As you celebrate your student’s admission to Georgia Tech and help them prepare for fall semester, how do you encourage your student to choose a major that is right for them?

It is important to keep in mind that it is possible for your student to change majors more than once to identify the major that “feels right” for them – one that will keep them motivated and energized in the years to come. From internships to research projects to conversations with various academic advisors, upper class students, and alums, your student will have multiple opportunities to investigate ways to identify a good fit. Encourage their participation beyond academics to enhance exploration and information gathering about disciplines. With varied experiences and reflection, your student will be prepared to make a well-founded choice of major, leading to sound academic planning, anticipating the job market that will exist at the time of their graduation, and actively interviewing to secure a position beginning after graduation. It pays to think ahead in this process and become engaged, even in their first year at Tech. Your support and encouragement in the overall process can be key.

The annual Majors Fair (Tuesday, October 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) is designed for first– and second–year students to gather information and ask questions of individuals representing the various Tech majors. As students move through the stages of career development, they have the opportunity to take advantage of the many valuable resources and activities offered through the Center for Career Discovery and Development. These include convenient walk-in hours to provide quick answers to questions and resume critiques; career counseling; and employer connections accessible through a host of recruiting activities on campus. The Center for Career Discovery and Development annual Open House (Thursday, August 28, from 4 to 7 p.m.) is a great introduction to our services. Again, the earlier students come to the Center, the greater service staff members can provide.

If your student enters Tech with significant AP credits and is uncertain of their decision about a major, please encourage them to make an appointment sooner rather than later for career counseling. The process includes one-on-one meetings, self-assessment, information gathering, and decision making to help them reflect and plan. Information is available at www.careerdiscovery.gatech.edu or (404) 894-2550.