Choosing a Major

Career Exploration is the process of learning more about specific career fields. To research different fields, take advantage of written resources (including computer resources), people resources, and participate in practical work experiences. Use the checklist below to help guide you through deciding on a career and/or major.

Complete a self-assessment

A self-assessment is the process of identifying your individual values, interest, personality and skills.

Value:

Something intrinsically valuable or desirable (sought material) A value is anything to which a person gives worth, merit or usefulness. Values give direction. Without values, life becomes aimless -- without commitment or meaning.

Interest:

A feeling that accompanies or causes special attention to an object or class of objects. Extracurricular Activities...Athletics... Community Service....Greek Life ... Music...Leadership Opportunities.... Theater...Clubs...Art

Personality:

characteristics that distinguish an individual. A totality of an individual’s behavioral and emotional characteristics.

Skill:

The ability to use one’s knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance. A skill is simply any ability to do something whether it is recently acquired or ability you have had for years. Skills can be things you do only with great difficulty or they can be things you do effortlessly. Natural Abilities...Knacks...Training

Activities

Get involved! You will learn about your leadership style, communication abilities and organizational skills by being active on campus or in the community.

Courses

take a variety of courses. Meet the faculty, review the books and talk to other students.

Your Major

Find out what you can do with your major.

Shadow

Shadow a professional in a career field of interest.

Career Fair

Attend an on-campus career or job fair.

Talk to faculty / Advisor

Talk to faculty or an advisor about career options. Make it your goal to get to know one faculty, administrator or employer well each year. By the end of your senior year, you will have at least 4 faculty, administrators or employers to list on your reference list. These individuals are also a great place to start networking.

Internship or Co-Op

Participate in an Internship or Co-Op. An internship or co-op provides you with an opportunity to “try out” a career field, a certain type of job, or an organization.

Informational Interviews

Conduct informational interviews. Talk with people in the field to gain additional information in your career exploration.