Shifting jobs prompt changes in college majors
A survey conducted by the Princeton Review reported major of choice was business, followed by psychology, elementary education, biology, nursing, education, english, communications, computer science, and political science.
An analysis done by Collegeboard.com concluded for 2005 that business was the most popular major at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.
It came in at a close second at Northern Arizona University behind education.
The MCC Office of Research and Planning survey reported the most popular degrees and certificates awarded in 2005 were Nursing, Associate in General Studies, Arizona General Education Curriculum, and Associate in Arts.“You can’t go anywhere without a degree.” “I will be able to sell myself to companies better and get ahead,” explained Brian Anderson, a full-time student and business major.
The MCC Office of Research and Planning said 61 percent of the 2005 student population cited transferring as the top reason for attending the school.
“I plan on going to ASU to get a double major in business and nursing. I will go where it takes me,” said Naomi Pascoe, a nursing student at MCC.
Students must face many choices after graduating college: moving out, loans, insurance, employment, and planning for the future.
The Office of Research and Planning reported for Fall 2003 that 29 percent of ASU graduates receiving undergraduate degrees had earned credits from MCC.
In 2001 Arizona State University a survey was done after 2001 graduation reporting student’s post graduation employment.
Of the students surveyed, only 27 percent of graduates had secured a job. Only half of these students were working in a field related to their major.
The National Center for Education Statistics reported in 2003 that about 84 percent of bachelor’s degrees recipients are employed full-time one year after graduation. Of those working 52 percent had a job closely related to their field of study.
The Job Shadow Coalition reported that 70 percent of teens believe that the American dream is achieved by receiving postsecondary education.
“I was told I was if I got a piece of paper saying I have a degree, I will get a job,” said Sarah Strompolos, a part-time communications major.
In some instances this is true.
“A lot of our jobs don’t require a particular major, they are just looking for general skills that anybody can learn in college: problem solving, getting along with other people, good communication skills and good customer service skills,” said Debby Smith, Career Specialist at MCC.
“Employers are looking for people with a positive attitude and enthusiasm,” Smith said.
The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2006 reported that a person will have about 10.5 jobs between age 8 to 40 and 3.8 jobs between age 18 and 21. From age 18 to 40 a person will be employed for 77 percent of those weeks.
The Collegeboard.com has said that 25 percent of the national student population is a group of adults that is 30 and older.
MCC caters to the goals of the changing student population.
Students are encouraged to meet with advisers about their college career plans. According to the Princeton review, students change their majors three to four times in college, usually between their freshman and sophomore years.
The Office of Research and Planning concluded 26 percent of enrolled students are changing careers, improving current job skills, or preparing for employment for Fall 2005.
College Majors in Arizona▪ Business/Marketing: 19 percent
▪ Communications/Journalism: 10 percent
▪ Interdisciplinary Studies: 10 percent
▪ Education: 9 percent
▪ Engineering: 7 percent
▪ Social Sciences: 7 percent
▪ Visual & Performing Arts: 6 percent
▪ Psychology: 5 percent
Volume
44, Issue 3. Today is
Michael Kinsey/Mesa Legend
Erin Ballentine, 22, an education major, looks for classes available for her to take at the Transfer Advisement Center.