Ten Career Myths (And the Actual Facts)

There is one perfect career for me

• There may be several majors and careers that appeal to you and match your interests, abilities and values.
• K-State majors provide a background for several career possibilities.
• Your decision should be made based on an understanding of yourself and the options available.

Choosing a major means deciding what I will do with the rest of my life.

• Choosing a major does not necessarily mean that you will be employed in a career directly related to that field.
• Most college graduates can anticipate one or more career changes during their working lives.

I should choose a major or career field based on what's "hot" in the current job market.

• It's risky to choose a major or career field based strickly on current market trends.
• A certain field may be growing in size, but economics and other factors can reverse the trend and change the job market.
• It is better to choose a major/career because you have a genuine interest and talent for it.

Taking a career assessment test will tell me what I should choose for a major or career.

• Career assessments are great tools, but they will not find you a perfect major.
• They can help you learn more about yourself, and tie your interests, abilities and values to major and career possibilities.

If I take the introductory course in a potential major, I'll know for sure it's for me.

• It is a good idea to take courses in a major to learn more about it.
• Sometimes, you will need more than one course to know if the major will hold your interest and if you have the skills to succeed in it academically.

Since I have general education credits and electives to complete at K-State...

...I can wait until I'm a junior to figure out my major.

• You should begin the process of deciding a major now!
• It takes time and effort to think through the process of choosing a major.
• If you wait until you are a junior to begin the process of choosing a major, you may have to take extra courses and delay your graduation.

If I want to go to medical school, the only acceptable major is something in natural sciences.

• You can major in many different areas and pursue a health career.
• You will be required to complete science prerequisities, but medical schools seek many types of applicants, including students who have a liberal arts background.
• Medical and other professional schools such as law schools are looking for applicants who think critically, write well, and are well-rounded.

All college freshmen have a major and career path planned out.

• Approximately 30% of college students will change their major at least once during the course of their academic journey.
• Give yourself some permission to explore and change your major if you find something else that is a better fit.

People with humanities or liberal arts majors have trouble finding jobs...

...because they don't have any marketable skills.

• People who major in the humanities or liberal arts gain very valuable skills, especially in writing, organizational, and communication skills.
• These skills are highly prized by potential employers.
• A major in these areas can prepare you for a wide variety of jobs.

A major should be directly related to a future career goal.

• Some majors are directly related to career goals (such as accounting, engineering, or education), but most career fields are seeking applicants from a variety of majors.
• Employers are often most interested in the skills you have developed during your college career.
• It is important to major in something you are passionate about.
• In the years following graduation, many students will find themselves working in careers not directly related to their undergraduate majors.