information.
Step 3: Identify Alternatives
Which majors are most likely to satisfy your desired outcomes?
Make a list of your top 3-5 choices and rank them (prioritize).
Talk to an academic advisor, professors, career advisors or counselors, family and friends.
Step 4: Weigh Evidence
Does major lead to desired outcomes?
What is the probability of success?
Do you have the money, skills and motivation?
What will keep you from succeeding?
Consult an academic advisor or career counselor for assistance with these questions.
Step 5: Choose Among Alternatives
Can you combine choices (major/minor, double major, practical experience/internship)?
Make a decision.
This part is completely up to you - YOU CAN DO IT!
Step 6: Take Action
Declare your major in the UARC.
Once the changes have been made, print a new STAR to see how courses you have completed apply to the new requirements.
Meet with your academic advisor (check STAR for advisor).
Visit Career Services to begin making post graduation plans.
Step 7: Review Decision & Consequences
Monitor academic progress and satisfaction with major.
Change or modify your direction if major does not suit your needs.
Establish post graduation objectives (graduate school, career, etc.)
Continue to consult an academic advisor and/or career advisor. Establish a relationship with your faculty members and communicate often with them.
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Q & A
If I don't have a major who is my academic advisor?
You will be assigned to an academic advisor in the UARC. If you have an interest in particular majors, it is helpful to speak with a faculty member in that area to get specific information about that major and related careers.
What courses should I take while I'm deciding?
All students are required to take at least 42 credits of general education courses. The purpose of general education is to expose students to a variety of areas and allow students to explore personal areas of interest as well. These are the kinds of courses you should take while deciding. Because some majors and degrees may recommend specific general education courses, it is important to let your academic advisor know about any majors you are considering. This helps your academic advisor help you pick courses that will maximize your opportunities.
When do I have to declare a major?
UW Oshkosh does not require that students declare a major at any specific time. As a general rule, it is best to have a major in mind by the middle of the sophomore year. By this time most general education requirements will be complete and without a major it may become difficult to choose courses. Waiting beyond the second year to declare a major may result in more time needed to complete your degree; that's why it is so important to take advantage of the services available at UW Oshkosh. We want to help you through the process of choosing a major.
Where can I take career interest tests?
Interest inventories, career tests, personality assessments and much more are available online, in the Academic and Career Exploration course (Counselor Education 201, which multiple sections are taught every semester) and in the Counseling Center. An academic advisor can help you determine how to get you the information needed and also will help you to understand the results and how they relate to majors/careers. Keep in mind that just taking these kinds of tests is not enough. You need to discuss the results with an academic advisor or career counselor who is trained to understand what they really mean.
I am really confused about what to major in - who can I talk to?
Although it may be easy to talk with family and friends, they can't always be objective. That's why talking with an academic advisor or career counselor is a good first step. These folks can help students understand how interests, skills and values fit with various majors and careers. They can also be honest and objective when family or friends cannot. When deciding what major to choose there is no one person you should talk to - you should talk to many people; advisors, career counselors, family, friends, professors, professionals working in field you find interesting, etc. All of these people can provide information that will help you select the right major for you.
What if I know the career I want, but don't know which major will get me there?
As a general rule there is not one major that will lead to a career. Often times any number of majors can lead to the same career. Only in some cases is a specific major needed to enter a career, e.g., teacher, engineer, doctor. If you know the kind of work you would like to do after graduation, but don't know which major to choose, it would probably be helpful to start by talking with an academic advisor or career advisor. They can help you map out the best path for your goals. Talking with someone working in the field or career you wish to enter will also provide helpful information for selecting a major. Look at it this way, the major doesn't need to be right for the career, the major needs to be right for you.
What if UW Oshkosh doesn't offer the major I am interested in?
If you are interested in a major that is not offered at UW Oshkosh you need to ask yourself some important questions. Does UW Oshkosh offer a similar or related major? Does UW Oshkosh offer a minor in this area that could be combined with another major? If the answer to both of these questions is no, then you may need to transfer to another college or university. Although we don't want you to leave, we do want you to be happy. You'll need to do some research to find out what schools do offer the major you want. An academic advisor can help you with all of these questions.
I have a major in mind, but I'm not sure what I can do with it. How do I find out?
A single major can lead to any number of different careers. Be sure to check out the resources above.
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I Need Help!
The following services are available to assist students with the major selection process. Don't be shy, let us help you. It's better than being "dazed & confused."
Academic & Career Exploration Course
This one-credit course will teach you about the process of self-exploration and career planning. You will have the opportunity to match your interests, skills, values, needs and expectations with satisfying major and career options. You can find this course on TitanWeb under subject area; Counselor Education, catalog number; 201. See an academic advisor in the UARC.
Undergraduate Advising Resouce Center (UARC)
Located in 130 Dempsey Hall, the UARC has a staff of full-time, professional academic advisors who can assist you with major exploration, goal setting, course selection, graduation requirements, policies and procedures. Academic advisors can also offer guidance and support when students experience a variety of academic concerns and can refer as needed. The office is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 424-1268 to schedule an appointment.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center, located in 201 Dempsey Hall, offers an array of services for deciding students including one-on-one counseling and a career library which contains numerous books, computer programs and other resources students can use to collect information about thousands of careers. To make an appointment with a Career Counselor call 424-2061.
Career Services
Once a major is chosen Career Advisors can assist students with the development of resumes, cover letters, interview techniques and job search skills that will help students make a smooth transition to the world of work. To make an appointment with a Career Advisor call 424-2181.
Faculty
Faculty members are an important source of information and support for deciding students. Faculty members provide insights based on their own personal experiences. They are also up-to-date on current trends and may be able to help you connect with professionals in their field of expertise.
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I've Decided...Now What?
Now that I've decided on a major how do I declare it? Who will be my advisor?
First off, CONGRATULATIONS! Once you have gathered the necessary information, identified the alternatives, weighed your options and finally come to an informed decision, you can declare your major with an academic advisor in the college of your chosen major in the UARC.
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