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Steps to Choosing a Major

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Steps to Choosing a Major

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    1. Steps to Choosing a Major Tutorial

    2. How Would You Describe Your Current Situation?

    3. This tutorial will introduce you to the five steps involved with choosing a major and explain the resources offered by Career Services that can help you navigate your way through each step.

    4. Step #1 Knowing About Myself / Self Awareness In order to choose a major, you will need to gather information and clarify what you know about yourself. Consider these four components: Skills Values Interests Personality

    5. Step #1 Knowing About Myself / Self Awareness Skills What do you do well? What are your strengths? Interests What do you like to do for fun? What do you enjoy? Values What is most important to you? What motivates you to work? Personality What are your personal preferences?

    6. Step #1 Knowing About Myself / Self Awareness To assess your skills, interests and values, Career Services offers two career assessments: eDISCOVER Self-Directed Search (SDS) To obtain a Discover user name and password, or take the SDS, stop by Career Services in Smith House.

    7. Step #2 Knowing About My Options / Career Exploration Identify potential occupations and majors that match your skills, interests, values, and personality. Research job descriptions, education and training requirements, salaries, and labor market projections.

    8. Step #2 Knowing About My Options / Career Exploration Find out what skills and personal characteristics are required for specific occupations. Research college majors to determine what classes are required and what schools offer the major. Talk to people who can provide you with information about majors you are considering. (e.g. Academic Advisor, Professors who teach classes within the major, Students in the major, & Professionals working in careers you’re interested in). Create a list of pros and cons for each occupation you are considering.

    9. Step #2 Knowing About My Options / Career Exploration Utilize eDiscover or the Explore Occupations and Industries link on the Career Services website to gather factual information that can aid you in deciding among occupations and majors you are considering.

    10. Step #3 Decision Making Once you have a clear understanding of your self-knowledge and your options, the next step is to make a decision. Refer to our Career Decision-Making tutorial for help with deciding. Using the analysis in the previous step, select a 1st and 2nd choice.

    11. Step #4 Thinking About My Decision Making Identifying and addressing any barriers to your career decision-making is essential to choosing a major. It is most difficult to think and make decisions when you are bombarded with negative thoughts. Become aware of the negative thoughts that impede your decision-making. Learn techniques to avoid negative thinking and turn those negative thoughts into positive thoughts. The goal is for you to feel positive and excited about your decision.

    12. Step #5 Create and Carry out Your Plan Take practical steps to implement you career decisions. If you do not already have it, get the education, training and experience required for your chosen occupation. Speak with your academic advisor or faculty advisor about the appropriate curriculum. Begin the coursework.

    13. Step #5 Create and Carry out Your Plan Identify opportunities that can get you the experience relevant to your career goal (e.g. internships, service learning, volunteering). Get involved with professional associations and/or campus student organizations. When you are ready to job hunt, prepare a quality resume and cover letter and prepare for interviews.

    14. Career Services Resources Face-to-Face or Telephone appointments & Walk-Ins Career Services Website Workshops / Seminars Career Resource Library GT Job Connection eDISCOVER Companies on Campus Career Assessments Alumni Career Network

    15. What Next? Am I ready to make a decision? If yes, what will it be? If no, what kind of information do I still need? Do I need to further explore my skills, interests, values, and personality? Do I need to conduct more research about occupations and majors? What 2 or 3 things will you do next?

    16. Happy Choosing!

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