Money. Job security. Personal motivation. Talents. Time. Passion.
These are just some of the factors that will students to choose a major when enrolling in college.
And as Sinclair Community College will be the new home to many new students during Fall Semester, some of those students may be unsure of what to put down as their major or degree of study.
But rest assured—it’s not the end of the world.
Kimberly Collins, senior academic advisor at Sinclair, said that putting that decision off for a few semesters could be very wise.
“It’s okay to be undecided for a semester or so,” Collins said. “We can put them in enough general education classes and focus more on becoming comfortable with campus, getting involved with clubs and organizations and building the confidence they need to be a successful student. I think it’s important to take some time and explore and research careers.”
She suggests that students need to visit the Career Services office located in Building 10312.
“We as advisors spend a lot of time encouraging students to visit career services,” Collins said. “They’re the experts— they know how to explore different careers…much better than we do.”
Matt Massie, manager of career services, said he and his staff are willing to guide students through the career exploration process, step-by-step. “Whether they’ve been here for seven years or it’s their first time on campus— Career Services should be one of their first stops,” Massie said. “This is the piece that will matter for the rest of their lives. No it’s not easy and no it’s not fun— but it can make the difference between a successful career path and spending extra time in college that you don’t have to spend.”
Massie also said that too often students are blinded by money, and that money alone should not be the most important factor when choosing a major.
“Money is important, but it can’t be the sole deciding factor,” he said. “Find your passion. Find your motivation. As you build your career, money will come as you advance.”
He also said that although family opinion is important, it should not play too much of an impactful role when choosing a major and it is a common mistake. He also said that inaccurate information from TV shows is misleading.
The best ways a student can make a good decision when choosing a major is to explore oneself, finding what they want to get out of a career, Massie said.
Then, he said students should set realistic goals, making a plan that will allow success.
“Creating a career and matching them with your academic pursuits doesn’t just happen by magic,” Massie said. “You have to have a plan and follow a plan.”
He also said that students shouldn’t look for a career that will be successful in two years, but rather one that they can be successful in for decades. Otherwise students are just “shooting themselves in the foot,” he said.
“Career decision making is not something you do in an hour, it’s not something you do in a day,” Massie said. “It’s a process that takes time. If you really engage in it and really do it, hopefully you won’t be that person that says, ‘Oh I hate going to my job.’”
Massie said that finding that personal motivation and finding something that you can look forward to doing everyday is the real key to success—and students seem to agree.
Nilofar Gagan, 22, said that the decision to double major in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship was based around her interests and talents.
“For me personally, I looked at my interests and what motivates me,” she said. “What you feel you have confidence in and what your talents are [should be key factors] and then money, last is money.”
- Mon. Apr 29th, 2024
