#1 Asking Questions and Breaking Assumptions

 

Over the past few weeks we've gone into detail about what being an undecided college major is like, and now we'd like to look back at some common assumptions that people make about the undecided major and apply some of the insights we've observed.

Its common for people to view undecided college students in a negative light. Its all too easy to assume someone is undecided because they're too lazy to decide their future, or that they simply don't care about what path they end up on. However, we've outlined the many benefits of being an undecided major. Undecided students have a moreover positive mentality than that of declared students, as they are not restricted by a major. The realities that undeclared students face on a daily basis are largely the same as most students with the added benefit of a feeling of self exploration and discovery. Its plain to see that these misguided preconceptions held about undecided students simply don't hold up to reality.

-Luke

https://www.admitsee.com/bloguploads/xundecided-b1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.YNlqhtlLhQ.jpg

Why Michigan State University is a great school for an undecided major

Michigan State University has over 150 majors to offer to students. In this video you will be able to listen to three different perspectives on being an undecided major and what advice that they have to offer to you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cckoiuK1qiY


Being undecided at Michigan State allows you to broaden your horizons and get a feel of what you like and dislike. Not knowing what you want to do is okay and you will be able to put all your effort toward something you actually love. The advisor explains that they are there to listen to your concerns and ideas and to help you out with which courses you should take if you are unsure. You are not limited at all, Michigan State and other Universities are filled with great options. It is advised to take your general requirements in the beginning to get a feel and finish those up, which will hopefully be less stressful.

-Julia

MSU. 2011. Levine Group. Web. 27 Nov. 2016

Undecided Major at Michigan State University. YouTube.3 Dec. 2012. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.

Next Step

Wherever you go, do you always feel like “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is asked by many? There is no need to stress or get worked up about this topic. Many individuals that are even in the process of pursuing their career or in the act of a career don’t even know the answer to this specific question. If thinking into this topic of the future stresses you out, here is a video to make you feel a little more at ease.

https://www.facebook.com/steven.spellmon/posts/10209326405744991\

This meaningful video has been made by my cousin, Steven Spellmon, while attending the University of Alabama. He gives the viewer something to think about as he reflects on real life values and digs deep into different meanings. To top the points off, examples of real life situations are given. It is never too late to change your career path in life. Most importantly, it is okay not to know the answer to what you want to be when you grow up. Now, instead of thinking about what you want to be when you grow up, ask yourself “What do I want to do next?”

 -Hannah

Defining Ethics (Prompt 2)

            The photographer’s code of ethics speaks to the responsibility of the photographer to their colleagues, subjects, clients, employees, and suppliers.  Also to practice common courtesy, specifically be an honest employee, protect clients’ confidential information, respecting privacy, don’t engage in inaccurate criticism of a fellow employee, and respect the law.  It also states to be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects (if for the purpose of journalism), respect the integrity of the photographic moment, etc. 

This list of ethics for the most part aligns with my personal ethics, i.e. respecting others and maintaining honest portrayals of whatever it is I am showing.  People who intend to work in this field probably have a basic understanding of these ethics, as they seem somewhat obvious.  I do believe that people in the field follow this ethic code.

            This set of ethics in my opinion can be applied most directly to photojournalists as opposed to artistic photographers.  I feel as though for the more artistic and creative photographers that utilize other devices or mediums such as photoshop or collage may have difficulty following some of these ethics specifically the ones about accurate representation or alteration of true form.  They probably have a different set of ethics to follow.  I think I fall somewhere between these two styles of photography but even so I don’t think these ethics will limit my professional future.

-Golda

           

"NPPA Code of Ethics." National Press Photographers Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2016. <https://nppa.org/code_of_ethics>.

"Ethics Codes Collection." Photographer's Code of Ethics (1993). N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2016. <http://ethics.iit.edu/ecodes/node/3666>.

Is choosing an undecided major a good idea?

Perhaps the most common advise given to college students is that if you don't know your major, you should just go undecided and take a few courses to find out what you want to do. While choosing to be undecided can be the right move for some, it may not be in everybody's best interest. Taking a few courses to decide what you want to do can be expensive. Students that go in undecided also tend to take longer to graduate, which of course in turn leads to more debt. Its important to keep in mind a career plan, and to take the necessary steps required to fulfill that plan. By focusing on who you are as a person and identifying what you enjoy doing, you thereby discover your path in life. 

-Luke 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/troyonink/2010/12/16/bad-college-advice-the-undeclared-major/#10aa1ab11e88

http://www.fastweb.com/uploads/article_photo/photo/2035947/crop635w_is-undecided-unacceptable.jpg

What Can You Do With An Art Major?

Some people are turned off when they hear "art major".  There are many stigmas around art majors and the topic often becomes taboo because people tend to think that people pursuing art majors are doomed and that a degree in art is useless in our current culture because of its restrictiveness and competitive nature.  Many also believe that it is impossible to make a living on any kind of art.  It is perfectly okay to follow a career path that many others question as long as you are comfortable and confident in yourself and happy with what you decide to do.

There are way more career options than one could even imagine for a particular major.  Some careers that can be pursued with studio art majors are: painter, sculptor, potter, photographer, graphic designer, illustrator, art teacher, art therapist, commercial artist, cartoonist, art gallery owner, art critic, curator, interior decorator, and many more.  It is not unusual for fine artists fresh out of schooling to experiment with different career options.  It is always possible to switch or to go back to school and study something else.

Career advisors and service centers are great resources to utilize early on.  They are trained to be knowledgeable about options for the future with your intended major.  Take advantage of what they have to offer.

-Golda

Thetard, Anna. "5 Struggles Of Being An Art Major - the Lala." The Lala. N.p., 02 Apr. 2015. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.

"Uva's Rigging Guide for Studio and Location." (2000): n. pag. Fine Arts Career Services. University of Texas, Austin, July 2015. Web. 14 Oct. 2016. <https://finearts.utexas.edu/sites/files/cofa/studio_art_career_guide_july_2015.pdf>.

Finding your career path

This past week I was looking online, researching majors that I think I would be interested in. I came across this Teen Vogue article titled This Awesome New Website Helps You Pick Your College Major and Career. So, I decided to look into it. The article explains how difficult it is to know for sure what you want to major in and do for the rest of your life. In order to help find the major for you, there is a website called Find Your Calling, created by CareerBuilder. You take a quiz which will ask you about your interests, and then in the end will give you some career options that should appeal to you. The website should hopefully give you a better idea as to what you would like to do and what could be the outcome of your major.

To take the quiz, you can go to: https://www.findyourcalling.com

Naturally, I decide to take the quiz. The questionnaire asked me all about my interests, how many years I want to be in college for, what state/city would I like a job near, etc. I found this to be very helpful. At the end of my quiz, it said my pathway careers would be something along the lines of Family and Community Services, which I am very interested in. Then, it listed some jobs, like a Social Services Manager or a Marriage and Family Therapist, which also appeals to me. It even provided me with starting salaries and ending salaries!

I strongly recommend taking this quiz if you are not 100% on what you would like to major in. It is very quick, easy, and helpful!

To read more details, click the link for the Teen Vogue article: http://www.teenvogue.com/story/website-helps-pick-college-major-career?mbid=social_facebook

--Julia
How to Find Your Calling. 2013. At a Cross Roads. By Noah Filipiak. Web. 27 Nov. 2016



Dwyer, Kate. "This Awesome New Website Helps You Pick Your College Major." Teen Vogue. 24 Jan. 2016. Web. 20 Oct. 2016.

"YOURE FUTURE IS HIRING..." Find Your Calling. CareerBuilder, 2016. Web. 20 Oct. 2016.

#7 Contemplating Controversy

An undecided major has many ups and downs and drives many viewpoints out of different people on the general topic or idea. Many individuals present different facts and opinions to support their personal views. It has been stated that for those who are undecided and eventually have to pick a major, the career wanted needs to be known. As time cuts down and a major has to be declared, the classes taken to receive the specific major all have to go towards the career as classes may be wasted or irrelevant. On the other hand, it has also been stated that the career for the future does not have to be known at all in order to pick a definite major in the end. With the career being unknown, picking a broad major upon interest goes towards many different careers and is useful along the way when switching from the first career field entered. The difference in perspective that causes this controversy is mainly between newly enrolled college students and the more experienced college students that are going through the experience themselves. Some may even be found from those that have graduated and are now involved with a career.

-Hannah 

http://web.plattsburgh.edu/academics/advising/undeclaredadvice.php

“Follow Your Dream”

Everyone says, “Follow your dreams” but not everyone truly follows their own advice. The pursuit for money is almost directly linked to the pursuit of happiness. Many allow the promises of money making to blindly lead them through their life.  This in some cases may not work out to your benefit.  Generally speaking, children in todays society are raised to believe that success means a high paying job, a big house with a family of kids and a spouse, having a nice car and the occasional vacation.  Despite this image, many have yet to realize that this may not be the lifestyle that will be the most gratifying and “successful” in their eyes.

No one wants to be stuck in a miserable career that makes you feel like your life is going to waste.  Time is a valuable thing, so it might be best to follow your passion and not the paper trail.   Think about what you value most in life: is it helping others? Is it belonging to something greater than you? Is it making a difference? Is it building a family? Is it individuality? Etc. etc. Think about what kinds of career options align with your values and principles.  Understand the kind of lifestyle you want to be a part of. 

If you aren’t going to be motivated to do what you are doing then you should take action and find something that truly interests you.  At the end of the day, you will feel more fulfilled and satisfied with your life especially when your career consumes the majority of your life as it often does. 

-Golda

"Need Help?" The Perfect Job. N.p., 18 June 2016. Web. 18 Oct. 2016.

@PickTheBrain. "Should You Follow Your Dreams or Get a 'Normal' Job? - Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement." Pick the Brain Motivation and Self Improvement. N.p., 18 Sept. 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2016.

No Right or Wrong When Picking a College Major

Did you or do you worry that your college major will have an impact on your chances of being accepted into to your desired college? Well…don’t! The purpose of first selecting your major of choice when first applying is to only assist the college in pairing your interests with the right academic advisors. On average, nearly 20% of incoming freshman declare their major as undecided anyway. 

The worry of falling behind in classes as well is not needed. Most students that don't have a decided major take the basic required classes that can be applied towards countless majors in the long run. When the second year creeps up, is when decisions need to be narrowed down. To do so, many people are there along with the experience to help make certain decisions. Advice and insight from friends, help from professors, visiting advisors, and appointments with career councilors are always around.

When it comes down to picking a college major, there is no right or wrong. It is all about what you want to do and what is best. Even though there are many advantages in picking a major right away and pursuing it until the end, there are just as many that come along with exploring being undecided.

-Hannah 

http://www.collegeview.com/articles/article/to-declare-or-not-to-declare-that-is-the-question

https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/uncategorized/right-or-wrong-the-dark-side-of-human-nature/

7 Things to Consider Before Choosing your Major

What is your passion?

One surprising thing that is actually usually ignored in the college planning process is ones general interest and passion. Its very easy to look at a major by its worth, what type of job it will earn you, and how profitable you could become by enlisting in this field. It is important to decide what you genuinely want to do so you can be happy in your life. 

What is the earning potential of your interest?

It is important to weigh the earning potential of your many options against the actual desire to perform in that profession. Its easy to look at the top end careers and decide to dedicate yourself to them, but they are not the only option to live both happily and comfortably. 

What schools offer your major of interest?

Though it may seem a little pragmatic, its always a good idea to ensure that your school of interest offers your major of interest. 

How much will it cost?

You will have to consider how much money it will take to enroll and relocate, as well as how many years of schooling are required for your ideal profession. Balancing work and college is NOT an easy thing, so you will have to be realistic with your time and weigh whether or not that much schooling is right for you. 

Determine in what areas of life are you most successful?

Reflect and look at the areas of school and life that you have done well in. It may be that your passion and what your good at don't line up, but more often than not they'll go hand in hand. If uncertain about what areas you excel in, ask those around you, and they'll be able to tell you. 

What is the work load like? 

If you have to work and attend school at the same time, it is important to consider the work load of a given major. You may have to decide if you have the time to pursue your schooling and pay for it at the same time. You can always check with your counselor to see what majors have light or heavy work loads. 

How will you pay for it?

Variations exist between scholarships and different majors. The amount of financial aid available to you will change with your major, so it is important to know how much support you get with each major. 

-Luke 

https://www.scholarships.com/resources/college-prep/choosing-a-major/10-things-to-consider-before-choosing-your-major/
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/responsive/cover/main/desktop/2016/06/23/636023068898656629-221147421_what%20to%20be%20Odyssey.jpg

#10- Recognizing Truth

There are many misrepresentations for being undecided in your major. People think that they need to decide on a major as soon as they enter college, which is not the case. It is good to give yourself time if you are not 100% sure on what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Most believe that nobody else is undecided, which is completely untrue. Going into college being undeclared is very normal to do. In fact, each year one-third of the freshman class at Plymouth State goes in being undecided (Center para. 2). Every university has enough help to support you along the way of finding the field for you.

Some students think that there is a certain test that will tell you the major for you. Taking a career-type test could help you lead in the direction what you are interested in, but sadly there is no test to tell you what you have to major in. Scheduling meetings with your advisor, going to programs and activities on campus, and looking into depth in different majors will lead you in the right direction (Center para. 3).

People are always complaining about how they know all the majors they do not like, but cannot find that one major that they are completely interested in. Freshman year is a great time to narrow down what you love and do not love from the numerous amount of majors. To help explore your options, you can always use the Degree Planning Guide to find your interest (Center para. 4).

Those who are undecided go in with the fear that it will take them longer to graduate. Contrary to belief, "Studies say that up to 75% of students entering college change their major before graduation" (Center para. 5). This should be the least of an undecided majors worries. The advisors will help you and make sure you are on the right path, being able to graduate on time.

Students think that if they do not declare their major freshman year, then they will not be able to get into the program that they want in the future. This should not make students worry because students who are undecided have the same opportunities as those who have a major. The advisors job is to make sure that you are in good academic standing for going into the major that you are interested in (Center para. 6).

For some people, they believe that when they choose a major, they have to give up on all their other interests. You should not feel limited at all. You are able to combine programs or a major and minor that will allow you to study what you are interested in. Also, you can always take electives that you are interested even though you may not major or minor in it. Doing extracurricular activities could also help you balance your interests out!

Overall, people have to get over the "myths" of being an undecided major. Everyone just assumes all these things, that clearly are not true. It is good to always stay open minded no matter what.



-Julia

"Center for Student Success." "Undeclared" Myths: Debunked! Web. 16 Oct. 2016.

Undecided about your Major? 2016. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.

#4 Considering Delivery and Style

This week I took a look at the different techniques different sources use to convey information relevant to picking a college major. I perused both internet blogs and official research, and got two incredibly different experiences from each. When reading a blog, the overall tone of the passage comes off as more personal and nonchalant, while a paper reporting findings of university professors tends to feel a bit more rigid and structured. Where a blog will attempt to reassure that being undecided is not the end of the world and may actually have innate benefits, a research paper will slap you in the face with statistics and attempt to draw conclusions in a more empirical matter. However, despite the factual claims and arguments presented very intelligently in the article, I believe that the warmer style of the blog enhanced the displayed information and made it easier to understand. Its human nature to choose something with at least a degree of human emotion over plainspoken, though logically sound, text. Until next week.

-Luke




http://www.usnews.com/cmsmedia/a7/be/7a170df246f09bf6b093ecf5b7ee/160304-libraryboy-stock.jpg

Questions to ask yourself before picking a major

After picking the college for you, you have to decide what you're going to be studying. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help figure out the major for you.

#1: Why do I want this major? - Some students tend to be influenced by their family or friends when they are choosing their major. You have to make sure you are interested in it for your own good. 

#2: Do I know enough about this major?- Some majors may interest you by the name of it, but you do not really know all the work that goes into that field of study until you research about it. Before you decide on your major, definitely look into what classes are required to get a degree in it. 

#3: Is my college strong in this major? - Certain colleges are known for certain majors, with some majors not having the strongest department for you. Definitely make sure there are enough courses offered in the field of your choice and that the teachers are experts in the field. 

#4: What are the career opportunities? -Make sure to think about how many job opportunities would be offered. Do not just think about it for the present time, make sure you think about it in 4 years when you graduate and have a degree then. Think to yourself 'could I get a job in this field when I graduate, or will there be no opportunities then'.

#5: Am I good at this major? - If you have no ability in that field, it is not for you. Going into a major with having no skills in that field will only stress you out and be wasting your time. 

#6: Is it the right time to declare a major? - Most colleges encourage you to pick a major right away, but you should not feel pressured at all. Not having a major the first year is a normal thing for students. Take the time to explore classes if you are unsure. On the other hand, if the major you are leaning towards has a lot of requirements and you are almost positive that you want to go into that, then declare the major. It will help you in the end so you do not have to stress over taking too many credits in a semester or worrying about not graduating on time. 

To get more details on what to ask yourself before declaring a major, go to: 

http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/professors-guide/2009/12/16/10-questions-to-ask-before-picking-a-major

-Julia

Jacobs, Lynn F., and Jeremy S. Hyman. "10 Question to Ask Before Picking a Major." U.S. News. 16 Dec. 2009

What Am I Supposed to Do? 2016. 5 Things College Freshman With Undecided Majors Are Tired of Hearing. By Grace Williams. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.

Undecided is Not a Major. 2009. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.