Not everyone who thinks about their future knows exactly what they want to do for the rest of their life. This is because not many people know which types of jobs are out in the real world. One study states estimated 20 to 50 percent of students enter college as ‘undecided’ and an estimated 75 percent of students change their major at least once before graduation. College is the time where we are supposed to figure out the career path we want, but is four years enough? Do we even know which type of career we could have with the major that we choose?
Top Tip! Visit Rowan’s Office of Career Advancement for career counseling, events and workshops and more. They even have business attire students can rent for $8 (to cover dry cleaning) so that students feel more confident headed into interviews for internships and jobs as you figure out what career path you want to take.
Research Various Career Paths
Doing research on different types of careers is the only way to know what a certain career will consist of. Think about the things you like to do and could possibly see yourself doing for a long time. The Office of Career Advancement will be your best friend. Researching is the only way for you to know careers are out there. Undeclared majors, known here at Rowan as Exploratory Studies majors, are welcome to attend workshops to learn more about various majors that each College offers. 
Joining Linkedin my freshman year in college was one way I was able to do more research on possible careers I was looking into. On this site, we are able to make connections and speak to other people who already have years of experience in our desired careers.
Education – Choosing Classes
Picking classes can be stres
sful especially when you have no idea which ones to take. It is important to take classes that work toward a specific degree but you should take a wide variety of classes. Broadening your class type in college is a great way to get a feel for a career path you may want to take. Make sure you see your academic advisor each semester to help you plan your courses.
Workplace Experience – Internships
After doing extensive amounts of research and you think you may know which career you wish to pursue, the best thing to do is intern. USnews.com states, though graduate hiring is expected to trend up this year, professional experience – often gained through an internship – is becoming more and more important for prospective new hires. Internships are not only a great way to get experience in your desired field but can also lead to a possible job.
Workplace Experience – Part Time Jobs
Part time jobs are another great way to get an understanding of what a certain career might be like. Working in an office and getting to know the day to day activities in an office will also help you get a feel for what choosing that specific career would entail. Once you are a Rowan student, check out ProfJobs to check out on-campus postings for part-time student worker jobs that are both flexible and convenient for your schedule.
Story by:
Olivia Russo
Liberal Studies major: American Studies & Public Relations in the Workforce