By: Bailey Talaska
Trying to find the perfect major for you can be difficult, but it is necessary to find one you are passionate about. Once you find the right major, you may be confused about what to do next.
1. Get in touch with your adviser
Set up a meeting with the adviser of your college. You can check out the advisers on the Central Michigan University’s website. Advisers will give you information about classes and planning your schedule for upcoming semesters. They are a great resource for a successful college experience.
2. Get involved
After finding the major that’s right for you, the next step is to get involved and start networking. For the integrated public relations major, there are Registered Student Organizations like PR Central and PRSSA. These organizations are good opportunities to not only meet people but to learn new skills, gain real-world experience and develop portfolio pieces. No matter what you’re studying, it is important to gain hands-on experience and expand your knowledge any way you can. Also, establish relationships with your professors as they have a lot of knowledge to share and can offer a helping hand when it comes time to apply for internships and jobs.
3. Research the options within your major
Do your research and find out what different jobs are within your field. As for the public relations industry you can work in many different areas such as non-profit, agency, corporate and government. Knowing your options is important for deciding which direction you want to take with your major, including what electives to take. Research can help and lead you to the right path.
4. Plan ahead
It is important to make sure you are planning ahead, especially when it comes to your major. Make sure you get in touch with your adviser and create tentative schedules for the upcoming semesters. You should think about when you’ll be taking certain classes as well as when you may study abroad or complete an internship. This will give you an idea of when you need to start applying and preparing.
Once you begin pursuing a major, it can be stressful and confusing, but these four tips will help you take advantage of the available resources and help make your journey successful.