Career Development 

Explore Your Options & Choose a Major

You are about to invest several years of your life studying something in detail.  Make sure it is something in which you are interested!  Planning puts you in charge and allows you to design your own future.  Some people are just reluctant to make decisions because they are fearful of making the "wrong" decision while others just don't know where to start.  The following model can provide you with ideas for getting started on exploring your options and choosing your major.

Step 1:  Define the Decision to be Made
The decision-making process begins with defining the decision that needs to be made.  In this situation, you need to choose your major.  Remember that the major you choose will not necessarily dictate your career choice.  Frequently, major choice are two separate decisions.

Step 2:  Know Yourself
Identify your most important interests (what you enjoy), skills (what you do well), and values (what motivates you).  Discover the "real you" and what you want to achieve.

Some questions to ask yourself:

• What activities do I enjoy during my spare time?

• What classes have I most enjoyed?

• What activities do I do well?

• What have I done in the past that makes me especially proud?

• In what type of classes do I perform the best (i.e. lectures, seminars, labs, discussion)?

• What clubs and organizations have I been involved in and what did I like/dislike about the experiences?

• What were my favorite and least favorite jobs? 

• What skills did I particularly enjoy using/developing?

Resources available through the Career Development Center:

• Career Assessments including the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator.  Another assessment tool offered is FOCUS, an online assessment tool that can help you assess your interests, skills, and values.  If you would like to learn more about these assessments, call the Career Development Center to schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor at 610.660.3100.

Step 3:  Identify and Investigate a List of Possible Majors
Develop a list of majors that you would like to explore.  Consider how your strengths, interests, and goals compare with possible majors - you will naturally gravitate toward some majors and eliminate others.  The SJU Course Catalog and / or the University Web site can help you identify a list of options. 

Some questions to consider as you investigate majors:

• How many courses are required to complete this major?

• Who are the faculty in the department?

• Is it possible to double major or complete a minor?

• What specifically interests me about this major?

• Why would I expect to do well in this course of study?

• What are the skills I will need to possess or develop to be successful in the study of this major?

• is co-op available?  If so, what type of placements are typical for students in this major?

• Does this major allow for internships or study abroad?  If so, what are the requirements?

• Looking through the SJU Catalog, how many of the courses offered in this major genuinely appeal to me?  Which ones are the most interesting?

• What is the connection between this major and my career plans?  What are the examples of careers pursued by the SJU graduates with this major?

Some strategies for investigating majors include:

• Review the requirements for the majors in the SJU Course Catalog or the University Web site

• Talk with professors in the departments of interest to you

• Review the textbooks you would be using in your classes

• Visit classes/audit classes

• Take an introductory course in a field of study that is interesting to you

• Talk with students in the major or alumni who graduated with the major

• Meet with a counselor in the Career Development Center

• Use the resources available on the Career Development Center's Web site

Step 4:  Evaluate and Decide
Time to make a choice!  Develop a system to compile, review, and evaluate the information you gathered about specific majors.  Choose the alternative that has the greatest probability of producing a satisfying result.  Be aware of and address any obstacles that may hinder your decision-making ability.  This may include anxiety, perceived expectations, your own thoughts, financial concerns, others' opinions/needs etc.  If you are encountering a problem or feel stuck, talk with a Career Counselor in the Career Development Center, a faculty member, or a staff member.

Step 5:  Take Action and Re-Evaluate
Follow through on your decision.  Meet with your advisor/professor to develop an academic plan.  Remember that decision-making is an ongoing process.  Once you have declared a major you will find yourself continually evaluating whether or not you made the best choice.  As you take more classes and gain experiences you will determine if you made the best choice for you.