Myth #1: Most students know their
major and career goals when they
enter college.
Myth #2: It is better to declare a major than be
"undecided.“
Myth #3: There is only one major that will allow
me to reach my goal.
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Myth #4: An academic major ties you to a
specific career path. If I pick the wrong
major, I’ll end up in the wrong career.
Where do you want begin?
Research What can I do with a Major in…?
http://valenciacc.edu/careerdevelopment/ConnectMajorstoCareers.cfm
http://careerservices.rutgers.edu/CareerHandouts.html
http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/
http://www.udel.edu/CSC/mrk.html
http://www.k-state.edu/acic/majorin/
Myth #6: I'll just take all of my General
Education Requirements first.
Social Science
Math
Humanities
Communication
Arts
English
Technology
Test your ability to figure out what celebrities
majored in what academic subjects.
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CELEBRITIES:
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Oprah Winfrey
Gene Simmons
Steven Spielberg
Bruce Lee
Jodie Foster
Mick Jagger
Tiger Woods
Steve Martin
David Letterman
Hugh Heffner
Paul Newmann
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Isaiah Thomas
John Elway
Thurgood Marshall
David Robinson
Montel Williams
Bill Clinton
Brooke Shields
Michael Jordan
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MAJORS?????
Economics
History
Philosophy
Psychology
Communication Arts
Speech and Drama
Education
Criminal Justice
Film
Business
Speech and Drama
Mathematics
Dentistry
French
Engineering
English
Literature
Telecommunications
International Studies
Social Work
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Gene Simmons's flamboyant on-stage antics
with his band "Kiss", may come in some way
from his earlier academic pursuits. He
majored in education at Richmond College on
Staten Island, New York. After graduating,
Simmons briefly taught elementary school in
New York's Spanish Harlem neighborhood.
-The correct answer: Education
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Hugh Hefner, who founded Playboy
magazine, majored in psychology at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
where he presumably learned a thing or two
about the average American male psyche.
Even with two additional minor courses of
study in writing and art, Hefner doubled his
course load and graduated in just two and
one-half years.
-The correct answer: Psychology
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David Robinson, NBA basketball great for
the San Antonio Spurs. Won numerous NBA
titles. Robinson is often considered one of
the greatest centers to ever play the game.
A born-again Christian, Robinson is also an
amateur musician who enjoys playing
various instruments at home. His
nicknames include "The Admiral", based on
his service as an officer in the United States
Navy.
-The correct answer is Mathematics
Steps to a Major Decision…
Step 1: Self-Assessment
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Interests
Personality traits & Strengths
Values
Skills
Make a career counseling
appointment or attend a
Career Planning workshop to
learn about yourself.
The more you understand yourself, the clearer your
life goals and the way to reach them will become
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Realistic
Investigative
Artistic
Social
Enterprising
Conventional
Complete other Career Assessments
through RVCC Career Services
http://www.raritanval.edu/career_serv
Steps to a Major
Decision…
Step 2: Gather
information and
explore options
To Learn More about College Majors…
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Examine the majors available to you and review the college catalog. Make a list of
your options and eliminate those that don’t interest you.
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Read about the majors remaining on your list. Mark the courses in each major that
most interest you, match your abilities, and share your values. (This should help you
further shorten your list).
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Don’t just read the course titles or stop at the course descriptions at the end of the
catalog-get specifics and check out the Course Outlines on the Quicklinks drop-down
menu!
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View academic department web pages
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Attend Department Information Sessions.
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Check out Major-Career Converters Online!
Steps to a Major Decision…
Step 3: Evaluate and make your major decision
Weigh pros and cons of options
Narrow down to 2-3 majors
Discuss with an Advisor or Counselor
Steps to a Major Decision…
Step 4: Take action
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Sample courses in the majors you are consideringUse free electives wisely!
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Choose student activities/clubs, internships, volunteer work, and/or part-time
employment that can help you further develop your skills in areas that interest
you.
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Talk with faculty and other students in the majors you’re interested in.
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Talk to family, friends, and relatives who work in the career fields you are
considering. Ask them about their major and how it helped them.
Go for it! Declare your major.
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Choose a major you truly enjoy-your career
will happen
Remember, many times your career is not
directly related to your major
From the famous people list you can see
how a college degree/major can lead into a
wide variety of careers
It’s ok to be undecided, but come and see
us in Career Services so we can help guide
you through the process.