Selecting a Major

 

Only you can make a decision about your major. Your professors, academic advisor, and parents can’t do it for you!

The College of Business Advisors are available to help you determine your academic plan and explain major requirements, but you need to explore your own career goals. By deciding on the business field, you have taken the first step; now it is time to focus on your career goals.

The following suggestions and resources will help you to make this very important decision:

• Pay attention to what content you enjoy as well as what you don't enjoy in your business courses.
• Join business organizations early and get involved. Attend speakers, take on leadership roles, go on tours, network with other students, faculty, and professionals.
• Conduct informational interviews with professionals to gather information about careers.
• Take advantage of all the services available for you in Illinois State University's Career Center.
• Utilize career/major exploration resources provided by ISU Counseling Services.
• Talk to your business professors about careers in their area of expertise.
• Research specific jobs in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. It is a great resource that provides information about duties, salaries, outlook, work environment, and skill requirements! A hard copy is available in the College of Business Advisement Center.
• Attend Business Week events. During late March or in early April, the College of Business sponsors a week of speakers and events.
• Network, network, network! Talk to people you know about your career goals and find out who might be able to help you start your job search!
• Read professional business journals on a regular basis, not only for class assignments! Familiarize yourself with current trends and events.
• Secure at least one internship during the summer before your senior year.
• Look at current job openings. Many are very descriptive about required skills, duties, salaries and more!