Transfer and Career Resources - Week 12
Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas.
Paula Poundstone, comedian
As you think about which major to choose, you are probably pulled in many different directions. Should you study what seems interesting, or fun, or most likely to lead you to a high-paying job? Should you follow your own instincts or the advice of family and friends? Here are some general guidelines that might help.
1. Follow your passions. Start by asking yourself how you would spend your time in an ideal world. You will be a much happier and more successful person if you study subjects that interest you and prepare for a career you care about.
2. Do some research. Speak with someone who teaches or works in your chosen field(s). Find out about possible careers and the preparation they require.
3. Get to know yourself. One way to do this is to complete a SWOT analysis to measure how well-suited you are to a particular career. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. You’ll also find many free personality and career inventories on the internet.
4. Set a goal, but be open to revising it. As you take courses in pursuit of one major or career, you will learn more about yourself. Opportunities will appear while others fall away. As you learn, as long as you engage in reflection, you’ll find that you’re better able to identify career tracks that will work for you.
For more information, visit MPC’s Transfer and Career Resource Center here or in person in the Student Services building.
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