Exploring Majors and Career Options

MAJORS AND CAREERS

By junior year, some students have a firm major in mind, others have a general area of interest, and still others are truly undecided.

It’s important to remember that it’s okay to be unsure - in fact, 25% or more of students enter college undecided - and more than half change their major at some point during their college career!

So, take the time to explore and be certain, but here are some tips:

Complete the Career Interest Assessment in XELLO.
Turn it upside down - look at Careers instead of Majors (Good resource: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors-careers).
Try out some electives that sound interesting - classes like Psychology and Accounting might give you an idea as to whether you’d like to take similar classes in college (when you have to pay for them!).
There isn’t always a linear path of major to career - many employers are looking for basic skills that can be acquired in a variety of majors - the ability to problem solve, work in teams, think critically, write and communicate.
Look for opportunities to intern, shadow, volunteer or work part-time to explore interests.
Look for colleges that have a program in Exploratory Studies (the new ‘undecided’) and strong advising programs, and provide a structured way for students to find their ideal major.
Consider how easy it is to change majors or declare into different programs. Do many of the programs only allow a limited number of students, or have stringent GPA requirements?
Many colleges offer more specific undecided programs - like Business Undecided or Engineering Undecided. These are great for students who have a good idea of their interests but haven’t experienced the different possibilities within the field.

Think you already know what you want? Consider the following:

Make sure you are taking the necessary courses in high school. If you’re looking for Engineering - don’t shy away from Calculus! (Good resource: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors-careers)
Considering something in health care? Internships, shadowing and volunteering are really becoming a ‘must’. Make sure you are documenting your hours carefully.
Look for schools that are strong in your area of interest. A school may be ‘highly ranked’, but may not offer what you’re looking for. Princeton’s a great school, but not if you want an undergraduate business major (they don’t have one!).
Keep an open mind when you get there! You may find a related field that is even more up your alley. Students in high school are exposed to only a limited amount of subjects - those doors are thrown wide open at the college level!
Some schools ‘admit to major’, and others admit to the university as a whole. Ask questions, and consider your best options. If you’re going to gamble and apply undecided, how hard will it be to declare that major later on?
If you are potentially interested in a major with an established, more linear course plan - it may be best to start there if you have some interest - and transfer out if it’s not what you want. This includes Engineering and Nursing.
Is the program “seated” (does it have only X amount of seats)? Transferring in later may not be possible unless others transfer out. Nursing can be a particularly difficult program to transfer into - if this is an interest, look for Pre-Nursing programs in addition to Direct Entry programs.
Look for differentiating factors specific to your program - program graduation rates, exam pass rates, placement rates, special accreditations, accelerated graduate degree programs, and other unique programs (like a study abroad program opportunity for your major!)

A collection of other helpful sites:

Five Ways to Explore a College Major

What Should I Major In? (Loyola of Chicago)

me3 Major and Career quiz (Arizona State University)

What Can I do with this major?

Can We Guess Your Future Purpose? (Buzzfeed - WVU)

What Can I Do With a Major in.... (UNCW)

What Are You Into? (UNCW)

What Can I Do With My Major? (UMBC)

Occupational Outlook Handbook Job descriptions, pay and job growth stats

CAREER EXPLORATION RESOURCES

College Exploration Resources

TRADE SCHOOL AND APPRENTICESHIPS

Are you looking for something more hands-on? There are lots of options out there - some here in Michigan, and others across the country. You do not have to "stay home", if that's not what you're looking for! Check out this article of the top Two-Year Trade Schools - #1 is the Pittsburgh School of Aeronautics, and 60% of their students are from out-of-state. In two years, you could become an Aviation Mechanic - a field where the median salary is $63K a year.

What should you be looking for?

Programs Offered
Structure and Length of Program
% of students who finish the program in the intended amount of time
Employment rate within 6 months of graduation
Starting and median salaries in the field
Career services support provided by the school
Cost - and what type of financial aid is available
Accreditation of the school; For-profit vs not-for-profit status

For some jobs, you might be able to find an apprenticeship program. These are structured programs where you take some coursework but are otherwise learning on the job, from experienced workers. Some apprenticeships (especially in the typical "trade" fields) run their apprenticeships through their local unions. Applications only come out once a year, and it's a competitive process. Google is your friend. Try something like "northern Michigan plumbers union". PLAN AHEAD!

Local Trade Schools

Industrial Arts Institute - Onaway, MI

The Industrial Arts Institute, licensed by the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, specializes in preparing graduates for rewarding professional careers in the welding industry. Our vision is to be a nationally recognized contributor to building a new professional welding workforce –setting a NEW EDUCATION MODEL STANDARD to empower next generation workers in wealth creation industries. IAI takes a hands-on, project based approach to its welding program, providing expert faculty support with deep industry experience. Our fast track, intensive, structural & pipe welding program not only build useful skill sets for our students but also produce workforce ready employees.

Great Lakes Boat Building School - Cedarville, MI

If you love boats, the great outdoors, and working with your hands, then a career at GLBBS may be perfect for you! Upon graduation, their students enter the workforce as industry-ready craftsmen and technicians.

MILITARY

Are you considering a career in the military?

We encourage you to research the various options, and look at which one meets YOUR goals and needs the best in terms of benefits, length of service, commitment requirements, available job/career options, available bonuses, start dates, etc. Talk to not only recruiters but others within the branches you are considering, if at all possible, to be sure you have a full understanding of your commitment.

Full-time Enlistment Options:

Air Force @ 989-448-9146

Army @ 231-753-3111

Navy @ 734-679-1998

Marines @ 231-655-9577

Coast Guard

Other Options:

National Guard @ 888-906-1636

Reserves

ROTC