Exploring
Exploring at Central
Not sure of your major? You're not alone! Nearly two-thirds of Central's first year students are unclear about their major when they arrive on campus. And this is as it should be! Your first year is one of EXPLORING, and that can be both casual, spontaneous and also intentional and prescribed.
Key people to help you explore are your academic advisor, instructors of Intersections, and staff of the Career Center. Activities that make up THE EXPLORING PROGRAM at Central to help you discover more about your interests, abilities, and college majors include the following:
- Take a variety of courses from various disciplines that interest you. Your advisor will guide you. Investigate the subject matter, how the major progresses, faculty in the major, and level of "fit" between your interests and the field of study. Remember that Central foundations courses are an efficient way to test out a possible major and build one's skills at the same time.
- Meet with Pat Kitzman or C.C. Hoffman from the Career Center to talk about majors and career direction. Complete an interest inventory and personality indicator for self-discovery.
- Gather self-assessment and career information from a number of web sites available from the Career Center.
- Ask yourself: "What skills and strengths do I have? Where do I find satisfaction? What really excites me? What could I get passionate about? How hard am I willing to work to get what I want? Will my skills be marketable? What do I have to offer?"
- Take a one-credit course, Exploring Experience, to examine personal interests and abilities, investigate various majors and careers, and intentionally begin the career development process.
- Attend a "majors panel" offered each semester and hear from upper level students about majors of interest.
- Interview faculty and seniors in majors of interest. The Career Center has lists of questions to ask.
- Review current information about majors of interest from the Central web site and in the Career Library in Maytag.
- Explore various clubs, organizations, and co-curricular activities to complement academic learning.
Remember, exploring effectively requires open-mindedness and a willingness to get involved in new experiences and classes. STRETCH yourself; be open to the possibilities around you. You're on your way to discovering who you are and where you are going!
