Welcome to Avila University's Career Services

DECIDING ON A MAJOR

You have more control over your future than you might think! Through your efforts, energy and positive attitude, and our help, you can gather all the information and experience you need to make the best decision for YOU.

What are you going to major in? What kind of career do you want?
These two questions are linked together and requires you to think about what skills you have and careers that interest you. Career Services offers an on-line career assessment called, "Do What You Are" to assist you in learning more about yourself.

QUESTIONS AND TIPS: Some important tips about deciding your major:
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What is your major?

You’ve probably been asked this question more than you care to remember! While this is an important question, give attentive consideration to your answer.

At Avila we encourage you to learn more about yourself, career options, and labor trends before you make a decision. Research shows that many students who declare a major as they enter college change their mind before graduation. Avila’s advising system, core requirements and Career Services are designed to assist and support you as you explore your options.

What are your options?

It’s not unusual for students to be unsure of what they want to do following graduation. How well do you know yourself? How do you know what to study? What will you do well in and enjoy?

Need help? Meet with the Career Services staff to complete an information sheet and prepare to take a 30 minute assessment called Do What You Are. Once you complete Do What You Are, make an appointment with Career Services to review your assessment and learn how to make the most out of your online “report.” Values clarification exercises are also available to help you in your career decision-making process.

Time to build breadth as well as depth…

Recruiters interviewing graduates for entry-level positions, as well as for graduate schools and professional studies always stress the importance of academic success. Employers also emphasize, however, the need for strong communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The semesters you use to explore your values, interests, academic and career options will help you to develop these skills and determine your major area of focus. This exploration will also help you to make more informed and intentional decisions related to your major and future career path by providing opportunities for: academic advising, interest assessment, and career exploration.

Exploring career options…

Research your options by reviewing resources such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Gather more information by conducting an informational interview with Avila’s faculty, alumni and other professionals in the Kansas City area who can act as mentors by sharing their expertise and first-hand knowledge of a field.

Taking advantage of opportunities to build your skills…

Opportunities for practical learning include volunteer experiences, part-time and summer employment, cooperative education and internships. Hundreds of employment opportunities and job leads are available annually through Career Services. Through our job postings, volunteer opportunities, and additional contacts you may obtain work experience, or work through your academic department to arrange an approved internship. Take advantage of the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills by experiencing a career or work environment first hand. Learn and develop marketable experience by real life involvement in fields of special interest to you.

Deciding on a major…

Once you have sampled courses from a number of academic areas, and have learned more about yourself and your career options, you will be better informed and prepared to declare a major. After doing so, you will be assigned to an advisor from that particular department.

Moving on…

No matter what major you select, work closely with your advisor to develop a practical course of study. Remember to include some computer and business courses in your college curriculum to increase your marketability upon graduation.

While recruiters are impressed by "good grades," most admit that grades aren’t everything. They are interested in well-rounded applicants with strong communication and critical thinking skills. Campus and community involvement and leadership experience increase your marketability. The value of related internships or part-time jobs cannot be underestimated!

Approaching graduation…

By the beginning of your senior year it will be time to seek assistance in updating and refining your résumé, planning your job search strategies, and fine-tuning your interview skills. Our Career Services office has a list of web sites, books and self-help sheets to guide you through the process. Please schedule an appointment for individual assistance. Consider participation in our Etiquette Dinner and our Practice Interviews.

In your junior and senior years it will be most helpful to take advantage of all College Central Network job postings as well a information found under “EMPLOYER” on our web site.