‘Major does not equal career’: Students explore unexpected career paths through Into the Capital City
Miami students attend Into the Capital City, the second event of the Center for Career Exploration and Success’s 2025-26 Presidential Career and Leadership Series
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Published
Miami University students attended Into the Capital City, part of the 2025-26 Presidential Career and Leadership Series from the Center for Career Exploration and Success.
‘Major does not equal career’: Students explore unexpected career paths through Into the Capital City
•
Published
When graduate student Chioma Ndolo met a Biology department alumni working at Bank of America, she was surprised. Ndolo, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and is now pursuing a master’s in Chemistry, never imagined a career in banking. But, during her career trek to Columbus, she discovered how versatile her science background can be.
“I encourage every student to keep their career options open and learn as many things as possible,” Ndolo said. “You have the ability to transfer the skills you gain from your major, no matter what major you’re in, to another career set or career option.”
Ndolo was one of 29 Miami University students who wrapped up their Winter Term by attending Into the Capital City, the second event of the Center for Career Exploration and Success’s 2025-26 Presidential Career and Leadership Series. Held from Jan. 21-23 in Columbus, this immersive career experience gave students interested in accounting and financial services, arts, communication, media and design, and health and science the chance to meet professionals in their desired fields.
Participants visited Bank of America, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and COSI: Center of Science and Industry, and they also enjoyed a Columbus Blue Jackets game from a premium suite.
Justin Craddock, a sophomore Finance major, was excited to explore a wide range of employers from his hometown in Columbus. He gained insight from COSI: Center of Science and Industry even though his preferred career path is in finance.
“It was helpful to talk to people who had gone through different career journeys,” Craddock said. “I’m much more open minded than I previously was to people who are in careers that I don’t see myself in. My biggest takeaway was that it’s great to talk to anyone and everyone because you never know what you may learn.”
Senior Amelia Solmos took a similar approach, making an effort to engage with professionals throughout the trip. She said those conversations helped her better understand how different organizations operate behind the scenes.
Solmos said the experience also changed her perspective on the flexibility of her Philosophy major, including that it can transfer to communication careers.
“On these kinds of trips, you get to learn more about people’s lives, how companies work, and what careers can look like,” Solmos said. “I learned my Philosophy degree is very helpful in critical thinking and communicating complex concepts into more manageable, understandable ones.”
All attendees left with the knowledge that majors do not limit career opportunities. Professionals reassured them that skills from their education can be used in unexpected ways.
“Major does not equal career,” Solmos said. “There are so many opportunities that I never would have thought of before this trip.”
The last trek in the 2025-26 Presidential Leadership Career Series is Into the LAND from March 24-27 in Cleveland. For more events like these, visit the Center for Career Exploration and Success’s Programs and Events page.
“I encourage every student to keep their career options open and learn as many things as possible,” Ndolo said. “You have the ability to transfer the skills you gain from your major, no matter what major you’re in, to another career set or career option.”
Ndolo was one of 29 Miami University students who wrapped up their Winter Term by attending Into the Capital City, the second event of the Center for Career Exploration and Success’s 2025-26 Presidential Career and Leadership Series. Held from Jan. 21-23 in Columbus, this immersive career experience gave students interested in accounting and financial services, arts, communication, media and design, and health and science the chance to meet professionals in their desired fields.
Participants visited Bank of America, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and COSI: Center of Science and Industry, and they also enjoyed a Columbus Blue Jackets game from a premium suite.
Justin Craddock, a sophomore Finance major, was excited to explore a wide range of employers from his hometown in Columbus. He gained insight from COSI: Center of Science and Industry even though his preferred career path is in finance.
“It was helpful to talk to people who had gone through different career journeys,” Craddock said. “I’m much more open minded than I previously was to people who are in careers that I don’t see myself in. My biggest takeaway was that it’s great to talk to anyone and everyone because you never know what you may learn.”
Senior Amelia Solmos took a similar approach, making an effort to engage with professionals throughout the trip. She said those conversations helped her better understand how different organizations operate behind the scenes.
Solmos said the experience also changed her perspective on the flexibility of her Philosophy major, including that it can transfer to communication careers.
“On these kinds of trips, you get to learn more about people’s lives, how companies work, and what careers can look like,” Solmos said. “I learned my Philosophy degree is very helpful in critical thinking and communicating complex concepts into more manageable, understandable ones.”
All attendees left with the knowledge that majors do not limit career opportunities. Professionals reassured them that skills from their education can be used in unexpected ways.
“Major does not equal career,” Solmos said. “There are so many opportunities that I never would have thought of before this trip.”
The last trek in the 2025-26 Presidential Leadership Career Series is Into the LAND from March 24-27 in Cleveland. For more events like these, visit the Center for Career Exploration and Success’s Programs and Events page.
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the Center for Career Exploration and Success? Visit the website for more information.
