Exploratory Pioneers

The Exploratory Career Community is geared towards providing resources and tools to those who are exploring majors and career paths. This community will help students to find their passion and purpose in life. Starting at SHU without declaring a major is a unique and exciting way to begin your college career – there are numerous resources and opportunities to explore. We are here to help you to find the right major and career path for you! We understand that you may be considering several different career pathways, and we want to help you navigate them! We believe that early-industry exploration is the key to long-term success. This is why we developed Career Communities. You can think of these communities as interest-groups of like-minded individuals that may be considering a similar path, but do not necessarily share the same major as you. For example, English, Marketing, and Sociology majors may all have one thing in common – an interest in Public Relations – and now they can all join the same career community to further explore the PR industry! By joining one (or more) Career Communities will give you VIP access to industry-specific content, including virtual resources, on-campus events, job/internship opportunities, and specialized career advisement centered around your interests – not your major. By joining a Career Community, we know you will gain confidence in your ability to network and have a better understanding of your options!

Is it OK to be undecided?

Yes – it is perfectly fine to enroll at SHU and not have a major declared. There are many advantages to starting as an exploratory student. A study conducted at Western Kentucky University found that students who enter college without declaring a major may have a better chance of graduating in four years. In the study, students who started without declaring a major, but selected one by the end of sophomore year, had a graduation rate of 83.4%, whereas students who started at school with a major and never switched at a graduation rate of 72.8%. This discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that the undeclared students took the time to research and gather information and choose a field/major that best suited them.  The Center for Career & Professional Development is here to help and support you while you explore different majors and career paths!   

The Benefits of Beginning College Undeclared

  • You will have the opportunity to explore all majors and minors offered at the University
  • We will help get you connected to different classes, professors, and fields that might spark an interest you didn’t know you had! 
  • You will still be able to graduate on time
  • By meeting regularly with both your academic advisor and your career counselor, you can track your progress to graduation regularly and make informed decisions on your registration plans
  • You will gain beneficial skills valued by future employers
  • Undeclared SHU students will develop the necessary toolkit of skills that employers in various industries seek including critical thinking, problem solving, oral/written communication, collaboration, and professionalism.

What Steps Can I Take to Find a Major and/or Career Path?

Sacred Heart University to appear in Amazon Prime series ‘The College Tour’

September 15, 2021

Sacred Heart University will be in the spotlight for an upcoming episode of the Amazon Prime series “The College Tour.”

During the 30-minute episode, host Alex Boylan takes the viewer on a visit to the Fairfield campus. Ten current and …

By Mike Twerago
Mike Twerago Director of Operations, Data & Recruitment Mike Twerago
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Event Recap: Coffee & Conversations – How the Pandemic has Shifted our Workplace and Hiring

March 24, 2021

The Center for Career & Professional Development delivered another event in their Coffee & Conversations series on the evening of March 23rd.  The virtual roundtable discussion focused on How the Pandemic has Shifted our Workplace and Hiring, and the Impact …

By Sheila Lillis
Sheila Lillis Associate Director Sheila Lillis
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8 RESUME BUILDING ACTIVITIES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

December 18, 2020

The holiday lull is real.

Hiring managers are often on vacation. Job postings reduce in volume as companies go into year-end planning. If you are looking for your next employment opportunity, the holidays make it seem like there’s not much …

By Keith Hassell
Keith Hassell Executive Director Keith Hassell
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Career Outcomes

Over the past three-years, Sacred Heart averages a 99.3% overall placement rate, with a 90% overall response rate. Outcome data for Sacred Heart University is obtained through the Center for Career & Professional Development, in accordance with national standards. We extend our First-Destination survey to students who have received Bachelor’s Degrees in the respective year are surveyed from the time of graduation, to 12-months following graduation. We are currently collecting data for the 2021 & 2022 student cohorts. 

Check out our Class of 2019 First-Destination Infographic here!

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Starting Salary
  • Employment Locations
  • Top Universities
  • Degree Types
  • Fields of Study

First Destination

SHU Pioneers pursue a variety of careers paths after graduation; most recent respondents indicated they are:

Contact & Location

Phone
(203) 371-7971
Email
careerdev@sacredheart.edu
Address

Linda E. McMahon Student Commons
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825

Center Hours

M 8:30am-6:00pm
T 8:30am-6:00pm
W 8:30am-6:00pm
TH 8:30am-6:00pm
F 8:30am-5:00pm