What can I do with this major? Can you help me get an internship? These were among the questions heard throughout the USU Grand Salon last Wednesday as representatives from every CSUN college gave students the answers they needed about planning their future careers at the 11th annual Majors Fair.
The Educational Opportunity Program and the Advising Resource Center put together the “one-stop shop” expecting at least 350 students with the goal of providing students with information on different majors, minors and campus resources. More than 50 different information stations, covering majors from nutrition to religious studies, were set up at the event.
Hector Carrillo, a career counselor in charge of the event, said that the new generation of students tends to have a more difficult time deciding exactly what they want to do.
“They have the information at their fingertips, but there are some students (who are) just afraid to make a decision because they think it is set in stone,” he said.
Carrillo explained that an event like this can help these students start the career planning process.
Bags full of informative fliers about campus resources and a list of available majors were handed out as students walked in.
Estefania Rivera,18, an undecided major, said she was surprised to find that so many different majors are available at CSUN. She said she knows she wants to minor in music and found those representatives were helpful.
“It is good to know the different jobs I can get,” said Rivera.
For Erika Casillas, 20, narrowing down her focus has not been easy either.
“Not knowing?it bothers me,” she said.
But she is leaning towards journalism or film and came to the event to find out what the
prerequisites for those majors are.
At the department of recreation and tourism management table, Wendy Phelps, a part-time faculty member, said that students who aren’t sure about what they want to do should look at their past.
“It’s interesting to think back to when you were little and what you loved to do. There are some clues there that people miss,” she said.
Both the departments of psychology and child and adolescent development tables were popular sites for students.
“There seems to be a big trend now of people wanting to be school counselors,” said Nancy Petry, a part-time lecturer for child and adolescent development classes.
Petry said that students interested in child development usually need a master’s degree and a lot of experience to work as special education teachers and school psychologists.
Other representatives stressed the importance of writing skills in the job market.
“Employers just want people who can write, who are articulate and can work well with others, and have a good work ethic,” said English Professor Scott Andrews.
The Career Center also had a station letting students know they can help them find internships, write resumes, and practice for future job interviews.
Michelle Paz, 19, said she thought the fair was a good idea for students, but still felt confused about her options.
“I think they should provide more information or make it more enthusiastic,” Paz said.
