Choosing a Major
Learn how to choose a major that is right for you.
Learn how to choose a major that is right for you.
calls for gathering information, weighing alternatives, and allowing unhurried time for both thinking concretely and daydreaming. Choosing a major should be a
process,
leading to discovery and, ultimately, increased career satisfaction.
This process may or may not be a step-by-step progression; rather, it may be fluid or cyclical, i.e. starting at step 4 or 5 and then discovering this is not what you want to do in life and then moving to step 1.
The Process…
1. Self-Assessment/Discovery
Explore your
values,
interests
(Get your password for
Career Cruising
at the Career Center)personality
(Get your password for
AchieveWORKS
assessments on personality,
Multiple Intelligence, and
Learning Styles Inventory
at the Career Center) and
skills.
2. Identify Options/Research
Gather possible careers from self-assessment results.
Counselors
can assist with interpreting your results.
Use Career Services resources to access our
library research page, and
videos.
Seek out in-depth information such as job outlook (Get access codes for
CareerCruising
from the Career Center)
Know your projected
salary
for the local area,
job description, where you can gain
educational and experiential preparation,
etc
3. Decision Making
Compare options side by side
Identify
pros and cons
Identify if
negative self-talk
or self-defeating thoughts may be influencing your decision
Discuss your options with those who know you well
Remember to check options against what you learned in self-assessments
Does it fulfill your passion in life as well as meet your practical needs?
Remember, it is
your
life goals and ultimately
your
decision!
Try the
Decision-Making Worksheet
4. Design Your Career Plan (short term/long term)
Use academic resources to link career choice with college major(s):
in California,
Out of State.
Identify educational requirements with a counselor – set up an academic plan
Visit the Counseling Center
and/or
Transfer Center
5. Experience Your Field
See what a day in the life of a (fill in the blank) is like at
Career Cruising:
Job Shadow, locate
Internships; seek out Work Experience and Service Learning opportunities
or work in your intended field when possible – experience is important and will tell you if this field is right for you!
6. Launch Your Career (job search, resume…)
Visit the Career Center if you need employment and/or assistance finding and communicating with potential employers
Create
resumes, cover letters, or use one of our resume/cover letter templates
Make an appointment with our Career Center specialists and counselors to review your resumes and help you in the entire major and career search process
Job search engines: look up how your future jobs are being advertised, and how to best prepare at
www.indeed.com,
www.glassdoor.com,
or
www.monster.com
(Don't forget to check out the
Free Online Job Board
at the Career Center)
Prepare for interviews and read about
others’ experiences
of interviewing
with specific companies
Use are Perfect Interview program at the Career Center to practice
7. Meet with a Counselor and/or take an in-depth class to explore careers and majors
Make an appointment with a
Counselor
to explore your career options and create a career and academic plan or
Job Placement Case Manager
to discuss your employment needs.
Take Counseling 120, College and Career Success (3 unit course that meets CSU GE and transfer to the UC) or Counseling 110, Career Decision Making (1 unit course that transfers to the CSU
More Guides on Choosing a Major
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Resources and Events |
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