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Fishing for a Major?
Tips to help you land the perfect one!
Read through the list of majors offered at NDSU
In the college bulletin, read through the list of majors offered. Mark the ones that interest you. Are your interests contained to a particular college? What do the majors have in common? Anything you can learn about yourself from this exercise?
Read through the description of the major
Read through a description of the major in the college bulletin. What kinds of jobs does the major prepare you for? Do you have any concerns about the required course work? Do the required courses interest you?
Read through the course descriptions
In the back of the college bulletin, read through the descriptions of courses offered on campus. Which ones intrigue you? Are they within a particular discipline.
Talk to an advisor in a few of the majors you have interest in
Talking to an advisor can help you develop a better sense of the major and the kinds of jobs graduates tend to get when they are finished with the degree.
Research job opportunities
Research job possibilities in a few of the majors you are interested in. Use the resources below to help you learn what you can do with a degree in a particular area.
Try out a class or two in majors that you are considering
One of the best ways to get a sense of a major is to take a class in the department. Is it what you expected? Does it excite you?
Examine the classes you’ve taken, extracurricular activities you’ve been involved with, and past jobs you’ve held
Examine these things and see if you can find any similarities in what you liked or dislike in each experience. Are there any commonalties? Can that tell you anything about a possible major/career field?
Use the following resources available to you as a NDSU student:
- DISCOVER computer program - call 231-7671 for a password
DISCOVER is a self-guided career exploration program that allows you to take interest, values, and skills inventories. You can also gather information about various majors and careers. - Career Counseling
Meet individual with a career counselor in the Counseling Center who can help you sort through the decision making process. Call 231-7671 to make an appointment - Career Planning Class (EDUC 124)
EDUC 124 is a 1-credit, pass/fail class that will walk you through the process of determining a career direction. - Explore Bridges http://cxonline.bridges.com
User name: 0087880 Password: bison2001
Bridges can help you learn about jobs and majors. - Investigate in the Career Library (Ceres 212)
The Career Library is located in Ceres 212 and contains many books and pamphlets on various careers. Books about job possibilities based on various majors and different personality traits are available. - Explore “What can I do with a major in . . . “ websites
http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors
http://www.albion.edu/careerdev/majors/default.asp
The Counseling Center
Ceres 212
231-7671
www.ndsu.edu/counseling