By Selena Vera
Staff Writer
What exactly are the things we like that catches our attention? Most people decide to associate passion with choosing a major, something that a person believes they are good at and will benefit them in the future. Samantha Linnell of the Academic Advising office offers her insight on helpful tips for selecting or changing a major.
“How should students incorporate their long-term career goals into the process of selecting a major?”
“Choosing a major can be a daunting task but one way to approach it is by considering what you want the outcome of your degree to be. If you know what career field you want to go into, or if you know what kind of job you’d like to pursue, you can work from there to decide what major will help you get to that goal.”
“What resources or tools would you recommend that students use to explore and research various majors, and the careers associated with those majors?”
“Students have access to a few resources that can help them explore different majors. One resource is the Focus2 self-assessment. Students can access the assessment in MyGATE under the “Tools” section. The Focus2 self-assessment asks students about their interests, skills, and values and then provides a list of careers that may interest them and the majors at Wingate that would lead to these careers.”
What-If Plans:
“Students can also create “what if” plans in NaviGATE to look at what classes they would have remaining if they changed their major. This can be helpful to see exactly what classes they would need for a different major and how prior credits would apply to their new major.”
How do internships provide the means through which students can choose a major leading best to their career aspirations?
“Internships can provide students with opportunities to experience the work environment within the field they’re pursuing. The experience of interning or shadowing in the field can be valuable in helping students determine if they can envision their future careers in that field. During the internship experience, students may also be able to make connections with professionals in that field who [can offer] insight and guidance.”
What strategies can students use to adapt their major choices if their career goals evolve?
“Students should reach out to their Academic Advisor if they are considering changing their major. Advisors can help students consider their major options, and advisors can help with the process of changing majors.”
Here are a few things that I took away from my own experience of choosing a major:
I was almost undeclared before I declared English as my major. I learned how It’s easy to become overwhelmed with planning for the future. Taking things one step at a time can lead to a meaningful career that suits your passions and aspirations. Remember, your major only determines part of your future. You will try new hobbies, internships opportunities and even seek advice from professors and others to understand what would work best for your preferences. Enjoy this process of self-discovery and remember that every experience and outcome will get you one step closer to a successful career that accomplishes all your aspirations.
If you have any questions, feel free to email academicadvising@wingate.edu or
s.linnell@wingate.edu directly.
You can also schedule an Academic Advising meeting with Samantha
Linnell here.
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