Quick Tips: Exploring Majors & Careers

Exploring Majors 
The following steps and tools can help you determine the right major for you! 
Already have a major, but need to determine your career path? See the reverse side of this page. 

Step 1: Review and Narrow Down Majors 
This step takes the most time, but it’s the most important! Here you’ll learn about your major options so you can make a more informed choice. Try the variety of paths below to explore options – take notes on things you find exciting and also things you are not interested in. This will help narrow your options!

Based on your research (this may take a while!), make a list of all the majors that interest you! Before proceeding to step 2, narrow down to 2-4 majors of interest. 

Step 2: Learn More About the Majors 

Now that you’ve narrowed down your major interests, meet with an academic advisor to learn more about the requirements of each of the majors: 

  • What are the required classes for each major of interest
  • How long it will take to graduate with each of your majors of interest 
  • Are your majors of interest accepting students? If not, ask about related major options.
  • Does the major allow you the freedom to choose major courses OR are all the major courses pre-determined for you. 
  • Does the major require an internship or has space in the curriculum to complete an internship or experiential learning
  • How do you declare a major (when you’re ready)! 

For Academic Advising Information and Drop-In Hours: uri.edu/advising

Exploring Careers 

There are a variety of techniques to explore your career interests. Try the ones below to find what works best for you.

Ready to explore? Start with

Technique 1: Explore Industry/Occupational Websites 

The various websites below help you explore career paths for your major, interests, and personality type.

Technique 2: Review Job Descriptions 

If you want to know if a job is something you might like, review current posted job descriptions on various websites and ask yourself the following: 

  • Does the job description match what you pictured for the job title? 
  • Are you interested in gaining the particular required experience? 
  • Do entry level positions require specific experience in addition to a degree? 
  • Do positions require/prefer a graduate degree? Do you want to explore grad school?
  • Are there many available positions for recent grads? 
  • Where are the available positions mainly located in the US? 

Technique 3: Explore Careers through Networking & Experience 

The best way to learn about a career field or career paths is to speak with individuals in the field and try it out! The following techniques are excellent (and fun) ways to learn more about a career path.

Networking 

  • Connect with professionals and URI alumni through LinkedIn  
  • Conduct Informational Interviews 
  • Join Professional Associations relevant to your career field 
  • Attend networking events on and off campus 

Experience 

  • Arrange Job Shadow experiences 
  • Complete Internships, Practicums 
  • Volunteer within the field 
  • Conduct research with a professor; Develop an independent study project 
  • Accept part time, summer, seasonal, temporary, or per diem jobs in your fields of interest

Attend CCEE drop-ins to: (Days & Times Found on Starfish)

  • Understand career themes in your majors of interest; Draw attention to potential career paths
  • Educate yourself on resources to help explore potential careers and career paths 
  • Help you develop a plan to gain experience: internship, volunteer, job shadow, campus involvement

By CCEE
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