By Lori Bredemeyer, Student Reporter
The Office of Career Counseling is offering two workshops to students “Finding the Right Major” in October and November. The workshops are designed to help students identify their skills and abilities and assist them in beginning the process of declaring a major.
Dr. Jeff Reese, director of Career Counseling, said a September workshop was planned, but only a few students signed up.
“It’s just something new that we’re doing, and we didn’t have enough advertising,” said Reese, assistant professor of psychology. “We want to do some new and different things to get students excited about Career Counseling. Making learning about themselves fun is one of our goals.”
The workshops are scheduled Oct. 16 and Nov. 20 from 3-4 p.m. in Room 124 of the Hardin Administration Building. Before attending a student is required to take two tests. One identifies career needs and is free; the other, which costs $15, examines the student’s personality and matches it to different work environments. Students must bring the tests with them to the workshop so a counselor can help them understand the results and discuss different degree plans.
Students who are undeclared or who have a major but have questions are encouraged to attend. Reese said the workshop gives students a starting point to declaring the right major.
“It’s not realistic to think you can find a major in one hour,” he said. “But it helps them learn about themselves and their interests, values, skills, abilities and themselves as a person, and it establishes decision-making skills.”
Dr. Charles Mattis, dean of the First-Year Program, said Career Counseling helps students who need individual assistance.
“Career Counseling gives students more specific help, and they can have one-on-one appointments with people who are specialists,” said Mattis, associate professor of biology.
“There’s nothing wrong with being undeclared when you’re a freshman, but when you’re a junior it’s a problem, or even when you’re a sophomore it’s a problem.”
Mattis said a financial problem arises with being undeclared because it takes the student longer to complete college. He said students should think about their future.
“Some students are dealing with the present and aren’t ready to deal with what’s next,” Mattis said.
In addition to these two workshops, the Office of Career Counseling also offers weekly workshops titled “What do I want to be when I grow up?” on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. to help students find their ideal job.
For more information or to sign up for a workshop, contact the Office of Career Counseling at Ext. 2451, www.acu.edu/testing or go by Room 124 in the Hardin Administration Building.
