What Can I Do With A Major In…

CONNECTING MAJORS TO CAREERS

Connecting a major to a career is a challenge for many students. Keep in mind that your major does not always determine your career. College graduates use their education in a wide variety of fields. In fact many positions and careers today are built more around "skill sets" than around an academic discipline. The exceptions are licensed careers which usually do require a specific major or degree.

There are a variety of ways to explore and learn about the wide range of career opportunities available to you. The career resource room in the Career Center is good place to research and locate materials (magazines, books, computer access to online career exploration tools). Stop by 225 Lawrence and we will help you find the career information you need.

A valuable online resource is the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The OOH contains profiles of hundreds of career possibilities that are quick to review and full of information about: duties, educational requirements, salaries, employment outlook, related careers and sources for more information. A similar resource is O*NET which provides interactive information related to skills and careers.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
O*NET
Careers Research Guide - FHG Library & Career Center One-Stop Research Center Online

If you are not sure at all what majors or careers interest you, consider using self-assessment tools (on the Majors & Careers menu to the left) to assist you. FOCUS is a wonderful program you can access online at any time to learn more about your interests and what options might be a good fit for you. You may also want to make an appointment with one of the staff in the Career Development Center to discuss your ideas and options.

You may also want to connect to others in your search to answer the question, “What can I do with a major in ___? ” Do not overlook some obvious resources, such as professors, your academic advisor, students already in the major you may be interested in choosing, and alumni.

What Employers Want

Employers rate the importance of candidate skills/qualities

Skill/Quality Weighted average rating*

Ability to work in a team structure 4.60

Ability to verbally communicate with

Persons inside and outside the organization 4.59

Ability to make decisions and solve problems 4.49

Ability to obtain and process information 4.46

Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work 4.45

Ability to analyze quantitative data 4.23

Technical knowledge related to the job 4.23

Proficiency with software programs 4.04

Ability to create and/or edit written reports 3.65

Ability to sell or influence others 3.51

* 5-point scale, where 1=not important; 2=not very important; 3= Somewhat important

4=Very important; and 5=Extremely imp[ortant

Source: Job Outlook 2012, National Association of Colleges and Universities

The Job Outlook 2012 survey was conducted August 3 through September 23, 2011, among NACE employer members; 244, or 26.8 percent, took part. The report is available to NACE members.

What do these skills have in common? You can develop ALL of these skills no matter what your major is! The career center is here to help you get on track with finding the major that is right for YOU.