Choosing a Major and Career Planning

Steps for Career Planning: Year by Year (including before you get here!)
Who Am I?
What Are the Possibilities?
What Decisions Do I Need to Make?
What Can I Do With This Degree?
What Can I Do With A Major In...

Choosing a major and planning for a career can be two of the most important but difficult decisions that a college student can make. Having a career plan is very important, yet many students don't know where to begin. Listed below are some steps to take to begin the process. 

Career Planning: What Should I Be Doing?   

Before you get here:
Division of Undergraduate Studies Services and Resources (DUS)

  • Enrollment Semesters: Students can be admitted as entering first-year students in DUS. As a first-year student, four full-time semesters (or the equivalent) are permitted. Continuing students may enroll in DUS at any time in their academic career for a maximum of two full-time semesters.

  • Major Exploration: Use on-line resources.
     

  • FTCAP: First-Year Testing, Counseling, and Advising Program
    This program is designed to introduce students to the academic programs and structure of Penn State. This includes a discussion of the majors, requirements of programs and an assessment of your placement test results. You will meet individually with an academic advisor to discuss your educational plans. Information gained through attendance at this program will benefit you significantly in working toward your educational goals.
     

  • Student Resources: Many sites, both academic and extra-curricular, are available to explore. Some of these include: an interactive supplement to the student-advisor relationship (eLion), an information source for academic advice (PSU advising), The Undergraduate Information Network (Portals) and information on University academic policies and procedures (advising handbook).
     

  • The DUS Network: The Division of Undergraduate Studies staff serves as a coordinated advising network throughout the Penn State system to assist students, faculty and staff. There are DUS representatives, as well as additional advising contacts, at University Park and at each college/campus location.

(Semesters 1-4)

·     Make a CDC appointment for an interest inventory and majors/career discussion.

·     Research careers by using CDC Web Site and career lending library.

·     Use Lion Link to discuss careers with Penn State graduates.

 

EXPLORE CAREER ALTERNATIVES

 (Semesters 1-4)

·     Make CDC appointment to explore careers related to intended major.

·     Shadow people in careers of interest to you.

·     Attend Alumni Career Panels.

 

GAIN EXPERIENCE

 (Semesters 3-8)

·     Begin resume and discuss getting relevant experience with CDC staff.

·     Assume leadership roles within your clubs and organizations.

·     Check with the CDC to investigate/complete internships and part-time jobs relevant to major.

·     Conduct informational interviews with alumni/potential employers.

·     Attend career and graduate school fairs.

 

PREPARE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD (Semesters 6-8)

·     Discuss job/graduate school search with faculty/CDC staff.

·     Attend resume, job search, and other relevant CDC programs.

·     Have your resume reviewed by the CDC staff.

·     Complete a mock interview.

·     Use web-based recruiting system to apply for on-campus interviews with employers.

·     Attend job, career, and graduate school fairs.

·     Check CDC internship and full-time job postings.

·     Apply to graduate schools, if appropriate.

·     Inform CDC when offered job and/or graduate school admission.

 

Question 1: Who Am I?  

What Are Your Interests?
 

You already know many of your interests through past experiences such as past employment, classes and leisure activities. However, many students discover new interests during college through new academic experiences, as well as outside activities and employment opportunities. Many students find that interest inventories are helpful to sort out possible interests. The Career Development Center (CDC) offers a variety of help in this area. Listed below are some ways to help identify your interests. 

  • Visit the following Web sites for on-line inventories:

Remember, these results will not give you a definite answer. It is best to discuss your results with a career counselor.

  • Make an appointment with one of the career counselors in the CDC. For many people, a one-on-one appointment is the best way to identify interests.  

What Are Your Abilities? 
 
What are you really good at doing? It is best to choose a college major in which you truly excel in order to present future employers with the best academic record possible. One of the best indicators of future success in a career field are the grades that you receive in the related academic courses. A counseling session with your advisor as well as a counselor in the Career Development Center can help to focus on what abilities are the ones on which you may which to focus on.  

What Are Your Values? 
 
Many people forget to spend time identifying their values in relations to their career decision. What is really important to you?  Do you want financial security, lots of leisure time, or do you have a need to help others? An individual career counseling appointment with a CDC staff member is also very helpful. 

 

Question 2: What Are the Possibilities? 

Did you know that there are approximately 20,000 job titles in our society? Many people choose career paths based on very limited knowledge regarding just a few of the career opportunities available to them. There are many ways to learn more about possible careers. Listed below are a few suggestions: 

  • Visit the CDC's Resource Library. The CDC has a large supply of books that include some of the latest publications on many careers. 

  • Talk to a Penn State graduate who is currently working in a career that interests you. You can register with Lionlink, a service of the Penn State Alumni Society. 

  • Use the many Web sites available to career searches located on the Internet. Here are some of our recommendations, but there many others!   

Career InfoNet -- Ninety-second video clips of occupations!
Occupational Outlook Handbook
PA  Center for Workforce Information and Analysis
Vault.com
Berkeley Career Exploration Links
Job Profiles
JobWeb
 Detailed list of many sites specific to your interest


Career Info for Biology Students
 

Question 3: What Decisions Do I Need to

Make? 

For many students, the first career decision is made when the decision to seek additional education beyond high school is made. Other decisions that students make at Penn State are:

  • What college to enroll in (freshmen year)

  • What major to declare (usually sophomore year)

  • What can I do with my major?  (freshmen through senior year)

The following links offer some excellent information to assist with this decision:
 
What Can With This Major or Degree?

What Can I Do With a Major in ... ?

  • How will I ensure that I am marketable to employers? (freshmen through junior year)

  • Will I need additional graduate education to pursue my career path? (usually sophomore or junior year)

  • What employers and industries will I focus my job search on? (junior and senior year)

While decision-making comes easily to some, others find the process very difficult. A counseling session with a counselor in the CDC as well as a discussion with you advisor is recommended.   

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Updated February 15, 2008
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