Major Changes
If the future is currently nothing more than a stressful conversation, then it is time to revolutionize. Breathe, because you are not alone. Adjusting from little details to the big picture always takes a bit of focus. At times, "help" doesn't feel like help. Instead, it feels like pressure. Whether the issue is a career after graduation or the next semester of classes, keep in mind that generally, career paths are not cookie cutter and the navigation system is not operated by your college education alone. Consider:
"What we're finding is it's not necessarily the reality that shapes us, but the lens through which your brain views the world that shapes your reality. And if we can change the lens, not only can we change your happiness, we can change every single educational and business outcome at the same time."-Shawn AchorRefocus your lens to gain perspective. The outcomes ahead will vary greatly. You have the power to make of them what you will. Being a confident and positive applicant is one of the small steps that will get you where you need to go. There are multiple resources offering advice on authentic living. Choosing a major, embarking on a job search, harnessing stress, and getting to know yourself professionally do not tie together in a tidy bow. However, they do unseal crevices that bring impossibilities within reach.
Choosing a Major Take Max for example. Max graduated from Texas State in 2012 with a double major. Originally, he was a Political Science major who, after an archaeological dig, was compelled to double major with Anthropology. He chose to double major because his interests evolved, but he also learned to meld his studies into something concrete. He said, "I focused more on the cultural aspects to make it mesh with the political theory I was studying." Additionally, Max noted that his love for the two subjects was key to learning from them, "I love anthropology and couldn't be happier that I studied it. I learned to think holistically about all issues and focused on observing power relations and their effect on office culture." Double majoring is not for everyone, but Max's example shows how it is natural for interests to evolve and how different disciplines can connect.
So, when goals or interests change, do not panic. College is more than the degree. College is about getting an education. Do not loose sight of this. A degree sets you apart in the job market, but it is not the purpose of an education. An education is the act of acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life. We cannot begin to guess where this education will lead us. To illustrate: Steve Job's gave a commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005. Jobs spoke of a typography course that he sat in on during his college years and the impact that the course had on his future. He said,
"Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards then years later. Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something-your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."
With Job's point in mind, utilize the tools around you when the struggle seems to thicken. Go talk to a Career Counselor in Career Services if you are considering changing your major or having trouble choosing one. There are career assessments and many other resources available in the Career Services office and online. Talk to a Career Advisor if you're concerned about post-graduation job opportunities or general career planning. Keep in mind that most college graduates are not employed in their field of study. Consider Max's comment, "People should study what they find interesting and not what the job market is offering because the reality is that markets change and if you're passionate enough about something you can make it work for you." So, consider your passions and keep up-to-date with career news provided by Career Services. We are here to cater to all those affiliated with Texas State. So, whether you are a current student looking for a career and major guidance or an alumni, we are here to help. Major and Job Correlation
English degree to a sales job in the oil and gas industry, a communication degree to a position as a financial representative, or a degree in history to a position at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. By way of example, there is Farrah. Farrah graduated from Texas State in 2012 with an Environmental Geography degree. When asked about why she chose her major she said, "Environmental Geography was both something that I was interested in as well as a blooming field when I chose to pursue it. I researched the amount of federal funding, growth in green jobs, international job markets and growth of the local industry." Farrah currently works in Information Technology. Her path from graduation to an IT job included many odd jobs in between, including substitute teaching. She also said, "It seems that employers want to see that you have a degree, but the content doesn't matter much." Continually she said, "As a matter of perspective, let the degree be one of the many things one does to develop themselves. It is not instant entitlement or in any way preparation for a career. The degree shows that you passed a minimum level of work, and helps employers know that you got past the first set of low-set bars." Alternatively, pursuing a major that you have an innate passion for will ideally maximize the education received in college. Like Max said, "Using your degree is all about making it apply." There are multiple ways to make your degree apply to any given circumstance. By acknowledging transferable skills and utilizing weak ties during the job search, you can apply your degree to multiple fields. Max, who currently works in Human Resources, touched on the fact that there are certain majors that tend to do better than others in certain fields. Hiring managers do take note of an applicant's degree plan, but the weight of a major is as important as other key factors like interview skills.
Transferable Skills
When it comes time to apply for summer internships, full-time post graduation jobs, and anything in-between, go ahead and expand your horizons. One resource said, "Keep in mind that not working in a field related to your major is normal. It certainly is easier to look for work when you are an accounting major looking for a job in accounting, but that doesn't make it better." (Career Coach) What will make you stand out as a really great job candidate are transferable skills and a professional, put-together attitude. Secrets of successful college students include awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Be aware of the core skills you are learning and know some concrete examples of them for job interviews. Get to know yourself a little better when pursing your education, because it will make you more marketable to employers.Being in college or pursuing a degree sets you apart from others who are not. Having resources, like Career Services, helps too. The search may take some time and you might have to go down a few different roads before finding the right career path. Time and introspection will help identify the activities you most enjoy and that bring true satisfaction. Once you have a general idea of a career path and goals, take some time to figure out what skills you have and what skills you need. Remember, you're not completely starting from scratch-you already have some skills to start. Transferable skills can be applied to almost any field. Examples include these ten transferable skills. Additionally, don't limit yourself to only experiences at school. When thinking about your skills, consider all types of activities including hobbies and life experiences. Start thinking about what skills you have. It can be a tremendous confidence booster to realize all of the skills you've developed. Alternatively, brainstorm with trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors. They may be able to identify transferable skills you've overlooked.
Stressed? Think Again.
The feelings of stress that sweep through life are only just beginning
during college years. Kelly McGonigal is a psychologist who is urging
people to rethink stress.
She argues that instead of stress carrying negative connotations, perhaps it can carry
positive connotations. Stress and anxiety are natural side effects of
interviewing for jobs. Embracing stress to the point of relaxation will
do wonders for confidence and brilliance during both panel and
one-on-one interviews. Accepting and responding to stress opens a door
to joy. Happiness is the goal that makes other life goals-like success,
prosperity, and relationships- feel meaningful and enjoyable. The
miracle of self-acceptance is that if you are willing to accept that
happiness already exists in you, you will begin to experience more
happiness around you. The law of acceptance is what activates the law of
attraction. Willing to accept yourself is the first step to
bringing out the best in yourself.No matter your eagerness or disdain: those you know and meet will want to tell you what they think. Advice, which is often good-hearted and helpful, can also be an unsettling grief. Even those with superb listening skills will ponder your future with limited perspective. This is a time when the only advice to take is your own. Your voice. Do not learn to speak through those you love. Instead, authenticate your desires. For this is where motivation, joy, and hope reside. Work ethic, confidence, and unrelenting success will come from harnessing the power within. This is not a new revelation. Multiple people exemplify the power of authenticity in the eyes of stress, disappointment, and failure. Contact Career Services or use our online resources to better your chances and improve yourself professionally and intellectually.
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| -Maurice Sendak |
Created By: Alanna Gray
