Choosing a Major

Choosing a MajorMissy VetranoIntern, Career ServicesFebruary 22nd, 2016

Choosing a Major is a Process

1. I know my interests, values, and personality

2. I know my skills and abilities

3. I know about the different kinds of majors offered at ECC

4. I know about a few majors I am interested in and understand the requirements

5. I know my major of choice!

1. Interests, Values, and Personality

Ask Yourself…

What do I like to do? To study?

What do I believe in? What is important to me?

Who am I? How am I connected to the world around me?

What does this have to do with my major?

2. Skills and Abilities

Ask yourself…

What are my academic strengths?

Which classes do I excell? Which classes are a struggle?

What skills have I gained from jobs, volunteering, or other experiences?

3. What majors are out there?ECC has plenty of degrees and certificate programs to choose from.

Check out ecc.edu/degrees

4. Knowing the Major RequirementsWho can I talk to?

Academic Advisors, Career Service Counselors, Professors, and more!

Where can I find more information?ECC Academics website

What do I need to know?# of credit hours

Classes to enroll in

Length of program (when will I get my degree?)

An Example...Curriculum for

Business Administration

This page also features:

Recommended schedule

Other recommended classes

5. Make the Choice!

How can I declare a major?

Talk to an Academic Advisor and follow the required directions

Be prepared!

How will your new major fit into your future?

Afraid of Commitment?

Have you ever thought…

“I should have already known what I wanted to do when I came to college”

“There is only one perfect major for me”

“My major isn’t as good as __________ major”

“My major right now will determine what I’ll be doing for the rest of my life”

Let’s Tackle Those Myths.

“I should have already known what I wanted to do when I came to college”

There are advantages to deciding a major later on. What are those advantages?

Let’s Tackle Those Myths.

“There is only one perfect major for me”

Your major isn’t your entire courseloadAll majors have some things in common (such as

a core class requirement)You may have multiple interestsYou will more than likely not love 100% of any

major you might choose

Let’s Tackle Those Myths.“My major isn’t as good as __________ major”

Your major is your experience!A major will not make or break your job searchEmployers are looking for employees with a

variety of skills, experience, and knowledge

Let’s Tackle Those Myths.

“My major right now will determine what I’ll be doing for the rest of my life”

Let me tell you my story…Many people change their careers throughout the

course of their life!You can do a lot more with one major than you

think

So I chose a major. Now What?

Get ready for the future!

Build relationships with professors and staff

Create an excellent resume and cover letter

Need help? Ask me!

Research possible future careers and/or further education

Look for internship or work experience

Speaking of Career planning...Ever heard of Focus2?

Focus2 is a FREE career assessment by ECC to discover new career and major interests

Take five assessments about your personality, values, skills, work preferences, and leisure preferences

A list of suggested jobs will be created based on your responses

Explore components of careers such as salary, job outlook, and much more!

Let’s try it out! 1. Go to

www.ecc.edu/crc

2. Click on “Career Assessment”

Click the option that’s right for you.

Next, input your information.

The access code is “KATS”

Your MenuCareer Readiness:

fill out for yourself!

Self-Assessment: fill these out to get your results later!

Explore the Possibilities: Research different careers!

Questions?

Upcoming EventsInterviewing Tips

♦April 11th, 11:00AM, Rm. 370

Résumés and Cover Letters

♦March 15th, 2:00PM, Rm. 470

Choosing a Career♦March 1st, 2:00PM, Rm. 470♦March 21st, 1:00PM, Rm. 410

LinkedIn101♦March 7th, 11:00AM, Rm. 370♦April 26th, 1:00 PM, Rm. 470

Career & Job Fair

City Campus: April 7th, 10AM-1PM

Preparation Workshop: March 22nd, 12:00PM and 2:00PM

Location TBA