Your sophomore year is a critical time to refine your focus and engage in meaningful reflection to assess your academic skills and purpose for attending college. Before you choose a major, visit the Career Design Center to discuss your interests and goals.
After meeting with the the Career Design Center, you may be ready to structure a curricular program that will challenge your skills and abilities in your chosen area of interest. This process should be facilitated by consulting with an academic advisor.
Once you have chosen your intended major and career direction, it’s time to formulate an academic plan. Using our Academic Planning Sheet, begin to develop your plan by referring to the following suggestions:
- Meet with an academic advisor on a regular basis to evaluate your progress and assure successful completion of your academic goals. Our advisors specialize in various academic majors and can help you to understand your general education and academic major requirements.
- Review your major to learn more about the requirements and how to be competitive in your academic field.
- Research other academic majors and consider adding a double or joint major or a minor to enhance your academic plan. Your advisor can help you explore these options.
It’s important for you to learn everything you can about your academic major and chosen career field to know what it takes to be successful. This requires research on your part!
- Contact your department about undergraduate research opportunities, or visit the Experiential Learning Network.
- Consider spending a semester studying in a foreign country! Gain perspective on a different culture and lifestyle, meet new people, have exciting travel adventures and more! This experience also looks great on a resume or application to graduate/professional school or employment. Explore UB's Study Abroad Programs for more information.
- Think about whether graduate or professional school is in your future. While most students begin the application process in their junior year, it's never too early to begin exploring your options for an advanced degree.
- Begin developing professional relationships with faculty and supervisors in order to obtain strong letters of recommendation for graduate and professional school applications and/or employment opportunities. You'll quickly build a strong network of people who have expertise in your areas of interest.
