Boise State University Career Guide - 2025 - Flipbook - Page 8
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO
WITH YOUR MAJOR?
Your Guide to a Confident Response to This Question
1. Flip the Script
4. Keep it Positive
Use this as an opportunity to showcase your passion!
Briefy explain why you fnd your major interesting
and how it aligns with your skills and interests. For
example, “I’m majoring in history because I love
understanding the past and its connection to current
events. In a future job, I’m planning to apply the strong
research and writing skills I’m developing, which are
valuable in many felds.”
Stay upbeat and enthusiastic about your studies. “This
major is challenging me to think in new ways, and I’m
excited to learn more about the types of jobs where I’d
be happiest applying my skills.”
2. Highlight Transferable Skills
Many majors equip you with valuable skills that apply
across various careers. Focus on what you’re learning,
not just the specifc job title. For example, “As an
English major, I’m honing my communication and
critical thinking skills, which are essential for jobs in
marketing, editing, or even law!”
3. Embrace the Unknown
It’s okay to not have a concrete career plan yet! You
can say, “I’m still exploring diferent options, but my
major is giving me a strong foundation in [mention key
skills]. I’m getting involved in [campus opportunities
and other experiences] and I plan to do an internship
in [industry/area] in the next few semesters to help me
learn how to apply what I'm learning in my major.”
5. Show You're Planning
You don’t have to have a specifc career goal to have
a career plan! Especially if it’s your family asking
the question, they mostly want to be reassured that
you’ve got this. Outline the steps you’ll take to explore
your options and gain experience in felds of interest.
Showing that you understand the steps and are
actively thinking about how you’ll prepare for a career
will go a long way.
Career Services is here to help you figure out what
those steps are, build your plan, and learn how to
talk about your interests and skills.
Remember, your major is just one piece of the puzzle.
You are a multifaceted individual with unique skills and
interests. With a little preparation and confdence, you
can conquer the “What are you going to do with that
major?” question and leave a lasting impression.
What Can I Do With This Major?
A Tool to Brainstorm Career Options by Major
Do you already have a major you love? Or do you know what types of classes you enjoy but not what
kind of career you might be interested in? What Can I Do WIth This Major is a resource that can help.
In this tool, you can look up a major and get a detailed breakdown of the types of careers students
typically go on to pursue. You'll see industries, types of jobs, types of companies and organizations,
and strategies for preparing for those careers. It's a good starting point for exploring potential options.
Go to What Can I Do With This Major
Scan the QR code or go to
boisestate.edu/career/majors--and--careers
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