If you’ve come to college and you’re unsure of your major, don’t worry. You’re not the only student to have done so, and you have options. I wrote an article a few weeks ago and included a few questions you may want to ask yourself. In addition to that self-reflection, there are several other approaches available to you to help you move from being undecided to deciding on a major.
Talk to People Who Know You Well
These could include your parents, pastors, friends or mentors. Express your interests and ask for their input. Your first-year advisor knows a lot about various majors and is prepared to talk with you about your options as well.
Conduct an Interest Interview
If there are a couple of options you are considering, find a professional in each of those areas to interview. Ask them questions about their typical day, what they like and don’t like about their job, and what preparation you need to do what they do. That interview may also lead to a job or internship later.
Strong Interest Inventory
This assessment is available through the Career Center. The Strong Interest Inventory won’t tell you what you should do, but it will tell you what people with similar interests are doing. This process can either narrow down some possibilities for you or open your mind to new ideas.
Strengths Finder
Use the results of the Strengths Finder assessment you take in Pathways. This tool reveals the talents you have. You can develop these talents into strengths as you use them. Your strengths don’t determine what kind of career you should seek, but they help you determine how you might approach a particular job.
Remember, you will have numerous opportunities during this first year to explore options. Take the chance to explore your interests, gather information and ask advice to make the best informed decision.
