{"300811":{"#nid":"300811","#data":{"type":"news","title":"How to Select a Major\u2026 for a Fulfilling Future Career","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EDeciding on a major that will ultimately lead to a fulfilling career is a process that students can start even before they step foot on campus.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinding that \u201cright\u201d fit of major and desired career begins with asking multiple clarifying questions and conducting a thorough self-assessment of interests, personality preferences, talents, skills, values, and environmental influences, among other factors. Then students need to explore resources, identify options for majors with potential careers, and project a career path. Planning and preparation conclude the cycle, and this part includes gaining necessary skills for success in the chosen field.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWork experience is highly encouraged, whether this is acquired through an internship, part-time job, research, work-study, or experiential education. Understanding one\u2019s choices and making decisions about one\u2019s direction is crucial throughout this process.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo help your student clarify those choices and decisions and confirm a potential match of major to career, encourage him or her to participate in the following activities:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMonitor academics and identify what course work is compelling and fascinating and what is marginal.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EParticipate in student professional organizations.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExplore and cultivate interests.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAttend company information sessions.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EConduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EShadow professionals in the identified career field.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPair with a mentor.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAcquire skills and work experience.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDiscernment will grow as your student gains confidence in his or her decision and intended career direction.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Tech Majors Fair can also help. Encourage your student to save the date for Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. The Majors Fair gives students an excellent opportunity to gather information from and interact with academic advisors, professors, students, and alumni representing more than 30 Tech majors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd for even more help in finding a \u201cmatch\u201d to a major or alleviating uncertainty about which direction to pursue, your student can contact the Center for Career Discovery and Development at \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.careerdiscovery.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ewww.careerdiscovery.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E or\u0026nbsp;(404) 894-2550 to make an appointment with an advisor.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":null,"format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":"","field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Deciding on a major that will ultimately lead to a fulfilling career is a process that students can start even before they step foot on campus."}],"uid":"27164","created_gmt":"2014-06-03 09:18:17","changed_gmt":"2016-10-08 03:16:29","author":"Rachael Pocklington","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2014-06-03T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2014-06-03T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"related_links":[{"url":"http:\/\/careerdiscovery.gatech.edu\/index.html","title":"Center for Career Discovery and Development"}],"groups":[{"id":"1298","name":"Parent and Family Programs"}],"categories":[{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"1577","name":"career"},{"id":"171161","name":"selecting a major"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EElaine M. Damon, M.S., NCC, LPC, DCC \u003Cbr \/\u003E Career Advisor\u003Cbr \/\u003ECenter for Career Discovery and Development\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:elaine.damon@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eelaine.damon@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["parents@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}