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.Â
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!Â
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!Â
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?
Request an appointment on Handshake with Amy Novak
On Tuesday, November 1st, the Center for Career & Professional Development welcomed Bigelow Tea to Sacred Heart University. Bigelow Tea, which is also located right here in Fairfield Connecticut, brought their trademark mobile tea truck to campus, and handed out …
When you’re job hunting, who’s most likely to help? Top U.S. scholars have tackled this question via a massive study — published today in Science magazine — that analyzes more than two billion LinkedIn connections.
Over the past three-years, Sacred Heart averages a 99.4% 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.Â
Check out our Class of 2019 First-Destination Infographic here!
Check out our Class of 2020 First-Destination Infographic here!
First Destination
Top Employers
Starting Salary
Employment Locations
Top Universities
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First Destination
SHU Pioneers pursue a variety of careers paths after graduation; most recent respondents indicated they are:
Top Employers
Sacred Heart University has a strong reputation for providing top qualified candidates, and recently hired at organizations such as:
Starting Salary
Recent alumni respondents, who have entered the workforce have indicated a base salary of:
Employment Locations
From Connecticut and beyond, Pioneers find themselves working across the country and globe, including:
United States
World
Top Universities
Sacred Heart alumni have obtained a strong foundation to continue their studies in competitive programs such as:
Degree Types
Most recent graduates indicated continuing education working towards degrees, including:
Fields of Study
Recent Sacred Heart University graduates work within diverse industries including:Â
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