Career Direction
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 and 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. Here are some steps to take to help you discover more about your interests, abilities, and college majors:
- 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 Karen Eilers from the Career Center to talk about majors and career direction. She's happy to talk with you no matter where you are in the process.
- Take Exploring Experience (COLL 108), a one-credit course that will help you examine personal interests and abilities, investigate various majors and careers, and intentionally begin the career development process.
- Complete an interest inventory or personality test to get a better picture of your strengths, interests, and personality. Just ask us!
- Look at our career links page. Gather self-assessment and career information from a number of web sites available from the Career Center.
- Ask questions! Of yourself, faculty members, and other students. Her are some suggested questions to ask.
- Find out about majors of interest from the Central web site and in the Career Library in Maytag.
- Get involved! Explore various clubs, organizations, and co-curricular activities to complement academic learning and find out what you like to do.
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!
