1. Finding the Right Major: Decision-Making for Effective Career Development
Student Career Development
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2. Being uncertain is okay
…It’s all part of the process!
No matter where you are in the process of determining your major, this presentation will show you resources that can help you narrow your options.

3. Common Feelings About Choosing a Major
Panic and anxiety
Excitement and enthusiasm
Worry and indecision
Being “stuck”
Not wanting to let anyone down

4. Thoughts About Choosing a Major
Do I have the skills and the smarts?
What identity am I taking on?
Will I be able to handle the course load?
Am I being swayed by anything or anyone?
What jobs will I be qualified for?
Am I doing this for the right reasons?

5. “What Should I Do?” Think about… Ideas that inspire you
Subject matter that you are passionate about
Topics that challenge you
Class projects you look forward to
Subjects you enjoy spending time with

6. Identify Your Interests & Skills
Step One
Research Potential Majors
Step Two
Narrow Your Options
Step Three

7. Identify your Interests & Skills
Step One
Identify your Interests & Skills

8. Three Main Areas to Write About
Interests- what are you interested in
Skills- what are you skilled at
Values- what’s important to you

9. What are your likes and dislikes?
What are your hobbies?
What activities are you drawn to?
What do you dislike?
What are your favorite subjects?
What topics do you like to read and learn about?

10. What are your natural abilities?
What were your best subjects in high school?
What are your best subjects in college?
What talents have you used in your past jobs?
What skills do you bring to extracurricular activities?
What abilities help you to do a good job with community service projects?
What skills would you like to develop?

11. What do you value?
Keep your interests in mind as you explore your values.
What classes have you felt most worthwhile to you so far?
Why did you place that value on them?
What are the key values you hope to have in the workplace?
Leadership?
Wealth?
Fame or Particular Status?
Independence?

12. Research Potential Majors
Step Two
Research Potential Majors

13. Look for clues in your classes
Explore your interests in your General Education classes.
What do you enjoy in each subject area?
Topics that challenge you
Class projects you look forward to
Subjects you like to spend time with
Ideas that inspire you
Tasks that speak to your interests and abilities
The kind of work you’ll be proud to do

14. Research the major(s) Make a list your top 3 - 5 majors
What are the requirements of the major?
Do you have to apply?
Do you need a certain GPA or ACT?
What are the prerequisite courses?
How long will it take me to finish this degree?
What are some possible career options of each major?
Check out our “What can you do with a major in….at Shawnee State University?” on your Focus 2 results or visit Buzzfile.

15. Step Three
Narrow your Options

16. Conduct informational interviews
Job shadowing
This will also allow you to make valuable connections with professionals in the field you are entering!

17. As you narrow your choices…
Watch out for “should” advice, as in “you really should go into nursing.”
Don’t let others be your only influence – It’s your decision!
Gather the facts, work through the thoughts and emotions and make your decision.
Trust yourself!

18. - it’s what this is all about, right?

19. Which major is best for you?
Talk to your Academic Advisor
Do you qualify for the program?
How long would it take for you to complete the degree?
Ask Faculty and Department Chairs
They know their majors inside and out
They may be able to connect you with other students
Meet with a Career Counselor to determine if your interests and abilities match the major
Career Exploration and Development is a multi-year process. Counselors can assist you throughout your studies
Ask yourself, Am I prepared to put in the necessary time to complete the coursework?

20. Keep in mind…
After choosing a major, you can use this same process to refine your decisions within the major.
Career Development is a process of making informed decisions throughout your studies.
The skills you develop in research, self-assessment, and decision-making will serve you well. Studies show that the average professional changes careers six to ten times.

21. Additional Resources The Course Catalog
Occupational Information Network
Bureau of Labor Statistics
In-Demand Occupations (OH)
Connect with upperclassmen who chose your major(s) of interest: Ask what they like and dislike about their courses

22. If you have any questions about your degree plan, contact your Academic Advisor. For assistance in exploring your career options, or for further career development, meet with a Career Counselor at the…

23. Online Quiz
Complete this online quiz to check your knowledge by clicking on the link & answering the questions
Throughout the semester, we will send out s to complete this quiz for a chance to win a prize

24. Call or visit us to make an appointment!
If you have any questions about your degree plan, contact your Academic Advisor. For assistance in exploring your career options, or for further career development, meet with someone from the Career Development office…
Call or visit us to make an appointment!
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