November 4, 2008
Deciding on an academic major is a huge decision that will impact you for the rest of your life. The classes you enroll in, and take, during college are affected by this decision. Choosing a major today will also play into determining which career field you will be employed in in the future. The best advice is to make an informed decision when deciding on the academic major that best fits you.
You may be saying to yourself, “But I don’t know what I want to major in,” or “I really haven’t thought about a career that best suits me.” Well you are not alone.
Many Cowley students find themselves struggling to decide on an academic major, but there are many services on campus that can assist you with making this decision.
One such service is the Cowley College Career & Transfer Services, and it is totally free to all Cowley students. The career & transfer personnel offer information and advising that will help ease your task of deciding on an academic major.
One great source of career and academic counseling that would benefit all Cowley students is DISCOVER. This program is an online database that helps guide students through the many steps of identifying the best academic major for you, focusing on a career field you would like to enter in the future, finding information about colleges you would like to transfer to after Cowley, and finally providing services that will help you land that perfect job after college.
If you would like to see how DISCOVER can help you, or if you would like to learn more about the career and transfer services at Cowley College, the Career and Transfer Services offices are located in the Underground on the lower level of the Nelson Student Center.
BY CHARLEE WILSON
Coordinator of Tutoring
Timeline for deciding on a career/major
Just like scholarships and admissions, deadlines are pertinent when already attending a school. Below, according to level, are actions and ideas listed to help make college just a little bit easier. And honestly, who couldn’t use the extra help?
Freshman Year:
• Determine if you want to obtain an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree.
• Utilize career assessment tools offered by your advisor or Career Services to explore your interests, abilities and values.
• Consider volunteer positions or part time jobs to help build your resume and broaden your experiences
• Join student organizations that will help you explore your interests, develop new skills and gain leadership experiences.
• Make a list of majors/occupations that you are considering and research them using Discover www.act.org/discover/login and the Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/oco
• Learn about different majors by going to the Career Services web page
• Meet with your academic advisor to discuss the courses you should take each semester based on the preliminary majors that you are considering.
• Begin checking into academic requirements for the majors/careers you are considering.
• Develop an action plan for the upcoming year that details exactly what steps you will take to narrow your list of potential majors.
Sophomore Year:
• Conduct informational interviews with instructors/professionals or set up a job shadow appointment.
• Choose your courses carefully. Enroll in electives that will enhance your future employment opportunities and give you a basic foundation for major coursework.
• Continue to explore career related websites. By your last semester at Cowley, you should have your major choices narrowed to one or two.
• Continue to gain work experience through volunteering, internships, and part time jobs.
• Keep your advisor informed of your decisions on a major and transfer institution.
• Update or begin to write a resume of your qualifications, courses and experiences.
• Begin networking with professionals in your field through professional memberships and campus/community involvement
• Make sure that the decision of your major and career choice fulfills your personal values, skills and work traits
Pool Tournament, Game Room, 9 p.m.
Oct. 21
Oct. 30, 2008
Halloween Cosmic Costume Dance, Cowley Recreation Building, 9 p.m. to midnight.
Nov. 6, 2008
Open Mic Night, Brown’s, 7 p.m.
The Cowley Press is produced by the Newspaper Production students. The primary goal of The Cowley Press is to serve the college community in a fair and accurate manner. Editorials, columns,and letters reflect the opinions of the writers. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for taste and length. Letters must be signed by the author.
© Cowley County Community College and Area Vocational-Technical School
Report web site problems to Online Editor