Myths About Career Decision Making
Myth #1
I am the only one who is undecided about a career. FALSE
- Many students are undecided about their future career and their major.
- Your Career Services office can help you identify your interests and match them to careers.
Myth #2
Choosing a major means choosing a career. FALSE
- Employers look for these qualities that may not be directly related to a major: clear communication; quantative, analytical thinking; teamwork; initiative
- Employers look for experience outside the classroom, such as: internships, volunteer work and participation in student organizations.
- When your major does not lead directly to an occupation, explore occupations that fulfill your interests.
Myth #3
Career assessments will identfiy the careers that will be best for me and where I will succeed. FASLE
- Career assessments give you information about how your interests and values relate to different types of careers.
- You make the final decision about the best career fit.
Myth #4
There is one perfect occupation for me in a career that will last throughout my life. FALSE
- Most people change jobs an average of 5 - 7 times throughout their lives.
- Most people change careers 3 - 5 times.
- Career development is an ongoing process of learning about yourself and where you fit in the world of work.
Myth #5
There is a particular set of job responsibilities for every occupation. FALSE
- People in positions with the same title often perform different tasks, or perform similar tasks using very different work styles.
- Job responsibilities and required skills differ from one industry or field to another, allowing people with varying capabilities to fill similar roles.
Myth #6
A liberal arts degree does not prepare me for a job or a career. FALSE
- A liberal arts degree helps you develop valuable transferable skills. Some extra effort is needed to match these skills with a job and a career.
- Identify careers of interests.
- Know your transferable skills
- Obtain extra training - education needed for careers of interests.
Myth #7
A student’s major predicts the career of a liberal arts graduate. FALSE
- Most liberal arts majors are not vocationally specific. Thus, a greater proportion of the “liberally educated” people find themselves choosing work that is not directly related to their major field of study.
Myth #8
A liberal arts graduate is nothing without a graduate or professional degree. FALSE
- Many liberal arts graduates are prominently employed in a variety of fields including business, social services, government and publishing, without having acquired advanced educational credentials.
Myth #9
A liberal arts graduate must have experience to find a job. FALSE
- Experience helps, but most college graduates are hired predominantly for their potential to learn and advance within the organization rather than for their existing work capabilities or experiences.
Myth #10
There is little opportunity for a liberal arts student to explore career options. FALSE
- Many methods and resources exist outside of the classroom to explore career possibilities. Your Career Services Department is a great place to start.
Adapted and reprinted with permission from the University of Oregon Career Center.