By Eric Dubrow
Elm Staff Writer
Congratulations to Erica Walburg, Winner of the Creative Headline Contest from the National Day on Writing!
This past Wednesday, the Egg was full of anxious students, bustling between tables, talking to professors and student representatives about everything from anthropology to accounting.
The Majors Fair was hosted by the Center for Career Development in an effort to help undecided students determine an area of interest.
“Sometimes we’ll get students who literally don’t realize we don’t have an accounting major. A lot of it has to do with reading the handbook and paying close attention, and I think some people get a little overwhelmed with all the options. We’re trying to help with that,” said Jim Allison, Director of the Center for Career Development.
One of the primary goals of the Majors Fair was to reach younger students, mostly first years and sophomores, who had not yet decided on their academic path.
“It is aimed primarily at first years and undecideds, no question. But it is open to the whole campus,” said Allison.
The majors fair, though sponsored by the Career Center, focused mainly on the academic side of the majors instead of career opportunities, although Allison said that, “we will have a program called ‘Careers by Major.’ We’ll print those out, and they do give students a certain idea as to what sort of career opportunities they can expect so see in their field.”
This is the first time in many years that the Career Center has hosted the Majors Fair. Allison attributed it to “changes in technology, shifts in staff, and sometimes departments decide to take a break from the program.”
Now, more than ever, programs like the majors fair take on a new importance in helping students decide their futures.
“In a down economy like this, we see more students and parents asking thoughtful questions about job opportunities, and they have started looking earlier at internships, too,” said Allison.
Of course, the key importance for students is not just choosing the right major, “but applying themselves to their major as well,” said Allison. “Keep in mind though, the most important thing for students to remember is that they always have options. If they need to assert themselves and decide that whatever they’re doing isn’t working, we’re here to help them with that.”
Hopefully, the Majors Fair will return to campus. In times of economic stress, anything that guides students on the path to a successful future is welcome.