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Help Students Choose Their Major!

Posted in: Alumni News and Events

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Montclair State University has launched the Discovery Program for Undeclared Students. Through the program, students pick a track or broad category that represents academic and career interests. A variety of majors offered at Montclair State fall into each broad category. These tracks are meant to help guide students toward choosing a major, from any College or School at the University, which matches their interests, skills and values.

The Office of Alumni Relations, together with the Center for Career Services and the Center for Advising and Student Transitions, is looking for alumni to volunteer their time to participate in a panel discussions to help these students define their academic paths.

“The intent of this initiative is to start a conversation between currently undeclared students and alumni,” says Adam Mayer, Director of Career Counseling. “This will be an opportunity for them to share their journeys and network with one another.”

Alumni who participate with be asked to share information about their educational background and professional experiences and assist students refine their networking skills. We are looking for alumni who began their college careers as undeclared students as well as alumni who are in a career path that doesn’t necessarily align with their major. Panels will be hosted monthly during the Spring semester, with the series kicking off in February 2018.

“The purpose of the Discovery Program Alumni Panels are to provide opportunities for discovery/undeclared students to understand that the paths that often take us from our majors to our careers are usually not direct,” says Dr. Michele Campagna, Executive Director, Center for Advising and Student Transitions. “By hearing directly from Montclair State alumni, Discovery students will learn how these individuals selected their majors and then landed jobs in their current fields and realize the importance of making major and career choices that best match their values, interests, and abilities. Additionally, we are hoping that Discovery students will connect with alumni with whom they can continue to communicate about their career development.”

If you are interested in participating, please take a brief survey to share information about your academic and professional experiences. For more information, contact Jenna Villani, Office of Alumni Relations, at 973-655-7872 or villanij@montclair.edu.