Category: Career Orientation
-
College Majors 101: Beyond Coding– What Today’s Computer Science Major Really Looks Like

Many parents assume that majoring in computer science means their child will spend all day writing code like a “code monkey.” But that’s a dated stereotype. Today’s CS programs are fast-evolving, deeply interdisciplinary, and open doors to much more than just programming jobs. Here’s a clear, updated guide for international families navigating this exciting field…
-
College Majors 101: Education – A Deep Dive

A few years ago, at our annual gathering for parents, I asked guests to vote on the major they were most interested in learning about. The winner? Education. In my past consultations, many parents have told me they see education as a promising career for their child— after all, teaching is a respected profession that…
-
College Majors 101: What’s Applied Math All About

Are you a student who excels in math and science but isn’t drawn to academic research, engineering, or medicine? In my experience, I often guide such students toward applied mathematics: and interdisciplinary field that combine mathematics with computing, finance, or biology. So, today we’ll talk about: 1. Understanding Applied Mathematics Applied mathematics gained prominence during…
-
College Majors 101: Psychology

After years of advising students, I’ve noticed that psychology is one of the most popular majors. When I ask why, they usually give one of three reasons: But here’s the truth: None of these assumptions are accurate. Psychology is a rigorous, research-driven field that requires critical thinking, data analysis, and a strong foundation in science.…
-
4 Major Misconceptions About Choosing a College Major (And How to Avoid Them)

For many Asian students and parents, selecting a college major is a high-stakes decision—but one often clouded by myths and rushed choices. Let’s debunk four common misconceptions to help you navigate this critical crossroads with clarity. Myth 1: “Just pick a popular major—it’s safer!” Many Asian families default to “hot” majors like business or computer…
-
Understanding the 3 types of college majors in the US

Almost all families grapple with the challenge of choosing the right major. American universities offer over 1,800 undergraduate majors, making it impractical to explore and compare each one thoroughly. When talking to families, I start by dividing majors into three main categories: 1. Liberal Arts Majors: These are some of the oldest disciplines in Western…
-
For High School Parents: 9-12th Grade Career Orientation & Major Exploration

Career development is a lifelong journey, and as your child embarks on this path in 9th grade, the focus is on continuous exploration throughout high school. It’s crucial to recognize that career plans may evolve, and the process is about gathering realistic information to make informed decisions. Career exploration is not about making definitive choices…
-
What is Career Development?

“It’s not what you achieve, it’s what you overcome. That’s what defines your career.” ~Carlton Fisk (Major League Baseball player) Though career development is a familiar concept, it could be hard to define without giving some time to think about it. One of the best definition that I’ve come across so far is from Dawn…