Majors and Careers ... how do you figure it all out?
Most students come to Clark without a clear idea of what they want to major in; others start off with a plan but then change their minds after taking courses in new disciplines. There may be 2 or 3 majors that are right for you and all can lead to the same career. Almost every field includes individuals who majored in a range of academic subjects. The process of settling on a major or selecting a career path can be confusing and stressful, so we’re here to help.
Here are the 3 steps we recommend:
Self-Assessment: Take the time to identify your skills, interests and values. Complete informal instruments, call and make an appointment to discuss your ideas with a career counselor, or consider taking a standardized instrument such as the Strong Interest Inventory.
Exploration: There are lots of useful tools on our website for exploring majors and careers. Start with What Can I Do with This Major, Spotlight on Careers, and O*NET. Brainstorm a list of people you know who are connected to the fields you are exploring. Ask to do an informational interview with them to gather more information. Take a look at Clark’s Return on Education page to see what Clark alumni have done with their degrees. Join LinkedIn and become a member of the Clark Alumni Networking Group to access more alumni profiles and make connections. Schedule an appointment to talk to a career counselor about other resources for exploring careers and connecting with alumni.
Action: Review the range of Clark majors and minors and narrow your list to a few possibilities. Look at Clark Recruiter for internship and volunteering ideas. Talk to faculty about getting involved in a research project. Take a course with a Field Experience component. Develop a resume. Meet with a career counselor to transform your thoughts into action.
Call us at 508-793-7258 and we'll help you get started!