This story was published in The Commuter with the title: "Students' Major Issues"
Choosing a major isn't always easy so if you're having doubts, don't hit the panic button just yet.
At least one-third of all students are undecided on a major when they start school, according to Career Counselor Mark Weiss. But just because you’re undecided doesn’t mean you can’t begin working towards your future.
At least one-third of all students are undecided on a major when they start school, according to Career Counselor Mark Weiss. But just because you’re undecided doesn’t mean you can’t begin working towards your future.
Mason Sims, an Army veteran who started attending LBCC
winter term, is undecided on a major and says he doesn't feel pressured to choose
one at this time. He's currently working to fill the general requirements for
his associate's degree, and ultimately will work to achieve his bachelor's degree. He's also enrolled
in a class called Career Life Planning, which is offered at LBCC for
students interested in "exploring the values, interests, and skills needed to
reach personal, professional, and educational goals."
Many students will choose a major based on what job they
wish to have and how long they want to go to school, while others might choose based
on what they enjoy doing, and what they feel they're good at. Ideally, the
route you choose will include the best of both worlds: a money-making career
doing exactly what you are most passionate about. But even for someone who
knows exactly what they want, plans can change.
David Hallock, who is studying to become a civil engineering technician, just switched his major after studying electrical engineering for almost three years. He's eager to begin his career and plans to have the required certificate for his job in one to two years, as opposed to three additional years required for his previous major.
Although many of the classes Hallock has taken aren't required for his new major, he says he has enjoyed the journey and has no regrets. He advises those just starting out to "go into school with an open mind. See what's out there and what would be the most fun for you."
If you haven't met with a Career Counselor already, it's definitely worth your time. A Career Counselor is someone who's qualified on a professional and psychological level to help you figure out a plan to be successful. They help you set goals and come up with a plan to reach those goals. Weiss is a firm believer that setting goals is an important part of the process. "Students who are able to set clear goals will do better," says Weiss.
At LBCC, you'll want to visit the First Stop Center and set up an appointment to meet with a counselor and begin your career testing on a Career Information System. This program will suggest 25 or 30 strong matches based on your skills and interests.
"A few of the suggestions will seem absurd and should be ignored. Half of them may be options the students have already thought of on their own. And then there will be a handful of new ideas they have never thought of; ideas that intrigue them," according to Weiss.
Another benefit of participating in this process is that there will be someone there to help you with getting your questions answered from the system; questions such as: starting wages, job outlook, and how much training is required. You're then able to print out this information and bring it to one of the Career Counselors to help them better assist you in moving forward. They can also assist you with choosing the classes you need to reach your goal, and will often set you up with an adviser in your chosen field.
Whether you are undecided, unsure about the major you have chosen, or about ready to switch majors AGAIN, keep smiling, keep moving, and remember these words of wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
David Hallock, who is studying to become a civil engineering technician, just switched his major after studying electrical engineering for almost three years. He's eager to begin his career and plans to have the required certificate for his job in one to two years, as opposed to three additional years required for his previous major.
Although many of the classes Hallock has taken aren't required for his new major, he says he has enjoyed the journey and has no regrets. He advises those just starting out to "go into school with an open mind. See what's out there and what would be the most fun for you."
If you haven't met with a Career Counselor already, it's definitely worth your time. A Career Counselor is someone who's qualified on a professional and psychological level to help you figure out a plan to be successful. They help you set goals and come up with a plan to reach those goals. Weiss is a firm believer that setting goals is an important part of the process. "Students who are able to set clear goals will do better," says Weiss.
At LBCC, you'll want to visit the First Stop Center and set up an appointment to meet with a counselor and begin your career testing on a Career Information System. This program will suggest 25 or 30 strong matches based on your skills and interests.
"A few of the suggestions will seem absurd and should be ignored. Half of them may be options the students have already thought of on their own. And then there will be a handful of new ideas they have never thought of; ideas that intrigue them," according to Weiss.
Another benefit of participating in this process is that there will be someone there to help you with getting your questions answered from the system; questions such as: starting wages, job outlook, and how much training is required. You're then able to print out this information and bring it to one of the Career Counselors to help them better assist you in moving forward. They can also assist you with choosing the classes you need to reach your goal, and will often set you up with an adviser in your chosen field.
Whether you are undecided, unsure about the major you have chosen, or about ready to switch majors AGAIN, keep smiling, keep moving, and remember these words of wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
AT A GLANCE:
To speak with a Career
Counselor:
Call the First Stop
Center 541-917-4811
Free career counseling services
available for current and potential students:
Appointments Available (Albany Campus only)
Monday-Friday 9:00-4:00
Career Life Planning,
HD208
can be found under
Personal Growth,
www.LinnBenton.edu,
under Schedule of Classes.
To view the list of degrees and
certificates offered at LBCC, visit:
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