Malik Sanders, a 20-year-old business major, hopes to land a job in banking after college.
Sanders, President of the Business Students Association at Moorpark College chose business as a major because there are so many different opportunities in the field.
“It is one of the most varied professions that you can undertake,” said Sanders. “All forms of professions ranging from medical to some of the sciences and anything that deals with commerce is a very good reason to major in business.”
Sanders is one of the 2,206 declared business majors at Moorpark College, according to a report titled “Institutional Effectiveness at Moorpark College Fall 2012.”
Community College students planning to transfer to a four-year institution are encouraged to select a major or an area of emphasis. At Moorpark College, the major being declared by students the most is business.
Coordinator of Institutional Research Lisa Putnam explained in an email that the report should be read with an understanding of the difference between declared majors and actual students enrolled in major preparation courses.
“Just because a student selects a major of study, it does not necessarily mean they will graduate from Moorpark College earning an actual degree or certificate in that major,” said Putnam.
Business Professor Stephanie Branca explains to her students what pathways they can take when pursuing a career in business.
“When I teach my Intro to Business class about management and human resources, I like to alert students to the fact that that could be a career path for them” said Branca.
Business majors at the community college level may also want to consider earning a degree before transferring.
Chanelle Chopp, a 19-year-old business major at Moorpark College, said students may want to consider getting an AA or AS in business before transferring.
“It shows that you do have the drive to be able to complete a degree,” said Chopp.
Under the Transfer Achievement Reform Act, signed into legislation in 2010, the California Community Colleges and the California State Universities can collaborate on the creation of AA and AS degrees. Moorpark College is currently offering an AS for business majors.
Chopp also explained what her employers look for in potential hires.
“There is a pretty high dropout rate within colleges right now, so we look for someone who already has the ability to get a degree,” said Chopp.
Anyone looking to get involved with the Business Students Associationcan contact President Malik Sanders at [email protected]
