ACADEMIC MAJORS FAIR HOW TO...
Don't just show up for the majors fair! Prepare before you go and get the most out of the opportunities they provide to connect with a number of academic departments all at once! There are three stages to the Academic Majors Fair - Before, During, and After!
Before the Majors Fair:
- Consider your interests, skills, work values, and strengths/weaknesses
- Remain open minded about the academic majors/departments participating in the fair and plan to talk to a variety of them
- Do not do your research at the fair. Research the majors you want to speak with prior to the fair
- Create a game plan:
- Determine majors you want to learn more about in advance so you don't wander aimlessly at the fair
- Consider questions you want to ask representatives of the majors
- You may find that some majors have a long line. Maximize your time, visit other majors then return
- Be prepared to concentrate and listen carefully in a large room with lots of talking going on!
During the Majors Fair:
- Arrive earlier, rather than later
- Check in at the front desk; pick up a nametag, and map of the fair
- Orient yourself using the room layout. Watch for a few moments, and then begin by approaching an academic major
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- Communicate who you are
- Explain why you decided to stop by their table
- Ask questions about the major
- Pick up important information about the major
- Be aware of other students waiting to talk to the representative, gain appropriate information but don't monopolize his/her time
- Jot down notes/details about the major - take a few minutes after you leave each table to jot down these notes
- Attend one of the mini-workshops before or during the fair on Making Your Major Decision
After the Majors Fair:
- Reflect upon your major options
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- Does one major seem like a better fit over the other
- How do the majors you're considering fit into your interests, skills, and work values
- Schedule appointments with your academic advisor and career counselor to your discuss options
