It's Not Just About A Major
Typically when the discussion of post-secondary planning begins, the first question often asked by adults is "What Major is the student interested in?". Though a good topic of conversation, the concept of a major is not nearly as important as the development of certain skills that are more geared to career success at the college level. When looking for schools or post-secondary programs, it is important to find not only a school that fits your students needs, but also one that has a goal of developing skill sets necessary for success in the workplace.
"Employers recognize capacities that cut across majors as critical to a candidate’s potential for career success, and they view these skills as more important than a student’s choice of undergraduate major. Nearly all those surveyed (93 percent) agree that “a candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major.” More than nine in ten of those surveyed say it is important that those they hire demonstrate ethical judgment and integrity, intercultural skills, and the capacity for continued new learning. More than three in four employers say they want colleges to place more emphasis on helping students develop five key learning outcomes, including critical thinking, complex problem solving, written and oral communication, and applied knowledge in real-world settings." (https://www.aacu.org/publications-research/periodicals/it-takes-more-major-employer-priorities-college-learning-and)
When preparing our students to further their education, it is important to also look at programs and institutions with these thoughts in mind, so that our students can not only graduate with a degree but be successful in a career.
