Nearly half of all college students nationally change their major and many enter college not knowing what they want to major in. It’s ok. At High Point University, we partner with you to help you discover an academic pursuit that you are passionate about – and, we call this process: Project Discovery.
Check out the 8 “Light Bulb” Moments of Project Discovery – your guide to uncovering your academic passion.
8 “Light Bulb” Moments of Project Discovery
1. It Starts with You and Your Success Coach
As an Undeclared student, you will partner with a Success Coach who is passionate about helping you discover a major that is a great fit for you, while helping you make positive connections with organizations on campus in which you have interest. This happens as early as the December before you enroll – for early decision admitted students – or the March before for regular admitted students. You will have support and guidance from a caring Coach who understands the various options available to you.
2. There’s a Class for That!
Enroll in Exploring Your Major & Career Path, the one-credit course designed to help you explore your options. A Career Advisor will guide you through self-reflection and assessment tools such as PathwayU. You’ll also be able to connect with professionals in fields you are thinking about to ask thoughtful questions and learn more.
3. They’ve Walked in Your Shoes.
You aren’t the only student who entered college as Undeclared – in fact, it is common across the entire nation! Sometimes we learn best from someone like us – a peer. First-Year Navigators are HPU students selected by the Office of Student Success to mentor first-year students. As an Undeclared student, you will be connected with First Year Navigators who were once Undeclared, too. They know exactly what you are going through and will help you explore your options.
4. What’s My Major Wednesday
This event, hosted each semester by The Office of Student Success and The Office of Career & Professional Development, is a great opportunity to work with Success Coaches and Career Advisors to explore major and career options and discover the best fit for you!
5. What Can You Do With This Major?
When you find a major that seems great, you will want to also understand what you do with that degree once you graduate. HPU's Career Advisors and their Career Development website will help you understand how your major translates to real-world career paths.
6. Career & Professional Development Advisors: Your People
You’ll see them in some of your classes and engage with them in Cottrell Hall. Your Career Advisor will explain the many resources available to you in the Career Center – the headquarters of the years of support and guidance that might lead to your face landing on the HPU Young Alumni Career Wall!
7. Coffee Connections, Faculty Meet and Greets, and Fireside Chats
Throughout each semester, faculty members host opportunities to meet with students who may have questions about a specific major. Casual in nature, these interactions allow you to connect with faculty, learn more about various majors and identify best-fit majors! You can attend as many of these meetings as you want, and you always have the opportunity to visit with a professor one-on-one to discuss opportunities within a major.
8. Peer Career Advisors
Visit with the Peer Career Advisors to get additional support. PCAs help you get started crafting a resume that can lead to summer jobs and internships to explore hands-on! With convenient walk-in hours in the Career & Professional Development Office, there is continuous support to guide you on your journey.