 |
|
Myth #1 In selecting a major, you are
choosing a career.
Fact:
While it is true that certain majors such as engineering and computer
science prepare students for fairly specific career fields, a far
greater number of majors do not have a direct correlation with given
career areas. Humanities students often find that they have a wide
variety of career options because they develop skills that are transferable
to many fields.
Even within the technical or professional majors,
where specific job skills are taught, there are many different kinds
of jobs from which to choose. A study conducted by the College Placement
Council revealed that the majority of college graduates are successfully
employed in fields not directly related to their academic majors.
So choose a major you enjoy and you'll do well in it.
Myth #2 Job market
demand should be the primary determinant of academic and career
choices.
Fact: Selecting a major or pursuing
a career just because it's "hot" can be dangerous. You
may enjoy neither the coursework nor the job you get later. The
careers in demand when you are a freshman or sophomore may not be
so "hot" by the time you graduate. Job market demand moves
in cycles. New career fields and jobs emerge every year as a result
of changes in public policy, technology, and economic trends. Therefore,
you are on much firmer ground when you select a major or a career
goal that genuinely interests you.
Myth #3 Humanities
graduates are unemployable.
Fact: Humanities graduates develop
skills that are highly valued by employers and that are applicable
to a wide variety of professional jobs. In a longitudinal study
conducted at AT&T, employees with either a humanities or social
sciences background were found to be stronger than engineering majors
and similar to business majors in administrative skills and motivation
for advancement. Furthermore, graduates from these areas demonstrated
the strongest interpersonal skills. Although humanities graduates
sometimes take more time finding a "niche" in the working
world, it's usually because they don't know what they can or want
to do or they are not aware of the options available to them.
Myth #4 You must
pursue certain specific undergraduate majors in order to get into
professional schools such as medicine, business, law, or dentistry.
Fact: While some professional
schools require or recommend the completion of certain academic
prerequisites, in most cases no specific major is required. In other
instances, only broad skills are sought, e.g., the ability to read
and write well and to think critically. In short, you may major
in any of a wide variety of academic fields and go to various professional
schools. Humanities majors, for example, have higher acceptance
rates to medical schools than do biology majors.
Myth #5 There is
little that can be done beyond coursework in your major to improve
your chances of career success.
Fact: Supplementary courses
and independent study projects can be helpful, as well. Important
experience can also be gained and skills developed through student
organizations, athletics, social groups, student government, internships,
summer and part-time jobs, and volunteer activities. Such experiences
play an important role in developing skills, gaining a greater understanding
of yourself and the world of work, and establishing professional
contacts, which are crucial to successful career growth. Itís
important to note that employers consistently place a high value
on such experiences.
Myth #6 Your first
job will determine your career. Therefore, you'd better be
completely sure of your choice when making an academic or career
decision.
Fact: In any decision involving
competing choices where each possibility has its own advantages
and disadvantages, there is rarely 100% certainty. Any choice involves
some risk. But donít think that you cannot change your mind.
In the area of career choice especially, you are always free to
explore new directions and to make new choices as you learn more
about yourself and various careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
estimates that the average person will change careers three times
in the course of a lifetime.
Some Final Thoughts
When selecting a major and deciding on a career direction, it's
important to make well-informed decisions. These decisions should
be based on a variety of factors: your interests, skills, values,
and personal qualities. They should also include your knowledge
of majors and careers. If you would like assistance in formulating
your academic or career goals, make an appointment with the Humanities
career counselor in the Career Center, located in Student Services.
|
