If you would like personalized assistance, please contact the CDC for an individual appointment, or stop by during drop-in hours Monday through Friday between 2 P.M. and 4 P.M.
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Researching Majors : Four Year Planning Guide
First Year & Sophomore Year
Explore
During your first and second years at Macalester, spend time learning about yourself. You can do this by paying attention to the subjects you most enjoy, activities in which you participate, and by talking with other students about career ideas and possibilities. In addition, you will want to discover the resources available to you on campus to help you plan your career.
Steps to help you:
- Begin to develop a relationship with your Academic Advisor. You can talk about courses, majors, requirements and other academic concerns.
- Schedule an individual Career Counseling Appointment to meet with a Career Counselor to get started on career planning. ( It's never too soon to start!)
- Complete a Career Assessment exercise using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory.
- Identify five to ten careers to explore in depth.
- Spend some time in the Career Development Center's Career Resource Library to identify career options.
- Attend career Programs and Events to hear alumni/ae talk about their jobs and career paths.
- Conduct Informational Interviews with alumni/ae and other professionals to gather specific information.
- Browse the job announcements in the Career Development Center Resource Center and check job postings to learn about current job markets.
- Include volunteer opportunities into your schedule.
- Choose a major by the end of your sophomore year; and finally,
- Begin planning an Internship experience.
Junior Year
Focus
At this point, you ideally will want to narrow your career choices and make some tentative career decisions. During your junior year you can begin to explore career alternatives in depth, gain additional and relevant experience and talk with alumni/ae who are experienced in your field of interest.
Steps to help you:
- Schedule an individual Career Counseling Appointment to meet with a Career Counselor to discuss your career plans and options.
- Identify two or three careers to research in depth.
- Schedule a meeting with your advisor and other members of the faculty to review and adjust your plans.
- Take specific and necessary courses to complete your major and focus on your career.
- Use the Resources by Major lists to look for part-time and/or summer employment positions which are in your specific field.
- Secure an Internship or volunteer position directly related to your career planning.
- Gather information about potential job opportunities and explore our Employer Research resources.
- Plan to attend Programs and Events which include alumni/ae panelists to hear about their jobs and career planning process.
- Begin or continue to conduct more Informational Interviews.
- Begin researching Graduate School and Professional Programs.
- Set up an individual Career Counseling Appointment with a Career Counselor to begin a rough draft of your resume.
- Look for relevant summer employment and/or volunteer opportunities.
- Register and prepare for any graduate Admission Tests (e.g. GRE, MCAT,GAT, LSAT).
Senior Year
Just Do It!
Your senior year is full of activities which include research projects, completing major requirements, attending senior functions and saying good-bye to faculty, staff and friends. It is also important to begin your job search or complete the graduate school application process. It is time to begin to plan for life after Macalester.
Steps to help you:
- Meet with your advisor to finalize academic plans.
- Set up specific internships and/or volunteer opportunities.
- Join professional associations and attend meetings and conferences.
- Develop and practice effective Interviewing skills.
- Set up an individual Career Counseling Appointment with a Career Counselor to have your resume and cover letters critiqued.
- Obtain at least three Letters of Recommendation from faculty, internship supervisors and employers.
- Complete recruitment materials through the Career Development Center and participate in On Campus Recruitment opportunities.
- Utilize the CDC's Career Resource Library including career books, employer directories, employer literature, alumni/ae networking information, job postings, etc.
- Begin your comprehensive Job Search and/or complete Graduate School application materials.
Adapted from "4-Year, etc" Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO. July 1995
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