More than 650 “exploratory” students gathered in Garret Ballroom on Wednesday for the Academic Advising and Retention Center’s Majors and Minors Fair.
“‘Exploratory’ is the new word for ‘undeclared,’” Academic Adviser Londa Holder explained. “The fair is a centralized search for students to explore their options.”
More than 55 departments were represented at the fair.
“There are a lot of options, and we try to help people find what works for them,” Holder said.
When it comes to exploration and decision-making, students can turn to the AARC office and Career Services Center for guidance.
AARC’s Discover program is the first step to declaring a major, according to the AARC Web site. The online series of three questionnaires helps determine possible career choices that suit them.
The process of narrowing down choices starts with an interest, Holder said.
Louisville sophomore Laura Thompson discovered a new interest for speech pathology and communication disorders while working at a daycare this summer.
“I know I want to work with kids and help them boost their confidence and learn how to communicate,” she said.
Thompson attended the career fair for information on her new intended major.
Edgewood senior Maria Murray said students should look at where they’ve most enjoyed working in the past when it comes to choosing a major. Murray works for Western’s Career Services Center.
All students must claim a major by the end of their sophomore year, Holder said.
Choosing a minor is the next step toward ditching the title of exploratory student and declaring a focus.
“It helps to have a minor that complements one’s major, but employers also like seeing well-rounded applicants with different interests,” Murray said.
Once students define those interests, they can benefit from the Focus on Careers for Ultimate Success program, or FOCUS, offered through the Career Services Center and AARC, she said.
FOCUS helps students plan for internships, co-ops and professional jobs in the field they’ve chosen, according to the AARC Web site. It’s a self-paced career guidance tool that helps students set career goals, choose courses and develop a plan of action.
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