Major to career: map your future success

The major decision

Setting the stage

Your college major serves as a foundational stepping stone, paving the way for diverse career opportunities and shaping your professional journey in ways you might not initially expect. If you haven’t already, you’ll hear the question soon: What’s your major?

The big question

The question of what to major in can be overwhelming if you haven’t answered it yet. But thankfully, there are many resources available to help you narrow down your skills and interests. Choosing a major shouldn’t feel limiting, but rather become a conduit for gaining the tools and expertise you’ll need to navigate an ever-evolving job market.

“Choosing a major is a big decision, but in most cases, you have time to change if you get into it and feel like it’s not a good fit. Bethel’s career coaches can help you better understand your interests, skills, and passions so that you can make the best-informed decision.”

—Stan Thompson GS’21, Bethel’s director of vocation, pathways, and partnerships

Career paths: the influence of your major

Beyond the classroom

While your major will provide specialized knowledge and skills in a particular field, it also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—qualities that are highly valued across all industries. 

Creative connections

Many majors offer transferable skills that allow you to explore various career paths beyond your primary field of study. For instance, a degree in communication studies can lead to roles in public relations, marketing, journalism, or corporate leadership. And a background in engineering can open doors to project management, consulting, or even entrepreneurship. 

Success stories: alumni achievements 

Diverse journeys

• Sam Steadman ’16 majored in accounting and finance at Bethel. Now he’s a real estate agent who bases his business on faith and biblical values. Awarded Bethel’s 4 under 40 award, he helped found the real estate group Team Steady.
• Esther Soria ’08 majored in history and political science at Bethel. She’s now a federal prosecutor and assistant U.S. attorney, making an impact in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. 
• Trevor Rankin ’23 majored in biblical and theological studies at Bethel and is now an operations associate at Mill City Church in Minneapolis, helping run their K-5 Sunday school.

Lessons learned

These three Bethel graduates chose majors that translated into career success. While in college, they studied abroad, built relationships with their professors, and secured internships, all of which helped them narrow their areas of interest and choose majors that fit their skills and passions. 

“Be open to exploring things, relationships, and ideas that may not immediately pique your interest. In that openness, discover what truly ignites your passion, as it can become a foundation for a kinder, more loving, and joy-filled life that you share with others. And try to study abroad!”

—Esther Soria ’08

Navigating the future: trends and adaptability

Trend analysis

Despite ongoing changes in technology and workplace environments, many skills remain at the top of employers’ lists, including solid leadership, effective communication, and critical thinking. These can all be strengthened within any major you choose.

“The National Association of Colleges and Employers states that communication, critical thinking, and professionalism are the top three skills that employers look for in new employees, with communication at 95.6%! In addition to the great technical skills that students develop in their major courses, they are developing great skills in all of their classes and co-curricular activities. Employers are looking for these things, and we help students highlight those skills on their resumes and in job interviews.”

—Stan Thompson GS’21, Bethel’s director of vocation, pathways, and partnerships

Future-proofing your career

Across all industries, technology is changing everyday—even every minute—causing employees to integrate new tools and systems quickly. And flexible working environments require employees to adjust to different ways of collaborating effectively. This is why adaptability and the willingness to keep learning are also sought-after skills in the workplace today. 

From theory to practice: gaining real-world experience

Bridging the gap

Internships and experiential learning opportunities bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. They can enhance your resume and job prospects but also help you discern your calling, develop leadership skills, and grow in confidence. 

“Experiential learning opportunities are crucial because they: 

1. Help students confirm what they like and don’t like about particular types of work. 
2. Give students real-world experience that employers are looking for in their new hires. 
3. Lead to full-time job offers—68% of interns nationally receive a full-time job offer from their internship employer, making internships shortcuts to jobs.”

—Stan Thompson GS’21, Bethel’s director of vocation, pathways, and partnerships

Making your major work for you: tailored advice

Strategic planning

Strategically planning your education and extracurricular activities to align with your career aspirations is essential for maximizing your college experience and preparing for future success. This begins with selecting courses, majors, and minors that build the knowledge and skills needed for your desired field. Additionally, participating in internships, research projects, study abroad programs, and campus leadership roles can provide hands-on experience and industry insights. And engaging in student organizations, volunteer work, and networking events help develop professional connections and leadership abilities that will set you apart in the job market. 

Resource roundup

College career development offices are great places to begin mapping your future. Their counselors are equipped to help you narrow your passions and interests, choose majors and minors, and connect you with networking, mentoring, and internship opportunities. 

“The National Survey of Student Engagement showed 80% of Bethel’s students participated in an internship or field experience (including student teaching, nursing clinical, etc.). Student demand for internships is increasing and we are supporting students to secure great opportunities.”

—Stan Thompson GS’21, Bethel’s director of vocation, pathways, and partnerships

Additionally, many free online resources can help you brainstorm and explore career options. For example, the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard website compares and contrasts majors, positions, and compensations within various fields of study. And LinkedIn hosts professional development seminars as well as local meet-ups, gathering professionals in a specific industry within a particular community. These are great opportunities to check out your interest level in different fields. 

Your path, your future

Whether you’re a junior in high school or a senior in college, you can begin taking steps now that will point you in the direction of career success. Take action today! 

• Contact your school’s career development counselors.
• Create a LinkedIn profile.
• Add your name to mailing lists so you receive information about upcoming events both on- and off-campus. 
• Volunteer. Serve others while also making new connections. 
• Talk to your peers. Find out what they’re doing for help in career planning, and exchange ideas and resources. 

Engage with career services

With countless resources, Bethel is ready to help you no matter where you’re at in choosing a major or a career path.

• The Career Development and Calling Office can provide personalized support, helping you find internships that align with your interests and career goals. They offer job boards, resume assistance, and interview preparation.
• Academic advisors and professors within specific programs often have connections to churches, nonprofits, businesses, and research opportunities. Sharing your interests and skills with them can open doors to valuable internships.
• Bethel uses Handshake, an online platform you can use to search for internships, part-time jobs, and networking events. 
• Bethel’s alumni network can be a great resource for finding internships. Attending networking events, career fairs, and alumni panels can help you connect with potential employers.
• Bethel Student Government, Campus Ministries, and other clubs offer leadership positions that provide hands-on experience valuable for future careers.

Bethel’s commitment to career development ensures that you’ll graduate not only with expertise in your chosen field but also with the adaptability and resilience needed to thrive in a dynamic and competitive workforce. Explore Bethel’s Career Development and Calling Office today!