SO MANY MAJORS, SO LITTLE TIME…

How to Choose the Right Major

Psychology

Biolog

y

History

Criminal Justice

Animal ScienceSocial Work

Leisure, Sport, & Tourism

Organizational Communication

Nursing

Pre-MedicalAccounting

Recording

Industry

OBJECTIVES:

Understand the process

Know how and where to start

Know where to get help

Know where to gain experience

CURIOSITY WON’T KILL YOU

1/3 of students enter MTSUUndeclared every Fall

Utilize general education courses to “try out” areas 41 required hours 14 total classes Over 60 classes to choose from

Find out what MTSU has to offer catalog.mtsu.edu www.mtsu.edu/programs Academic Maps

START THE CONVERSATION

Who do you know? On campus – advisors, faculty, staff, students Family – parents, cousins, aunt, uncle, etc. Family friends and neighbors Your own teachers, doctors, nurses, etc.

Talk with them about their careers. The ins and outs? Why do they enjoy it? How it is growing? What are the needed skills? Can you have an internship/job?

TAKE SOME TIME TO REFLECT

Think about your own experiences… Favorite classes in high school? Previous work experiences Previous volunteer experiences

If you could do anything, what would you do? What’s your ideal job? Picture the environment What would your day to day look like?

USE YOUR (FREE) RESOURCES University College Advising Center

McFarland Building, 615-898-2339 www.mtsu.edu/advising

Career Development Center KUC 328, 615-898-2500 www.mtsu.edu/career

Advising on Career Clusters

What Can I do with a Major In…?

CareerShift.com finds every job posted at every career site

Mynextmove.org

Career Fairs

LOOK AT THE WIDER SKILLS

You’ll learn more than just what’s in the textbook.

Ask faculty about transferrable skills. Accounting – management, organization Art History – analytical thinking Nursing – people skills, crisis management SCUBA Diving – leadership, management

DECISION TIME

Better to spend time finding a good fitrather than choosing hastily.

Don’t get “tunnel vision.” Carefully consider all the options Utilize workshops, advisors, faculty, students Invest time in researching online

Write down thoughts, concerns, questions, pros, cons to help you decide.

Generally, students should declare by the end of freshman year.

MAKE SURE IT’S YOUR PASSION

Shadow or assist someone in the career you like most.

Make your vocation your vacation!

Go for it! Choose wisely, but don’t be paralyzed by fear of choosing incorrectly.

GET INVOLVED Student Organizations

MyMT

Volunteering & Leadership Opportunities Center for Student Involvement & Leadership

Internships Lightning JobSource

BEWARE OF THE EXCEPTION

If you want to be a doctor or lawyer, you need to make a decision soon. There is a longer road ahead, and you need to get started now.

RECAP

Explore your options

Talk with others

Reflect on your thoughts, experiences, etc.

Take advantage of assistance

Consider the bigger picture

Make a well-informed decision

Confirm your passion

Get some practice

QUESTIONS??

Please complete by 6:00pm www.surveymonkey.com/s/P78GCWK

SURVEY TIME!!