No matter where you are in life, it is never too early, or too late, to start planning for your future. SUNY Oneonta helps students find their focus through a variety of career exploration tools and techniques such as career advising and assessments.
When making career decisions, keep in mind:
- Decision-making is a process; it takes time and thought. Your career goals will change and evolve throughout your life.
- It is perfectly normal to be undecided and/ or to change your mind when making decisions about your career and major.
Getting Started
First, you need information. Take some time to research the topics below.
1. Information about you
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What do you like?
- What are you good (skills/abilities) at?
- What are your interests?
- What's important (values) to you?
2. Information about majors and careers
Consider the following questions:
- How long will it take me to graduate?
- What kind of a GPA do I need to be accepted?
- What kind of classes will I be taking?
- What type of jobs can I get with the major?
Take a look at the "What can I do with a major in" titles below. Each title contains information about common career areas, typical employers, and strategies designed to maximize career opportunities upon completion of a four-year degree.
- Accounting, BS
- Africana and Latinx Studies, BA
- Anthropology, BA
- Art and Design, BFA
- Biochemistry, BS
- Biology, BS
- Business Economics, BS
- Business Administration, BS
- Chemistry BA, BS
- Communication Studies, BS
- Computer Science, BS
- Criminal Justice, BS
- Dietetics, BS
- Digital and Studio Art, BS
- Earth Science BS
- Economics, BS
- Adolescent Education, BS
- Early/Childhood Education, BS
- English, BA
- Environmental Sustainability, BS
- Exercise Science, BS
- Fashion and Textiles, BS
- Food Service and Restaurant Administration, BS
- French and Francophone Studies, BA
- Geography, BS
- Geology, BS
- History, BS
- Human Development and Family Studies, BS
- Human Ecology, BS
- International Studies, BA
- Mathematics, BS
- Media Studies, BS
- Meteorology, BS
- Music, BA
- Music Industry, BA
- Philosophy, BA
- Physics, BS
- Political Science, BS
- Psychology, BS
- Sociology, BA
- Spanish, BA
- Sport Management, BS
- Statistics, BS
- Theatre, BS
- Women's and Gender Studies, BS
View a complete listing of undergraduate majors offered at SUNY Oneonta
A way to research careers and assess what careers might suit you based on your personality mosaic. You can even watch videos about specific careers.
The Occupational Information Network
O*NET database takes the place of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) as the nation's primary source of occupational information. The O*NET database and related products will help millions of employers, workers, educators, and students make informed decisions about education, training, career choices, and work. The O*NET Project is administered and sponsored by the US Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.
As a SUNY Oneonta student, you will have access to this computer based career guidance system for those who need assistance in deciding on a major or choosing a career. Complete the Focus 2 career assessment to find out more about how your skills and values can lead you to a fulfilling career. For the password and log in information, please email career@oneonta.edu.
3. Information about life after graduation
As a current student, SUNY Oneonta will assist you with making connections within the university, local community, and our vast alumni network to help you answer the following questions:
- What is the typical starting salary? What's the job market like
- Do I need to go to graduate school and for how many years?
- Who can I talk to who really does this job?
- Is there someone who will let me job shadow them?
- Will my major provide me with internship opportunities?
- Is there volunteer work I could do to see if I like the job?
Choosing a Major
Not all careers require a specific major. First, pick the career that you want. Then, look at what majors fit best and that you can do well in academically.
- Michael Jordan (Basketball player) was a Geography major
- Lisa Kudrow (Actress) was a Biology major
- Arnold Schwarzenegger (Film Star, California's Governor & former Mr. Universe) was a Business major
10 things you can do if you’re undecided about your major
- Spend some time thinking about and exploring your interests, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, etc. Make lists for yourself.
- Take a career inventory, such as Focus 2 or the Holland Self-Directed Search, to help you explore your interests, abilities, values, and experiences in greater depth. Contact the Career Planning and Networking Center at career@oneonta.edu for details.
- Think about the classes you’ve liked and disliked, and ask yourself, “Why?”
- Think about jobs you’ve liked and disliked, and ask yourself, “Why?”
- Find out more about different majors and their required classes. Take classes in potential areas of interest.
- Talk to professors, your advisor, etc. about areas of interest.
- Try to find part-time jobs, internships, and/or volunteer experiences in areas of interest. Trying a job is the best way to see if it fits!
- Locate professionals who work in careers you’re interested in learning more about and talk to them about what they do. For more information about informational interviewing, contact the Career Planning and Networking Center at career@oneonta.edu for details.
- Keep a record of all your findings, so that you can have information pertinent to career decisions readily available.