Career & Student Employment

CHOOSING A MAJOR

Statistics say we will probably change directions in our careers three to five times in our life. Your major is a starting point for any career that you may pursue.

No matter which major you choose, achieving success and finding your passion will be easier when you have proficiency in:

• Written and verbal communication
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Technology
  

Common Myths about choosing a major

Guidelines

1. Explore your interests
Would you prefer to work most with data, people, or things?

A. Contact the Career Center and take "Choices" a career interest test on the Internet.

B. Enroll in PDC 124 for in-depth career research, assessment and study skills.

C. Make an appointment with a counselor to discuss your options.

2. Explore your work values
for example, if you had to choose between helping others or high income, which would you choose?.

    Visit the Career Center to take "Choices" on the Internet to help you discover what you value in your work.

3. Define your skills and your favorite skills to use.
What activities and tasks would you be willing to perform on a daily basis?

    Complete a skills inventory available in the Career Center.

4. Explore your personality type.
Learn how your personality type may be suited to a career(s).

A. Ask the Career Center for a password to take "Do What You Are," a personality assessment available on the Internet.

B. Enroll in PDC 124 for in-depth career research, assessment and study skills.

5. Research careers and related training programs.

A. Go to the Career Center and pick up a flyer on each major you are considering.

B. Check the occupational resources in the Career Center Career Library. Start with the Occupational Outlook Handbook or the Occupational Guidance Unit.

C. Survey the Career Finder link on "Choices," an interest assessment in the Career Center.

D. Find out the entry level requirements for the career fields you are considering.

6. Identify and research the majors most related to your interests, values and personality.

A. Take an introductory course in majors of interest.

B. Talk to instructors or program coordinators in the majors in which you are most interested.

C. Talk to people who are in that major about their experience.

D. Talk with professionals in related fields about the major.

7. Explore ways to gain career-related experiences.

A. Look for class projects or independent studies that will apply your education to real-life situations.

B. Seek out career experiences in summer, part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering. The Student Employment Office located in the Career Center can help.

8. Make your choice.

A. Talk with the Career Center staff or a Counselor about the decision-making process.

B. Read the Cuyamaca College Catalog for the procedures for selecting a major.

C. Look over college catalogs in the Career/Transfer Center for information on schools.

What can I do with this Major?

When you are researching possible majors, It is helpful to see a list of jobs that are associated with each:

What can I do with this Major?

(Information updated by the University of Tennessee Career Dept. in 2009 and hosted at CSU Fullerton.)

Searchable Career Database

The Sate of California has a searchable Occupational Guide. Be sure and enter "San Diego County" in the drop down menu for the most accurate information. The site contains:

• Job description and requirements
• Wages and benefits
• Job outlook
• Education and training requirements

http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/occguides/

For more detailed Occupation Profiles with data for the county you enter:

http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing

See the Resource page for additional Occupational research sites.

Develop an Education Plan

Make an appointment with an Academic Advising Counselor.
Call 619-660-4429.

New students must participate in an English and math Assessment and a New Student Advising session where you will formulate a first semester education plan. Each Advising Session is 1.5 - 2 hours with a counselor.

Continuing Students - You can make an appointment with a counselor to discuss your goals and develop a longer range academic plan.