ROTC is a program that allows college students the opportunity to commission as an officer upon graduating with a degree. Cadets in Auburn’s Air Force ROTC program spend their time in college preparing to serve as an officer in the Air Force.
A week in the life of an ROTC cadet typically includes two physical training sessions, one leadership laboratory, and one classroom course. Physical Training is a time when all cadets in the program work out together in preparation for a semesterly Fitness Assessment. Leadership Laboratory is a time for professional development. The goal of the professional development varies based on the cadet’s level in the program. Classroom courses focus on developing leadership skills as well as informing cadets about career options. Every class of cadets has their own individual classroom course with different curriculum and instructors. The instructors of these classes are current Air Force officers that are known as Cadre.
There are many scholarship opportunities available to ROTC cadets. High school students can apply for scholarships before their senior year. There are three different types of scholarships available to be awarded. Each type comes with different tuition assistance, year lengths, and stipend amounts. Scholarships can also be awarded to cadets after they have joined the program. There are multiple opportunities to earn scholarships while completing the program and still receive all the benefits.
Check out the cadet interviews below to learn more about what it’s like to be in the Air Force ROTC at Auburn.
Current Cadet Interviews:
C/1Lt Daniel Adams
Q1: What year in school and what year in the program are you?
A: Junior, AS300.
Q2: What is your favorite part of the program?
A: Interacting with and teaching underclassmen; helping them learn and grow. It is rewarding to see that happen.
Q3: Are you on scholarship? When and how did you get it?
A: Yes, received for completing summer field training.
Q4: What is the most challenging part of the program?
A: Pressure of having to train and lead other cadets, scary and rewarding.
Q5: What are you looking forward to the most as you progress in the program?
A: Getting to strengthen relationships with peers, connections will be important once we graduate.
Q6: Advice to underclassmen?
A: Don’t think/stress too much about training. Prepare the best you can but also don’t overprepare and waste time. Enjoy the moment and get to know the people around you.
C/4C Marshall Ives
Q1: What year in school and what year in the program are you?
A: Freshman, AS100.
Q2: What is your favorite part of the program?
A: Comradery with other cadets.
Q3: Are you on scholarship? When and how did you get it?
A: Yes, High School Scholarship Program, applied without doing JROTC and received a 4-year scholarship if I maintain a 2.5 GPA and excel in ROTC
Q4: What is the most challenging part of the program?
A: Balancing cadet, student, and personal life.
Q5: What are you looking forward to the most as you progress in the program?
A: Learning as much as possible and (hopefully) progressing to become a POC.
Q6: Advice to people wanting to join the program?
A: Try everything, don’t be afraid to mess up. You will make a mistake no matter what but if you’re scared it will make it twice as bad.
Auburn University has long been at the forefront of inclusive education, and its EAGLES program is a shining example of this commitment. Standing for Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success, EAGLES is an innovative postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. It offers a comprehensive curriculum built around five key pillars: Academics, Independent Living, Social Skills, Employment, and Health and Wellness. These pillars work in tandem to ensure students are not just academically equipped but also socially and practically prepared for life beyond university.
A Special Highlight: Rosa Juan’s Journey to Washington DC
Among the many success stories emanating from the EAGLES program is that of Rosa Juan, one of the program’s seniors. Rosa’s recent trip to Washington DC as a Policy Advocate for Think College represents a significant milestone for her and the program. During her trip, she had the opportunity to connect with lawmakers, including Senator Katie Britt and Senator Tuberville’s legislative director. This experience was more than just a visit; it was a platform for Rosa to advocate and educate about inclusive postsecondary education at the national level.
Rosa’s Insights and Experiences
What did you learn while in DC?
“I learned how important the people were in each office of the Capitol. I learned the difference between lobbying and advocating and my role was to advocate. Additionally, I gained more insight into advocacy, understanding the laws, building relationships, and making connections in the process.”
What was your favorite part of the trip?
“My favorite part was sightseeing in different parts of DC, mostly meeting new people from the 9 other universities who had a staff member and student there, hearing their stories, and understanding how it impacted their lives and what they advocated for. Additionally, I enjoyed spending time with my mom and Dr. Patten.”
What was the purpose of your trip?
“The purpose of this trip was to learn and advocate, specifically speaking to each office of our state, telling our story, and hearing others’ stories as well.”
Rosa’s journey highlights the transformative power of the EAGLES program. It has equipped her with the skills and confidence to be a self-advocate, understand her rights, and actively contribute to her community.
A Call to Action
Rosa’s story is an inspiration and a call to action for all college students. Engaging with elected officials, educating them about issues that matter, and advocating for change are crucial aspects of active citizenship. The EAGLES program stands as a testament to the potential within every student to make a difference in their community and beyond.
Auburn University’s EAGLES program is not just about education; it’s about empowering students to be the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. It’s about creating a more inclusive, understanding, and collaborative society, starting from the college campus to the halls of government. Let Rosa’s journey inspire you to take that first step in making your voice heard.
I will go ahead and address the elephant in the room (and no, I am not referring to the elephant that lives across the state). I did not attend Auburn. I am from Mississippi, so I went to Mississippi State. But I still love Auburn. Having not attended Auburn, my “Why” in Why I Love Auburn is a little different than most.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved Auburn. I grew up in an Auburn Family, so for me Auburn was chosen at birth. But to be honest, my love for Auburn truly matured and became my own the summer before my senior year of high school as I began to try and finalize my college path. That summer, before attending a Junior War Eagle Day, I knew my college decision would come down to Auburn and Mississippi State. Honestly the thought of choosing between the two made me anxious and afraid that I would make the wrong decision. That was until I attended the Junior War Eagle Day at Auburn where they presented on home and the presenter said something that has stuck with me since that day almost 9 years ago. The presenter spoke on the fact that when you choose what university to attend, you need to choose the university that feels most like home, as the university you attend will be your home for 90% of the time for at least the next four years. While this is a true and important statement, what left a lasting impact was when the presenter said that wherever I chose to attend school had to feel like home whether that was Auburn or another university. For me, this was the first time a university truly wanted what was best for me even if I ended up choosing to attend another university. While I did end up attending another university, my love for Auburn never ended. So, after graduating knowing I wanted to work in college admissions to help future students find their college home, I knew I had to work at a university that I loved that so many years before had made me feel that they truly wanted what was best for me. I wanted the opportunity to show students the same love Auburn had shown me so many years before, as they make one of the biggest decisions of their life up to that point.
Getting the opportunity to be an Admissions Advisor at Auburn has been a dream come true and given me the opportunity to make Auburn my home. From working with students as they are making their college decisions, to attending baseball games at Plainsman Park, and getting many Vanilla Lemonades from Toomer’s, I still have moments of awe that I get to make my home in Auburn. I have loved Auburn for as long as I can remember, but I will never forget when Auburn loved me enough to let me choose my own path. And that is Why I Love Auburn.
Founded in 1885, the Harrison College of Pharmacy (HCOP) has a rich history of dedication to advancing pharmaceutical education and research. The institution is named after the visionary leader, James I. Harrison, whose legacy continues to inspire students and faculty alike. The college’s mission revolves around cultivating well-rounded pharmacy professionals who are not only adept in scientific knowledge but are also committed to serving their communities.
Walker Building- Auburn University Campus
Operating from two campuses, one situated in Auburn, Alabama, on the grounds of Auburn University, and the other in Mobile, Alabama, nestled within the University of South Alabama Campus, we offer an unparalleled educational experience to our students. Whether you seek the intimacy of a smaller setting or the dynamic engagement of a medium-sized classroom, the Harrison College of Pharmacy seamlessly combines the best of both worlds.
Mobile Campus – University of South Alabama
The Harrison College of Pharmacy boasts state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the learning experience for students. Modern classrooms, fully equipped laboratories, and a specialized pharmacy practice center contribute to a dynamic and interactive educational environment. The commitment to providing students with hands-on experience reflects the college’s dedication to preparing graduates for the challenges of the evolving healthcare landscape.
Are you interested in getting an early start on your path to pharmacy school? For high school seniors aspiring to pursue Pre-Pharmacy at Auburn University, our Early Assurance Program (EAP) is a remarkable opportunity. This exclusive initiative allows students to undergo interviews and secure conditional acceptance to the Harrison College of Pharmacy during their senior year of high school. Meeting the specified criteria enables students to be interviewed now and reserve their pharmacy school seat for up to four years. By successfully completing the required prerequisites during their undergraduate studies, EAP students can streamline the pharmacy school application process and promptly secure their seat.
To explore the offerings of the Harrison College of Pharmacy or arrange a visit with our admissions team, please click on the link provided below. You can always reach us at apply_hcop@auburn.edu.
If you are looking for a simple menu and a unique burger, Jack Brown’s is the place to be! Downtown Auburn’s newest burger spot opened in July of 2023 and has been a hit ever since. Their menu exclusively offers a variety of burgers ranging from a traditional hamburger to their famous “Elvis” burger that is topped with peanut butter, mayo, applewood smoked bacon and American cheese. Their menu is limited, and their founders spoke on how they are not trying to please all tastes, so be sure to check out their menu before you go. Jack Brown’s prides themselves on serving 100% Wagyu Beef Burgers and ensures that you are getting quality farm to table burgers. Don’t forget to grab some fried Oreo’s for dessert!
If you drive by Jack Brown’s on South College Street on a Tuesday night, you might see Bigfoot standing outside to promote Bigfoot Bingo! Tuesday night Bingo offers food and drink specials and prizes for bingo winners.
To learn more about Jack Brown’s Auburn and their weekly specials, be sure to follow them on Instagram @jackbrownsauburn. -Bree Davis
Nestled right in the heart of downtown Auburn since 1996, Mellow Mushroom serves up delicious pizza in a cozy setting. Mellow Mushroom was actually the first meal I had in Auburn during my summer college visit in 2004, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. My family and I had just driven into town and had no idea where to eat. Pizza sounded great (when does it not?), so we settled on Mellow Mushroom and it did not disappoint. The thick, soft crust is dusted with parmesan, and you can ask for honey to dip the crust into when you’re done with your pizza. The Funky Q Chicken with ranch is my go-to order, but there truly is a pizza for everyone. They even have gluten free and plant-based pizza options, wings, salads, calzones, and more. -Heather Rodgers
Moe’s BBQ
https://www.moesoriginalbbq.com/
Another Auburn staple is Moe’s BBQ. With locations in Downtown Auburn and Bent Creek, this is a popular spot for both college students and families. Moe’s has a classic barbecue menu with items ranging from pulled pork, smoked chicken and turkey, ribs and wings to fried catfish and fried shrimp. Their menu offers southern sides such as cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans, and banana pudding. My favorite menu item is the Redneck Nachos which consists of your choice of meat on top of their house chips with melted cheese and both red and white barbecue sauce. Not only is the food delicious, the atmosphere is great for a night out with friends. Moe’s has events almost every night of the week including Bingo, Wing Night (75 cent wings), Trivia, and live music. You can’t go wrong with a night at Moe’s BBQ! -Haylee Dorrill
There are many ways to study abroad as an Auburn student. One popular way is to participate in an Auburn program. Auburn programs are led by AU faculty and often offer AU academic credit. This summer over 900 Auburn students studied abroad! Two students shared their experiences below.
Scout Huff-Streiter, Business Minor in Milan, Italy and Madrid, Spain (Harbert College of Business)
This past summer, I had the exciting opportunity to participate in Auburn’s Complete Business Minor Abroad Program. During the summer, I was able to travel to Milan, Italy and Madrid, Spain while taking courses to complete an entire minor in one summer. As a senior at Auburn, I have so much advice to give incoming students, as well as underclassmen. However, if I could give only one piece of advice, it would be to do everything you can do to be able to study abroad.
Studying abroad was something that always really interested me; however, it wasn’t until I was approaching my senior year that it really hit me that time was running out. Studying abroad this past summer has been one of my favorite memories from college, and that would have never happened if I hadn’t taken the leap of faith and applied to my program. To anyone considering studying abroad, go for it, even if you don’t know anyone in your program. When I committed to my program, I had no idea who I would meet or how it would go. However, after my summer abroad, I can confidently say that it was one of the highlights of my college experience. As I complete my senior year at Auburn and prepare for life after graduation, I know that I will hold the memories I made and the lessons I learned this summer for a long time.
Taylor Strohmeier, London Fashion Industry Tour in the United Kingdom (College of Human Sciences)
I went on the London Fashion Tour over spring break 2023. I was a little nervous at first because I only knew one girl going on the trip, but walked away with so many new formed friendships that have continued to grow and flourish post-trip as we have classes together and hang out still to this day!
We had a lot of free time in the afternoon after all our set activities and tours for the day, so we covered so much of the city and left with no regrets. Some of my favorite memories include: The London Eye and getting matching “London” earmuffs, a behind the scenes tour of the Alexander McQueen archive, seeing Mamma Mia on their version of Broadway, going to Canary Wharf for dinner at the “Sipping Room”, tube rides (especially Paddington station) while playing fun games, and shopping in Notting Hill. I could go on and on about this program because it truly was the best experience ever. I fell in love with the city of London and all it has to offer regarding fashion and my major. I would recommend this program to anyone time and time again!
For more information about studying abroad, visit the Auburn Abroad website!
If you are interested in learning more about studying abroad at Auburn from the student perspective, please head over to the Auburn Abroad blog, Global Tiger Tales. Here you will learn more about specific programs as students detail their own international experiences.
“Waaarrrr Eagle, Hey!” Something you have heard many times if you have ever attended an Auburn football game in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn has many incredible traditions, but the pre-game eagle flight is a tradition that is uniquely Auburn!
For many years, the pre-game eagle flight has been a part of every home football game. Before kickoff the Eagle will take flight circling Jordan-Hare Stadium before landing in the middle of the 50-yard line all while the fans cry “War Eagle, Hey!” The very first eagle flight was in August of 2000 and was flown by an eagle named Tiger (War Eagle VI) during the opening game. Over the years, there have been five eagles who have carried on the tradition of our battle cry and pre-game flight. The names of those eagles are: Tiger (War Eagle VI), Spirit, Nova (War Eagle VII), Aurea (War Eagle VIII), and Independence!
Want to get up close and personal with one of the eagles? The Auburn University Raptor Center is open to the public with an appointment. On Fridays before a home football game, the Raptor Center will put on a presentation called “Football, Fans and Feathers”. You can even take a photo with the eagle after the presentation!
If you ever get the chance to attend an Auburn football game in Jordan-Hare, be sure to take that opportunity. Many fans, Auburn or not, will attend football games just to get to experience the eagle flight. To ensure that you don’t miss it, you will want to be in your seat at least 25 minutes before kickoff – shaker in hand – ready to watch the eagle fly in all its glory!
Planning a campus visit is essential during your college decision process as you determine what college or university is the best fit for you. There is a lot to take into consideration during your visit: academics, campus culture, and student life—just to name a few. Visiting different campuses allows you to experience first-hand the differences that will factor into your final decision. Before you plan your visit to Auburn University, check out the list below to make the most of your time on campus.
Schedule a Campus Tour
The best way to learn about Auburn University’s rich tradition, campus life, and academic excellence is to schedule an official campus tour. Led by a current student (our “Student Recruiters”), the 75-minute walking tour provides a great overview of what Auburn has to offer and helps you get more familiar with the layout of our campus. Don’t be surprised if current students say “War Eagle!” as you pass. It’s what we do as members of the “Auburn Family” to greet each other on campus— and around the world!
Visit Your College
An important part of a campus visit is exploring your academic area of interest. Across all our 12 colleges, there are opportunities to schedule department tours or meetings with a professional staff member. It is important to schedule these meetings or tours before you arrive on campus due to limited availability. During this time with your specific college, you can ask any questions you have about your scholarly interests, explore the different classroom settings, and learn more about the opportunities available in your major.
Tour the Recreation and Wellness Center
Recognized by Men’s Health magazine as one of the “coolest college recreation centers in America,” the Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center is a must-see during your time on campus. The 240,000 square-foot Recreation and Wellness Center is home to a 1/3-mile inclining track, two 50-foot climbing towers, a bouldering wall, 6 basketball courts, two multi-activity courts, a resort-style pool and hot tub, and an outdoor equipment rental center and bike shop. The facility also provides group fitness classes, access to intramural and club sports, outdoor adventure experiences, personal training and more! Walk-up tours are available for potential students interested in learning more about Auburn University Recreation and Wellness.
Eat at a University Dining Hall
While on campus, take a lunch break and explore where our students eat daily. The Edge at Central Dining is our newest and largest, all-you-care-to-eat facility located in the heart of Auburn’s campus. The Edge has nine different food stations, including one with allergen-sensitive recipes. The dining hall even features products grown on campus through partnerships with the College of Agriculture. If you are curious, check out the menu before your visit. With two floors full of unique options, even the pickiest of eaters will find something to enjoy!
Explore Downtown Auburn
Auburn’s campus meets downtown at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue. Home to a variety of boutiques, restaurants and more, downtown Auburn offers plenty to visitors and locals alike. A trip to Auburn, Alabama is not complete without a glass of ice-cold lemonade from Toomer’s Drugs or grabbing a new t-shirt from J&M Bookstore.
There is so much to see on and off campus making it easy to fill up your itinerary for a day exploring Auburn! With the right planning, you can guarantee that you are making the most out of your campus visit. We look forward to welcoming you to “the Loveliest Village on the Plains!”
Auburn Football Home Games – There is nothing like cheering on the Auburn Tigers in Jordan – Hare Stadium with 88,000 of your closest friends! There are still opportunities to see the Auburn Football team and all the traditions our games have to offer on Saturdays in October and November.
Tradition
Hey Day – Hey Day is a tradition dating back to World War II when Auburn students created a day to properly welcome their fellow peers home. It has grown to become a day where the Auburn Family comes together and meets one another in celebration of all that is Auburn.
Homecoming– Homecoming Week in Auburn, Alabama is centered around events and parades and all that welcomes members of the Auburn Family back to campus. Miss Homecoming, the parade float competition, and the pep rally all serve Auburn in a way that brings the Auburn Family, young and old, together. One of our very own student recruiters, Ellie Korotky, was crowned Miss Homecoming 2023.
AUBURN – OPELIKA FUN
Auburn – Opelika Tourism is the place to go to hear all you need to know! Fall is in full swing in Auburn – Opelika and so are the fun activities! Below you can find Auburn Opelika Tourism’s event calendar full of festivals and fun. If you are visiting town within the month October or November, you are in for a spooky treat with all these great events!
Friday night in Downtown Auburn is a weekend highlight! The town is alive, music is playing and people are out and about. Here are a few unique activities offered to students and visitors, alike:
Pumpkin Patches – With both of these pumpkin patches being located southwest of Auburn and about a 20-minute drive from Auburn University’s campus – this is a for sure stop while in town on a fall weekend!
Farmer in the Dell – “Pick Pumpkins, ride hayrides, buy local honey and more
Choctafaula – “Pumpkin Patches and the Sleepy Hollow Haunted farm”
And we all know that it wouldn’t be fall without tasty fall coffee drinks!
POLL: Where can you find the best fall drink in Auburn, Alabama?
Ross House – @ross.house.coffee – Pumpkin Brulee (caramel and pumpkin)
Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers – @auburnoilbooksellers – Their Drink of the Month is the Out Of The Woods Latte (pumpkin spice, white mocha, maple spice and cinnamon)
Well Red Coffee, Books & Wine – @wellredau – Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Bean – @thebean_au Specialty Lattes like “Caramel Harvest” and “Fall in a Mug” are sure to bring the fall vibes to your coffee cup!
The Exploration Center in Career Discovery and Success is here to help! We support students in exploring the 150+ majors offered at Auburn to find the right one. Incoming first-year students may enroll as an Exploratory major and spend up to two semesters discovering the ideal major for their academic and professional goals.
The Center’s academic advisors and career counselors provide intensive and personalized support, including serving as the instructors for our two-credit course specifically designed for all new Exploratory majors. In the course, students work through an intentional exploring process, including the following elements:
Goal Setting
Career Assessments
Practice utilizing research tools for exploring
Introduction to the colleges and programs available
Exploring insights from people in the majors and different career fields
While exploring, students receive academic advising and career counseling outside of class. Advising focuses on helping students craft schedules strategically so they will still graduate from their degree-granting major on time. Career counseling appointments are an opportunity to dig deeper into identifying occupations and fields that fit a student’s interests and skills. Having both within our office ensures students get the support they need when they need it.
We know it is hard to start college, find the right major, and take classes strategically, and students deserve support in the process. Our goal is to ensure that you confidently choose a major while progressing toward your degree. To learn more, please email us at explore@auburn.edu or call the office at 334-844-7277. We are located in 101 Mary Martin Hall, so if you are on campus, we’d love to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student?
I highly recommend the Exploratory program to anyone who is even slightly unsure of what they want to do because it not only allowed me to learn about every single major Auburn offers but also taught me about decision-making skills I use every day in college. I was fully confident in my abilities to navigate Auburn academically, professionally, and socially by the end of my first semester. Through the program, you will be able to discover the type of careers that you can do with certain majors, and that exposure was really when I started to figure out what I could see myself doing in the future. With an open mind, active engagement, and a positive attitude in the EXPL class, I truly believe you will not regret taking the time to discover what you are passionate about and turning that into your major!
What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component of the class that had a lasting positive impact?) One aspect of the EXPL major course that I found most impactful was the exploring experiences I participated in. The goal of exploring experiences was to connect my interests to an event, a faculty member, or a student involved in the area I was curious about. These experiences not only helped me understand from a first-hand perspective what a particular college, major, class, or organization was about, but they also encouraged me to make various connections across campus. This skill was beneficial to learn as a freshman and I have continued to learn and grow from those experiences as a senior finishing up my degree.
What advice would you give an exploring student? As an incoming freshman, it can be very intimidating to start your college experience and have to decide on a major so early. Choosing to be a part of the EXPL major not only gives you time to learn more about your interests and options, but it also allows you to surround yourself with people who also feel the same way early on in your college career. As an out-of-state freshman, it was very comforting to know it was okay to not know what I wanted to do yet, and I had access to a support system of advisors as well as peers in the exact same spot I was!
Name: Charlie Fleury Major: Public Relations (Minor: Business) Year: Senior
What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student? I think the exploring experiences that I was able to take advantage of were some of the most significant experiences I had in this program. Whether I was interested in the career field being discussed or not, I tried to be very intentional about attending as many as possible as this is how I was able to truly identify what was best for me from a major standpoint and a career standpoint. Not only are these experiences helpful when trying to declare your major, but they are also very inspiring. So much valuable insight is shared during these experiences in an effort to help the students, so make the most of these experiences by taking in all of the information and asking questions.
What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component of the class that had a lasting positive impact?) I found the work we did on O*NET and the Occupational Outlook Handbook [online resources for information about occupations] to be very helpful and valuable. Through conversations with my EXPL instructor and friends in the majors I was interested in, I got a great understanding of what to expect in those majors. However, the assignments on O*NET and OOH were able to further my knowledge and understanding of the fields of interest from a career standpoint. Being able to identify the roles and responsibilities in addition to traits of people in that field/occupation really helped me determine what field was best for me.
What advice would you give an exploring student? Don’t put pressure on yourself to figure everything out right now. It’s so easy to feel pressure to create a life plan when declaring a major as a freshman, but in reality, that can be very unrealistic for many students. With that in mind, during your time in college and in the Exploratory program, take advantage of your instructors and advisors. They have a wealth of knowledge and a strong desire to help each of their students find success, so lean on them as a resource. I also believe it’s important to say yes to any and all opportunities that will give you experience in your fields of interest. Whether that be an involvement position on campus or a job off campus, those experiences are truly what will help you identify where you’re meant to be!
What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student?
The exploratory program was the best thing I have done as an Auburn Student. Coming into college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. It felt that everyone I talked to had their entire life planned out, and I didn’t even know what classes I had to take. The exploratory program eased my anxiety and clarified that it’s normal not to know what you want to do at 18. I was given an immediate support system surrounded by students in the same situation as me and my advisor, who got to know me personally through class and individual meetings. I was given multiple resources on choosing a major and a career that best fit my work style and interests. I was also given resources on navigating Auburn as well as the help available to me as a student. I was taught how to work Tigerschedule, Handshake, Advise Assist, AUInvolve, and more. The knowledge I gained from the exploratory program will follow me throughout the rest of my college career and beyond.
What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component that had a lasting positive impact?)
My favorite assignment that I did in the exploratory program was the Strong Interest Inventory Profile. When I received my results from the test, I was very thankful for how comprehensive the information I received was. Many career aptitude tests will only give students one area of interest, or one specific major that they should inquire about – that’s it. So, imagine my surprise when I receive an email with a 14-page document not only going over my results, but giving details as to why this career path would or wouldn’t be a good fit for me based on my personality, work style, and hobbies. Looking over my general occupational themes, my top five interest areas and strong occupations list reaffirmed that I was on the right track, and gave me other careers that I wouldn’t have even thought to consider. Even though I am no longer an exploratory student, I still refer to my SII results and encourage any student considering multiple majors to take this assessment.
What advice would you give an exploring student?
I would advise an exploring student to talk to students and adults currently working in the career paths they are exploring. Interacting with students studying the majors I was considering gave me an inside look into the classes I would be required to take, how much the workload was, and if they enjoyed what they were learning. I also had the opportunity to interview adults who were currently working in the career paths I was interested in. I was able to ask questions about their everyday tasks, the flexibility of their workplace, what they would consider to be the pros and cons of their career, and so much more. The conversations I had with students, faculty, and current workers was the most influential and informative experiences I had when it came time for me to choose a major.
