Presentation at the University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, 10-17-12

1. Choosing a Major
and Career doesn’t
have to be…

7. By day I am the Culture
and Retention Manager
for Group Dekko

8. I am the Lead Singer,
Business Manager, and
“wanna be country
music rock star”
in the band
Sugar Shot

9. Did you know that 65% of all college
students change their major at least
once while in college?
Why?
They find a new or different major
which supports their interests, values,
passion, or personality.

10. CAREER PLANNING: MYTHS AND FACTS
AGREE OR DISAGREE?
1. Whatever my career choice is, that is the
subject that I should major in.
2. I need to choose a career that is practical—
something that will “pay the bills.”
3. I should base my career decision on current
trends and demands in the job market—that way
I’ll always be employed.
4. Career self-assessment means finding out what
I’m good at.
5. I won’t really know if I enjoy a career until I
graduate and start working in the field…and I
hope I don’t make a mistake!

11. Factors Affecting Career Choices
• Interests
• Skills
• Aptitudes
• People skills
• Experience
• Family traditions
• Personality
• Life goals and work values

12. Steps to choosing a
MAJOR and a CAREER

15. Choose Career Options That Match Your Values
• Knowing what you value most will help you refine your career
search and choice:
– Helping others
– Prestige
– High income
– Flexible work hours
• Establish and align values, career choice, and career goals for
motivation.

18. What to Look for in a Career
• Major career field target
• Preferred type of work • The type of people you would interact with
• Income requirements • Physical requirements
• Geographical requirements • Local/national/international organization
• Special needs • Benefits and perks
• Industry preferences • Advancement opportunities
• Stress level • A good boss
• Level of interaction with other people • Training
• Indoor vs. outdoor • Industry outlook
• Amount of independence • Reputation of the firm in the industry
• Balance between creative and
conventional tasks

19. O’NET

21. Factors to Consider
Do: Don’t:
• explore a number of careers • focus on a major just to get a
and majors career out of it
• get involved • select a major just because it is
“cool” or seems to promise
• Get advice from people in your prestige
target occupation • let someone else push you into
• follow your passion a job
• Dare to try something new • Assume that you have it all
figured out

26. According to a recent survey by the Department of
Labor, networking accounts for at least 69% of all
annual hires.
Networking is one of the BEST ways to find
a job or internship.

36. Jennifer Fisher
Culture and Retention Manager,
Group Dekko
jenniferlfisher@live.com
Download this presentation from:
Twitter: Jenfisherfw
Blog: www.generationalsoup.com