New Access Program Guides Students in Choosing a Major

September 1, 2003 - Every year, tens of thousands of students go off to college without knowing what they want to do for the rest of their lives. And even those who have chosen a career path frequently have second thoughts about their decision. Many will change their college major several times before graduation. But at this stage in their lives, indecision is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, that's what college is all about: exploring and learning about the world - and yourself.

Deciding on a career path is a monumental step that should involve awareness of personal strengths, interests and talents; knowledge of the types of jobs available in various fields; and, ideally, experience in potential career areas. But how can today’s college student accomplish all this amidst the flurry of classes, exams, term papers and newfound independence?

At the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, it's easy. Two nationally recognized departments at the Brookville campus have teamed up to create the Access Program, which offers "undecided" students comprehensive support and guidance as they work their way through the education and career-planning process. Each student in the Access Program is assigned an academic advisor through the university's Academic Counseling Center and a career counselor through the Professional Experience and Career Planning office.

Students in the Access Program take a variety of courses, gain experience and insight through carefully chosen internships, participate in interest and skills assessment activities, and attend career-planning workshops. They also have access to a network of more than 300 career mentors, many of whom are successful C.W. Post alumni. This multi-faceted approach helps students select a major by the time they reach their junior year.

"It's okay to start college without a major," says Jeanette Grill, director of the award-winning Professional Experience and Career Planning (PEP) office at C.W. Post. "In fact, by exploring a variety of courses in different fields, a student can become more well-rounded. This is a quality that is attractive to potential employers."

Five years ago, Eric Egan of Oceanside was an "undecided" student at C.W. Post. Although he had always been interested in the entertainment industry, he had no idea how to turn his interest into a viable career. Working with his Access counselors, Eric ultimately decided to major in media arts with a specialization in broadcasting. He worked at PTV (C.W. Post’s campus television station) and landed media sales internships at MTV and WABC-TV. By the time he graduated in May 2003, Egan had five job interviews lined up and a month later landed a position as a sales assistant at Katz Media Group, Inc. in New York City.

"I told my PEP advisor what I was interested in, and she helped me choose a major and map out a plan for the future," says Egan. "She gave me direction, something I really needed."

"We know that parents are concerned about sending their children off to college without a specific goal in mind," says Gary R. Bergman, C.W. Post's Associate Provost for Enrollment Services. "With the Access Program and over 110 majors to choose from, our students get everything they need to graduate as educated and capable individuals who will succeed in life and in a thoughtfully selected career."

For more information call 516-299-2746, email access@cwpost.liu.edu or visit our web site at www.liu.edu/access.