MAP IV
Hints to Help You Along:
1. Recent research indicates that 33% of college graduates work in an area completely unrelated to their major immediately upon graduation. After ten years, the figure is 75%! Choosing a major is an important decision, but don't let the fear of making the 'wrong' decision paralyze you. As time passes, what you majored in becomes less relevant, and what you've actually accomplished in your job or career becomes more relevant. When you apply for a job ten years from now, your future employer will want to know what you accomplished for your previous employer, not what your major was. It will not be unusual if your major does not relate to your career. Most graduates change careers between 5-7 times in their lives.
2. According to Gurney Williams, noted editor and futurist, 80% of your class will eventually be employed in jobs that haven't even been invented yet! What major can prepare you for a job that doesn't exist? Your skills will enable you to adapt to an ever-changing future. The skills you learn are more important than the major you earn.
3. A degree in a particular major does not necessarily restrict you to careers in that major--unless you let it! One can do other things with an English or history degree than teach, for example. You do not have to major in business to have a business-related career. Learn to think creatively 'outside the box.' You can enhance your adaptability by taking a double major or a major and a minor.
4. The career path for non-technical majors can sometimes be less clear. In this case, the combination of acquired skills and experience becomes very important. The more computer skills you have, the better. Leadership and management experience combined with effective interpersonal skills will keep you competitive for better-paying positions.
5. Perfect majors don't exist. Every choice you make has its positives and negatives. Your job is to maximize the former and minimize the latter. If you delay your decision by searching for the perfect major, you waste valuable time. Discover the skills that you possess and enjoy using--not only for the short term, but for your 80,000-hour working career. Find a major that refines and improves those skills. Declare it, and move on.
Important Semester Information
GOOD LUCK IN MAKING YOUR DECISION THIS SUMMER! IF YOU NEED HELP, FEEL FREE TO CALL THE DIVISION OF UNDECLARED MAJORS AT 717-477-1395 FOR AN APPOINTMENT.
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