Majors
Choosing a major: Do what you love.The Choice
The choice you make will not restrict you to a defined career down the
road. It is likely that you will change your major at least once. Your
interests, as well as your goals and values, are likely to change during
four years.
Choosing a major is a decision that should be based on your
interests, skills, values, and work experience. Career development is a
process, not an end result. And deciding on a major is just one step of
the process. Choose a major because of what you love to do, what excites
and interests you, and what brings you success. You will learn
fundamental skills in every major that can be applied to any profession
- your major does not define an exclusive career path. The CDC is
available to help you connect your chosen academic path with potential
career opportunities.
Things to remember when choosing a major:
Don't panic: Do not feel pressured to choose a major
during your freshman year. Explore various subjects before committing to
a major. Your major is one component of a continuous pursuit of career
and academic examination.
No decision is irreversible: You have the flexibility
to change majors, add a minor, double major, etc. throughout your time
at Richmond. Your decision is flexible.
Begin early: Begin utilizing self-assessment tools your
freshman year to narrow your interests and skills. Self-assessment
devices such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can help you
recognize your strengths and skills. The CDC also offers a number of
other self-assessment resources.
The CDC also instructs a course as part of the Wellness program: Are
You Career Fit? The emphasis in this class is on your interests, values,
skills, and personality style and how they might help bring you
success–however you might define that.
Do what you love: Don't choose your major based on what
your parents want you to do or what your friends are doing. Choose a
major based on what stimulates you, what you are passionate about, and
what brings you success. Remember, you can translate any major into a
career.
Still unsure? Meet
with one of our counselors to help clarify your decision and the
factors influencing them.
Other resources:
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