WBM? Section III: Connecting to an Advisor

image squirrel Connecting to an advisor can be one of the most important things you do to ensure your success as an undergraduate. However, no single advisor will be able to answer all questions about all of the majors, options, and opportunities available on this campus. If one advisor cannot answer all of your questions -or if you find that you are not comfortable with a particular advisor - seek another.

There are several ways to connect to an advisor:

  • Contact the advisor for the major(s) you are interested in. (Names and telephone numbers for advisors may be provided in Section V.)
  • Contact the departmental office for the major(s) you are interested in and ask to be referred to an advisor.
  • Contact the Biological Sciences Advisor at biosciadvisor@icbe.wisc.edu. In addition to being able to answer some of your questions, the Biological Sciences Advisor will help you connect with an advisor.
  • Contact an advisor in the academic dean's office for the appropriate school or college. (See Section VI for additional information on advising services offered by the individual schools and colleges.) an advisor is the key to jobs and recommendations, as well as advice about classes.

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Be prepared for your meeting with an advisor.

Review relevant information and go to the meeting prepared with some specific questions. Examples of questions you might want to ask an advisor include:

  • Are there any requirements for entry into the major?
  • Is admission to the major competitive? Are there deadlines to remember when applying for admission to the major?
  • Are there different degrees or options offered within the major? If so, how do they differ?
  • If there are several courses or course sequences that can be used to meet a requirement of the major, which course or course sequence is recommended? Why?
  • How many students major in the department each year? How are advisors assigned in the major?
  • What percentages of students in the major have a research experience before they graduate?
  • What types of careers are typically entered upon graduation with a bachelors degree? With a masters degree? With a Ph.D.?
  • What is the job outlook? What percentage of the last (2-3) years' graduates who were seeking jobs obtained employment related to their field of study?

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