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How do you prepare yourself for other career options that are not directly related to your college Major?

I don't think students usually end up going into their field of studies and just work as one fixed position permanently. There are so many opportunities out there, whether be on a national or international level. Therefore, I think it's very important to have several alternatives in mind and expand our horizon on future job/career options as students. #college #career #professional #student #careers

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Pamela’s Answer

I think it is a good idea to have some extra knowledge, skills and experience up your sleeve that may not directly relate to your major. When thinking of any future job opportunities you may also want to consider the characteristics you would want to find in your ideal role ( Instead of the exact role itself). For example : Would you like to work with People? Animals? , Do you find yourself leading study groups or perhaps organizing them? What other fields are you interested in besides your current major field?


Once you have a list of some important characteristics and additional skills or knowledge you would like to learn / you would need in order to venture into these new areas, you can being to look for ways to further yourself and gain these aforementioned qualities/skills. For example, if you were looking to further your communication, personal and people managing skills, you may wish to volunteer some time tutoring a younger pupil or offering to teach English to a group of international students. Gaining experience in managing large groups will build your confidence as well as teaching you a variety of interpersonal and people managing skills.


These are just some ideas to give you a start but I would recommend volunteering and joining clubs/courses that relate to your hobbies and interests. If you currently have employment outwith your studies you could always ask about possible mentoring or training to gain some additional knowledge in that field. If not, search for a part time job that peaks your interest. Meeting new people and discovering new things about yourself is key to your growth both inside and outside of the study/work environment.

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Hector’s Answer

Rebecca, The purpose of the University is not only to direct you towards the career you believe you want, but also to expose you to a myriad of opportunities and information. See , when you go to college, and you enter the student center, there are a lot of activities around you that will expose you to a lot more of information and guide you into what you like most: you have Drama plays, music shows and expositions, engineering fairs, mathematical and Physics symposiums and talks, History discussions or dissertations and so on , and so on. You have an option: you can focus on your major, and blank out all the rest, or start enjoying what may be the best years to enlighten yourself to what exists ahead. Your University curriculum should provide you with a few elective courses, feel free to expand your horizon and understanding. I found during my engineering studies that pairing it with Sociology, History, Physical Education, technical English, french electives rounded me to be less technical blind and more sympathetic to how engineering behaves in the modern world. You will find that some engineering and science major graduates, once they graduate they become so focused on their curriculum, and lack the ability to engage with the outside world. Also, some who started as science and engineering majors, go to graduate in sociology, economics, education and other areas. Be it the university, or a Community College, expose yourself to understand and interact with other disciplines. You will enjoy it . Let me know if you have more questions. Glad to share.
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Komal (Kay)’s Answer

Many elective courses in college are meant to expand your knowledge with the basics. That being said, it doesn't always help you navigate in a direction that can eventually become a career. Internships are a great way to get exposure to the different facets of an organization and how multiple roles intertwine with one another. So if you have knowledge / degree in one area, you may be able to tap into roles that you didn't think to before. For example, those with English or Communications majors can join large Learning & Development organizations to help craft learning content for end users of a service or product or for customer service agents.

I find that customer service roles are a good stepping stone for jumping into more operational roles in Marketing, Sales, Training, Technology, Management, etc. Being on the front line as a representative gets you exposure to how things are done in the background and how best to communicate to customers. Once you find a passion in a specific area, you can push your way to learning more and eventually becoming part of such team.
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