After three years of working toward a degree in pharmacy, and going through grueling math, chemistry and physics courses, 22-year-old Elizabeth Montano decided to change her major.
Montano was nearly through the fall semester of her junior year when she realized she was discontent with her career choice.
"It took me three years and all the pharmacy prerequisites to figure out I was unhappy," Montano said. "I've always wanted to do something in medicine, I just didn't know what."
Montano made an appointment at UNM Career Services, where she took a personality assessment and an interest inventory.
"Those two tests really set me on the right path," she said. "But it's not just the test -- it's the interpretation the career counselors actually do."
It took Montano about 30 minutes to answer both questionnaires, and she spent nearly an hour in a career counseling session with Career Counselor Julia Elliott.
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Elliott said Montano seemed curious to see what other careers were available to her, and other students in her area.
"Julia was very friendly and easy to get along with," Montano said. "There was no pressure. She wasn't trying to push me in any certain direction. She was very open to my needs."
According to Montano, Elliott and other staff members at Career Services are very knowledgeable and helpful to students that are faced with making such crucial decisions.
Montano found inquiring at Career Services proved to be a rewarding experience, where she found the answers and guidance she needed.
After taking the personality and interest assessments, Elliott offered a list of job suggestions to Montano. After careful consideration, Montano decided instead of pharmacy, she was more interested in dental hygiene.
This year, Montano has switched gears and is completely satisfied with her new plans. She hopes to graduate in about two-and-a-half years. After graduation Montano would like to work in a dentist office.
After her successful and encouraging experience at Career Services last fall, Montano decided to return in the spring seeking summer employment. Montano used a database at Career Services to find a job at an insurance company. Even though her summer job as an actuarial assistant did not quite relate to her pursuit of dental hygiene, she realizes the work experience is valuable, and is grateful to Career Services.
Montano said using the database is a quick and easy way to find a job. She began her search for a summer job in May of last year, and started working at an insurance company in June.
Montano will continue to use the features Career Services offers throughout her last six semesters at UNM, including the Cyber CafÇ, a new computer pod in the Student Services Center. Career Services also holds workshops on rÇsumÇ building and interviewing skills that are valuable to all students.
Montano is only one of many UNM students who has experienced the benefits Career Services has to offer, and said she would recommend the office to anyone who is seeking guidance.
"If you're not happy with the major you've chosen, or if you haven't even chosen a major, they will point you in the right direction to careers that might be more fulfilling than the one you've chosen," Montano said.
