Did you know that the average high school senior is only aware of about two percent of careers that exist in today’s world?*
Or, did you know that the average person changes jobs seven times throughout his or her lifetime?
Or that many jobs you do know about today may not exist in 10 years – that they will be replaced with careers in emerging technology, with jobs at companies that do not yet exist and with professions you cannot yet imagine?
Major Declaration
More than 50 percent of Hiram students begin their freshman year “undeclared.” You’ll be expected to declare a major by your sophomore year, but we’re confident you’ll feel ready, thanks to close work with your advisor and the Career Center, including:
- thoughtful selection of classes
- conversations about the kind of work, service, study and other activities you feel the most passionate about
- discussions about what you see yourself doing – in the realm of family, career and hobbies – not just after graduation, but in 15, 25 and 35 years
- tests and assessments (Myers Briggs, Clifton StrengthsFinder) that give insight into your personality and potential career matches
Through your major, you will deepen your knowledge and skills within one discipline. This major should best harness your aptitude and interests as a learner. It’s also a bridge to a career; however, the translation from major to career need not be direct or obvious. All majors offer “transferrable skills” which can be carried into many fields of work. As you work to satisfy your major, you’ll be taking progressively more advanced courses within the discipline.
When declaring your major, your advisor will also discuss with you potential minors and/or second majors which might help you meet your personal and career goals. Because all majors contain elective and interdisciplinary coursework, most students who choose a second major and one or more minors still graduate in four years.