Connect the Dots

Connect the Dots – Faculty Overview

Connect the Dots is a simple, engaging assignment that helps students see the wide range of careers connected to their major—or any major. It encourages exploration, breaks down misconceptions about “major = career,” and supports early career readiness by prompting students to make connections between academic pathways and real-world roles.

This tool can be used in class, during advising, in first-year seminars, or within major-specific courses to spark discussion and broaden students’ career thinking.

Why You Might Use This Assignment

  • Broadens students’ understanding of possibilities. Helps them see that every major connects to many careers—not always in linear or obvious ways.
  • Supports major confirmation and career exploration. Useful for undecided students or those unsure how their studies translate into jobs.
  • Promotes discussion and reflection. Works well for peer conversations, small groups, or think–pair–share.
  • Quick, flexible, and adaptable. Takes 5–10 minutes and can be scaled for any course or discipline.

How to Use or Download the Template

  1. Download the activity file.
  2. Upload or embed it into your course as a worksheet or slide.
  3. Ask students to complete one of these prompts:
    • Draw lines between majors and careers they think connect.
    • Choose 2–3 majors and brainstorm at least 3 possible connected careers.
    • Pick a career and list what majors could lead there.
  4. Optional: Facilitate a brief discussion about surprising or unexpected connections.
  5. Optional for grading: Have students submit a short reflection on what they learned.

What Students Do

Students are presented with a list of majors (e.g., Psychology, Biology, English, Art & Design, Engineering) and a list of careers (e.g., UX Designer, Data Analyst, Nonprofit Director, Sustainability Consultant, Software Developer).

Students then:

  • Connect majors to careers based on what they know or assume.
  • Note where multiple majors could lead to the same profession.
  • Reflect on what this says about transferable skills and career flexibility.
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