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Choosing Majors and Careers

A major is a particular subject at a college or university. Career Planning is a structured exercise undertaken to identify one's objectives, marketable skills, strengths, and weaknesses, etc., as a part of one's career management.

Four Stages to Career Success

Consider enrolling in Career Planning & Decision Making (CRDV105N - 1 credit) to accomplish Stages 1 and 2 in a course environment. Consider enrolling in Employment Practicum (CRDV100N - 1 credit) to accomplish the Stage 3 in a course environment. Both courses are offered through the Academic Learning Center.

  • Use the  assessment (a self-paced, online career and education planning tool for college students and alumni). The access code needed to set up an account on Focus 2 is MaristRedFoxes. A Marist email address must be used to establish an account.
  • View sources of information about college majors such as the Focus 2 results, 蜜月直播 Programs Catalog or Majors/Minors Booklet, both of which can be found through your MyMarist account.
  • Discuss your career profile with a career coach, academic advisor and others you trust to review it and generate additional options.
  • Identify a "short list" of majors and career options for further exploration.
  • Attend career events on campus such as the Majors and Minors Fair (fall semester only), Career and Internship Fair (fall and spring), and other career related workshops and presentations.
  • If you are undeclared, take introductory classes in the majors you are considering and speak with faculty in those departments to get more information about the major.
  • If you have a declared major, review minors and certification programs at Marist to see if any would be compatible with your interests and the career options you are considering.
  • Discuss the majors and careers on your "short list" with a career coach, academic advisor, or faculty member.
  • Gather more data on majors and, if you haven't yet, take introductory classes in those fields.
  • Intensify your career research by gathering more details and information from a variety of sources. Find out the typical duties and responsibilities, training and education, working conditions, typical salaries, job outlook and professional associations.
  • Shadow career professionals in the fields you are considering.
  • Become more familiar with internships by reviewing opportunities in FoxQuest and speaking to your department's internship faculty coordinator.
  • If the career options you are exploring require graduate study, schedule an appointment with Graduate School and Fellowship Advisor Pat Taylor.
  • Critically analyze your major and career choices based on the information you have gathered.
  • Declare your major by the end of your sophomore year.
  • Join a campus club or organization related to your career choices. If you are already in a club or organization then try out a leadership position.
  • Consider joining a professional association as a student member.
  • Find a part-time or summer job that is related to the career options you are considering.
  • Think about adding to your skills and knowledge by volunteering your time in an organization that offers the types of career options you are considering.
  • Discuss with a professor the possibility of using a course paper topic or project to explore your career options. Another option is to do an independent study on an issue of relevance to your first choice career option.
  • Use the  and  to network and gather information from alumni who had the majors you are considering or are currently working in the career options you are exploring.
  •  for job search assistance.
  • Talk with a career coach about your self-marketing plan or contact alumni in your field who could assist you in their organizations.
  • Review the Center for Career Services Resources to get your job search tools together; craft your resume, cover letter, personal brand/pitch, references, and LinkedIn profile review.
  • Practice your interviewing skills by setting up a mock interview or using software such as .
  • Purchase a business suit to wear to interviews and a portfolio to carry resumes.
  • Research employers in your field and prepare a target list. Submit your resume to job opportunities.
  • Attend on- and off-campus career events such as Road to the Workplace to network with employers.
  • Participate in on- and off-campus interviews and attend career fairs. Remember to follow up. 

Apply to Graduate School

  • Talk with your academic advisor or another faculty member in your field.
  • Make an appointment Graduate School & Fellowship Advisor Pat Taylor.
  • Register for the appropriate entrance examination. Consider enrolling in a prep course or use study guides on campus to prepare for entrance exams.
  • Prepare an appropriate resume and personal statement to include with your application.
  • Obtain letters of recommendation from your former professors and/or internship or job supervisors.
  • Obtain and fill out graduate school, assistantship/fellowship and financial aid applications.