A Real-Life Example by Rachel Smith

It is estimated that anywhere between 20 and 50 percent of students enter college undecided.  At many institutions, students have access to a wealth of resources they can use to narrow down a major. 

Once you decide, however, doesn’t always mean your life is set in stone. 

Almost 75% of people who have graduated from college report having changed their major at least once. 

And guess what… it’s OKAY!

Being undecided simply means you have yet to find what sparks a passion inside of you.  Students who aren’t sure of their career pathway should take time to reflect on their personality, interests, values and academic strengths.  Then, it’s always good to talk with trusted adults – parents, teachers, counselors – about how these traits could translate into a future career. 

You may love to do something, but not even know how they ways it could be utilized in the workforce. 

This is why if ever there was a campus visit to mark yourself as ‘going’ – this is THE ONE!  Scheduled for March 24^th at 9:00AM in the Stoltenberg Forum/Beem Center 200, this session is designed for those struggling to find their place.  The ones who are unsure where they want to go or what they want to do in life.  This spotlight is a great way to connect and find where your passion lies as you identify new ideas and unexpected career paths. 

Being unsure is more common that you maybe realize. 

In the fall of 1999, I enrolled at 51ÁÔÆæ for my freshman year.  I started as a business major, changed to a psychology major, decided I wanted to be a college band instructor at one point, and then ended the year back in business classes. 

Thankfully, I had the summer to pull myself together a bit. 

Except it didn’t really work that way.  I started my sophomore year with grand plans to be a college professor myself, changed back to business mid-year, and ended my college experience at 51ÁÔÆæ with “transfer student” as my focus. 

Upon graduation, I transferred to the University of Northern Iowa where I found a passion for public relations and marketing.  I spent the next three years obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in marketing. 

If you’re struggling, it’s okay.  No one expects you to have all the answers immediately.  Maybe you need to dip your toes in the water across the board of possibilities in order to find where you want to dive in. 

Work with an Academic Advisor to help develop a plan.  They know the ins and outs of what is available and how to navigate your way through the classes.  It also helps to find a sense of belonging on campus.  Join a group or organization, connect with others in the dorms or throughout classes or extra-curricular activities.  The more people you meet, the more you’ll submerge yourself into the college experience.  Which, in turn, will help you find your path. 

Lastly, talk to professors and advisors about the many types of careers out there.  Trust me, there are jobs you may have never even heard of before that could be the perfect fit for you.  Learn about them.  Soak up every bit of knowledge you can.  If you’re unsure what your future holds – don’t worry about it!  Many students are in the same boat.  Come to the campus spotlight.  It’s a great way to connect with 51ÁÔÆæ and take the first step on your path to success.

To learn more about campus visits and becoming a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan, go to Campus Visit. See the Campus Tours Page for all the visit options.

Already made up your mind? Apply Today

The post Exploring Your Options: Develop. Connect. Identify. appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

The business world is fast-paced and always changing.  In this digital era new advancements pop up daily.  What worked for companies 10 years ago is no longer a viable option for their operations or marketing.  Because of this, finding new ways to continue doing business, growing, and developing is crucial for success.

A business degree puts you right in the middle of this agile industry.  Our classes teach skills you will use on a daily basis – things like accounting (balancing your checkbook and handling finances), negotiation, and management skills.

You can’t go wrong with a business degree.  The field is so versatile, and the opportunities are seemingly endless. 

If this sounds like something you might be interested in learning more about, be sure to attend the Spring Spotlight visit on March 10^th at 9:00 AM in the Stoltenburg Forum/Beem Center 200. 

In this session, you will explore the skills needed to grow your own business or develop skills required for high-demand positions.  This session is designed to help you move toward transfer or employment in accounting, management, marketing, or business administration. 

Here’s a little preview of each area of interest.

is the practice of measuring, processing, and sharing financial information within a business.  If you love crunching numbers, this career area could see you keeping the books and managing the financial transactions within the company. 

involves the coordination and organization of activities within a company.  Business managers often oversee operations and help employees reach their highest potential.  Their job title regularly includes training new employees and helping the company reach its overall goals. 

is an exciting and dynamic career choice that continues to change at a lightening pace.  The traditional way of marketing clients has shifted dramatically from newspaper, radio, and television into the digital age.  Technology and the use of social platforms to elevate your business have catapulted us into a future where the reach is attainable on a global level.

is like an umbrella over all the business majors.   It includes many different roles, professional settings, and opportunities for growth.  People who love to work with people will enjoy human resources.  Are you competitive? Sales may be for you. Solving problems or coming up with strategies means a business analyst or consultant is a good fit for you.  And for the math whiz, there are accounting roles or data analytics. 

So many choices.  So much room for growth.  The perfect career in business is waiting just for you!

Business is a great way to begin your college career.  One perk in choosing this field is the broad spectrum it covers.  Once you find where your true passion lies within the business realm, it is easy to specialize.  On top of that, there is an opportunity to apply your education and experience to another industry, utilizing what you’ve learned to help grow your business.

If you are eager to learn more about becoming a business major, this is one campus visit you do not want to miss!

To learn more about each of these visits and which one will best suit your needs in becoming a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan, go to Campus Visit.

See the Campus Tours Page for all the visit options.

Already made up your mind? Apply Today

The post 51ÁÔÆæ’s Business Spring Spotlight Visit: Lead. Manage. Build. appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

You can feel the thump-thump of the music filling the gymnasium. The excitement travels through you as if you are one of the players or cheerleaders running out on the court. This. This is college. This is the community feeling when you find the right fit.

There are other ‘right fit’ aspects you need to consider too—such as location, cost and class size.
All are equally important.

What if you could go on a college visit that was incredibly fun, but also informative? What if you had the opportunity to win scholarships and prizes and really get a feel for what life would be like on campus?
If you’re looking for the ultimate college visit experience, mark your calendar for Saturday, February 18th to attend Bustin’ Out Blue at 51ÁÔÆæ.

This is one campus visit you won’t want to miss! You’ll get to cheer on the Men and Women Trojans as they take to the basketball court that day, play games, and win prizes! Your time at 51ÁÔÆæ will include a tour of campus and housing facilities, along with a first-hand look into your academic area, financial aid information, and scholarships.

While , you can also register in the 51ÁÔÆæ gym from 12:45 – 1:00 the day of the event. There, you’ll receive your FREE 51ÁÔÆæ t-shirt as well as the schedule of events for the day.

The visit kicks off at 1:00 with a short program which will include information on Admissions, Clubs, Activities, Scholarships, Financial Aid and for your interest area and major. From there, you’ll head to the gym for the Women’s basketball game and see a 51ÁÔÆæ Dance Team performance. Great prizes will be awarded to those attending Bustin’ Out Blue during halftime, and you must be present to win!

Following the game, the visit will take you over to campus housing for a tour. This tour can either be on your own, or with a 51ÁÔÆæ Student Ambassador. Either way, be sure to drop your ticket in the box at Housing because there will be even more prizes handed out later!

The 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan Men will take the court at 3:00 that afternoon. More prizes, and even a few scholarships, will be awarded at halftime, so make sure you stick around to see if you win.
Bustin’ Out Blue is open to any high school age student and their family. While all incoming athletes receive a postcard invitation to attend, this campus visit is for anyone looking to learn more about 51ÁÔÆæ and what it means to be a Trojan.

While Katy knew she’d be attending 51ÁÔÆæ in the fall, Bustin’ Out Blue was another chance for her to tour the campus and get a feel for where she’d spend her next two years. In fact, Katy was so impressed she decided to become a Student Ambassador herself!

Throughout the day, two $1000 scholarships will be awarded for campus housing, and one $1000 for general tuition costs. Prizes include many coveted “college themed” items such as a Smart TV, portable speakers, headphones and 51ÁÔÆæ apparel.

Anne Boyer, Enrollment Specialist in Student Services, encourages all students to attend this event. “We personally invite all incoming signed athletes as well as all Juniors and Seniors we’ve previously been in contact with,” she said. “However, we often see sophomores and freshman attend as well. Everyone is welcome and highly encouraged to attend.”

If you have an interest in checking out what 51ÁÔÆæ has to offer, then Bustin’ Out Blue is the way to do it! Don’t let the stress of choosing your higher education institution get you down. Spend the day in a relaxed environment, cheering on the Trojans and getting answers to all your questions at Bustin’ Out Blue!

Are you ready to dive in?

Looking for other campus visit options?

Follow us on social media to see what campus life is like.

Interested in talking with someone? Make an appointment with an enrollment advisor.

The post 51ÁÔÆæ is Bustin’ Out Blue appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Communicate. Create, Contribute

Contemplating your future career? Maybe it’s time to get a little creative! The humanities are where creativity meets critical thinking.

Every person has a creative side.  The key is learning how to tap into it.  Some people paint or create pottery.  Others write articles or stories.  Some use a computer to design video games and art pieces. Others use their voice or an instrument to create beautiful music. Some study the past to better understand the future.

On February 10^th, 51ÁÔÆæ will host a Humanities Spring Spotlight campus visit, beginning at 9:00AM in the Stoltenberg Forum/Beem Center 200.  Join us to learn how a program in the humanities can help you move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in, performing or , journalism, or language and .

Humanities expand our understanding of different cultures and enable us to understand how we are alike, as well as how we are different, giving us a broader understanding of the world.

In the Age of Technology and Information, these disciplines are often undervalued.  So much of the emphasis is put on being progressive as we are ushered into a new technological age, we lose touch of the human aspect of things. 

By studying the humanities, students will better understand, appreciate, and produce art, , theatre, and literature.  They will focus on understanding beauty and the good, giving them the opportunity to practice making beautiful things themselves. 

Students will be asked to tap into their creative side as they explore oral communication, writing, and creative expression. Because even with the highest advancements in technology, humans still need to be able to communicate with one another.  It is imperative, actually, for the survival of the human race.  This field of study will build skills within students in both writing and critical reading.  You’ll be encouraged to think out of the box, get creative, and ask questions about the world. 

By studying humanities, you will become informed and critical citizens.  Instead of focusing on the speed and instant gratification of technology, you will cultivate a philosophic habit of mind by using critical thinking. 

This sneak peek into Humanities at 51ÁÔÆæ is your chance to really get a feel for your classes, the teachers, and the overall atmosphere on campus.  It is a great way to connect with people who are already invested in this educational program. 

Deciding where to go to college and what to study doesn’t have to be a stressful experience filled with anxiety and unanswered questions.  The staff at 51ÁÔÆæ is here to help with your decision and guide you on your pathway toward a career in Humanities.

Are you ready to dive in? Register today.

Looking for other campus visit options?

Follow us on social media to see what campus life is like.

Can’t make it to campus in person?

Interested in talking with someone? Make an appointment with an enrollment advisor.

The post Humanities Spring Spotlight: Where creativity meets critical thinking appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Do you have a clear-cut career path in mind?  Or are you testing the waters to see which major would be a good fit?  Either way, scheduling a meta major-specific visit might be just what you need.  These visits not only give you the opportunity to see the campus, but a deeper look into a particular program.  You’ll be able to meet the instructors and visit the labs you will actually learn in throughout the semester. 

The first Spring Spotlight will take place on Friday, January 27^th at 9am in the Stoltenberg Forum/Beem Center 200.  The topic that day will be STEM.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  With STEM programs, you won’t simply spend time in the classroom, you’ll be right in the action.  You won’t find yourself simply taking notes and memorizing information to spew out during a test, instead you’ll be applying what you have learned in real-life experiments and situations. 

In a nutshell, STEM is the ultimate hands-on learning!

STEM fields provide you with the opportunity to use your creativity and flexibility to create new ways of looking at age-old questions. 

STEM programs are not a simple task, by any means.  Despite all the hard work, however, STEM can be lots of fun, too.  At the core of this program are real-world applications and study methods where you can dig in and truly learn. 

Before making the decision on whether or not to pursue a degree in STEM, students must ask themselves the following questions: Are you serious about your education? Are you interested in STEM and the way things work? Are you willing to take on the challenge?

If you leaned toward ‘yes’ on any of the above questions, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to explore this field during 51ÁÔÆæ’s Spring Spotlight.

The STEM meta major is designed to help students move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in computer programming, engineering, finance, data analysis, exercise science, physical education, or biotechnology, to name a few.  It is an exploration of the world and human body using scientific methods of observation, experimentation, and analysis. 

This sneak peek into the world of STEM learning at 51ÁÔÆæ is your chance to really get a feel for your classes, the teachers, and the overall atmosphere on campus.  It is a great way to connect with people who are already invested in this educational program. 

Deciding where to go to college and what to study doesn’t have to be a stressful experience filled with anxiety and unanswered questions.  The staff at 51ÁÔÆæ is here to help with your decision and guide you on your pathway toward a career in the STEM field. 

You just need to take the first step! Sign up today.

Looking for other campus visit options?

Follow us on social media to see what campus life is like.

Can’t make it to campus in person?

Interested in talking with someone? Make an appointment with an enrollment advisor.

The post STEM Spring Spotlight Visit appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Campus visits are a great way to connect with real people and learn the ins-and-outs of the college and program you’re interested in. Sure, you can scroll through the list of classes and read testimonials from past students, but nothing compares to actually being there – meeting potential professors, staff and other students.

This spring we’ll spotlight the different programs offered at 51ÁÔÆæ. It is the perfect chance to really get a feel for what the college is all about – you may be surprised. You will be able to see the campus, the labs and classrooms, meet the staff, and the faculty who teach the classes.

It’s kind of like a sneak peek into your future. Like watching the trailer of a movie to see if it is something you want to go see. A campus tour will leave you feeling like you definitely want to see that movie – or in this case, your life!

The Spring Spotlight Visits will be held at 9:00AM on Fridays in the Stoltenberg Forum/Beem Center 200.

Each week is dedicated to highlighting an area of interest. If you’re unsure of your path, you are welcome to attend more than one!

*January 27th – STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math): Explore, Analyze, Discover. This session is designed to help you move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in computer programming, engineering, finance, data analysis, exercise science, physical education, or biotechnology. It is an exploration of the world and human body using scientific methods of observation, experimentation, and analysis.

*February 10th – Humanities: Communicate, Create, Contribute. Tap into your creative side as you explore oral communication, writing, and creative expression. This pathway is designed to help you move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in performing or studio arts, graphic design, journalism, or language and communication.

*February 24th – Health Sciences: Care, Heal, Rehabilitate. If you have the heart to care for people, promote health, and help your community thrive, check out this session! It is designed to help you move toward transfer or employment as a nurse, physical therapist assistant, medical assistant, medical lab technician, radiographer, or surgical technologist.

*March 10th – Business: Lead, Manage, Build. The business world today is fast-paced and always changing. Explore the skills needed to grow your own business or develop skills required for high-demand positions. This session is designed to help you move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in accounting, management, marketing or business administration.

*March 24th – Still Exploring: Transfer/Undecided: Develop, Connect, Identify. Unsure of what your future holds? That’s okay! Many students are in the same boat. This spotlight is a great way to connect and find the potential inside as you identify new ideas and unexpected career paths.

*March 31st – Skilled Trades: Construct, Solve, Investigate. Tinkering used to just be a hobby, but now days you can turn it into a full-fledged career! This session covers everything from constructing houses, robots, learning to weld, tool and die projects, to heating and cooling and advanced manufacturing concerns. You can move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or prepare for employment in building trades, HVAC technology, industrial mechanics and maintenance, electromechanics, advanced manufacturing and welding.

*April 14th – Education, Human and Public Services: Serve, Protect, Educate. If you have a passion to work with people, you won’t want to miss this session. Explore communities, relationships and cultures as you spark discussion to help create positive change. This pathway is designed to move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in counseling, education, social work, community development, cultural research, human resources or police work.

*April 28th – Agriculture: Grow, Cultivate, Produce. Iowans pride themselves on the rich agricultural history of our region. In this session, you’ll learn about the various Ag pathways and how to develop cultivate the land, produce livestock, and grow leadership and environmental skills. This pathway is designed to help you move toward transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or employment in agricultural marketing and finance, agricultural operations management, agricultural sales and services, and agriculture technology.

Whew! That’s a lot of Friday morning opportunities, right? If you are not able to get to one of the above tours, 51ÁÔÆæ has other options. A series of Saturday visits are offered as well. These are intended for students who do not need individual counseling, but simply want an overview of admissions requirements, financial aid, academic programs and student life. These visits take place in the Beem Center Room 200 with check in at 9:45am.

For a full-immersion option that will leave you filled with school spirit, you should check out the Bustin’ Out Blue campus extravaganza on February 18th, 2023. This event includes all the pertinent information needed to become a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan including academic, campus life and housing information. Plus, you’ll get to take in a Men’s and Women’s Basketball Games and have a chance to win fun prizes.

To learn more about each of these visits and which one will best suit your needs in becoming a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan, go to /admissions/campus-visit/.

See the Campus Tours page for all the visit options.

Already made up your mind? Apply now.

The post Discover your path at a Spring Spotlight visit appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.