1. The MAJOR Question: How to Choose
Krystal Stanley, M.Ed.
Counseling Graduate Assistant
Career Services

2. Today’s Topics Selecting a Major Assessing Career Interests
Connecting the Two
Career Services Resources
Academic College Resources

3. POP QUIZ! (True or False?)
Most students declare a major in their first year.
Once a major is declared it is unwise to change it.
If a student’s career goals are unsure then a major cannot be selected.
Each major dictates certain career choices.
Family and friends know which major is the best for a student.
The choice of a major should be put off as long as possible to avoid a narrow education.

4. First things first… What makes a “bad” major??
When students don’t like the coursework
When students can’t do the coursework
What makes a “good” major??
The course work suits you
You meet like-minded people
You gain competence in a certain field of thought

5. Therefore… Selecting a major begins with SELF KNOWLEDGE Consider:
What you like and dislike
Your strengths and weaknesses
Your skills and abilities
Your values

6. Assessing Interests HOW do you like to work with …?
WHAT TYPE of … do you like to work with?
WHERE do you like to work with …?

7. May I see the menu, please?
What majors are offered by which colleges?
What about minors -- how do they figure into the picture?
Are concentrations in certain areas possible?
Is a certificate necessary?
Can an individualized program be designed?

8. Career Services Resources
Drop-In Counseling
Individual Career Counseling
Career Library
Interest Assessments
Personality Assessments
Lion Link
Workshops/ Panel discussions

9. Academic College Resources
Advising centers
Introductory courses
Special events

10. Other ways to learn about majors…
Join a club
Work for a professor in the major
Internships

11. Questions?? Career Services Center 10 Perkins Student Center