Counseling & Advising

Myths About Careers and Majors

When entering college, first-year students encounter a large amount of information about careers and majors. They are bombarded with opinions from their parents, friends, relatives, and professors. Unfortunately, not all beliefs concerning majors and careers are accurate. Consequently, students are faced with the intimidating task of evaluating an overwhelming amount of self-knowledge and career information. Myths about careers can be difficult to detect because they often contain partial truths. The following are some common career myths facing college students (Carney & Wells, 1999).

Myth: There is a single "right" career/major for everyone.

Recent research shows that, depending on the school, anywhere from 30% to 75% of college students will change their major two to three times before graduation (Lewallen, 1993). Likewise, the average adult will change careers, not just jobs, three to four times in his or her lifetime (Naisbitt & Arburdene, 1991). With over 20,000 different possible job titles, it is likely that your skills and interests will fit many different careers. It is important to view choosing a career as a process, not a single decision. Many college students hope to make one final choice about their major. The reality is that choosing a career is a life-long process of choices.

Myth: Everyone knows what they want to do? Why don't I?

It may seem that everyone around you has a clear direction and career path planned out. However, most students choose a major without a good understanding of the related careers that are available. Consequently, many students will change their major before graduating. While it is important to begin to narrow your career options, it can be very useful to be undecided in your first year at NJC. By taking courses from the Core Curriculum, you may find a field that you never knew existed. Above all, understand that most people do not know exactly what field they will be working in upon graduation. Keep your eyes and ears open to interesting possibilities and then take advantage of them.

Myth: Others know what is best for me.

Even though NJC offers many career resources; such as career counseling, career workshops, assessments, and career library, the responsibility for your career ultimately lies with you. Career counselors and assessments can help provide more information about your strengths, but they are not able to tell you what to do. After all no one knows your hopes, dreams, and abilities better than you.