2. Selecting a Major
There’s so much to think about when
choosing a major. It’s a good idea to look
to the future and select a major that will
give you a variety of career options.
3. So Many Choices!
Personality Types
• Realistic
– Mechanically inclined, athletic, enjoys working with objects
• Investigative
– Enjoys problem solving
• Social
– Enjoys working with others: teaching, informing, etc.
• Artistic
– Unstructured tasks in a creative environment
• Enterprising
– Taking initiative and assuming leadership positions
• Conventional
– Orderly and precise: appreciates structure and accuracy
4. More about your choices
Realistic
– Building Things
– Working Outdoors
– Being Active
– Working with my hands
– Working on cars
5. More About your Choices
Investigative
– Investigating activities
– Using computers
– Working alone
– Working in a lab
– Solving math problems
6. More About your Choices
Social
– Working in groups
– Helping people with problems
– Participating in meetings
– Leading a group discussion
– Teaching or training others
7. More About your Choices
More About your Choices
Artistic
– Attending concerts, theater performances, art exhibits
– Reading fiction, plays, poetry
– Playing a musical instrument, singing, composing
– Writing stories, poetry, essays
– Acting, dancing, working behind the
– Scenes in the performing arts
– Sketching, drawing, painting, sculpting
8. More About your Choices
• Enterprising
– Making decisions
– Giving talks or speeches
– Organizing activities and events
– Selling things
– Leading a group
9. More About your Choices
Conventional
– Following procedures
– Keeping records and organize paperwork
– Working with numbers
– Creating databases of information
– Being responsible for details
10. Tips for Choosing a Major
• Relax
• Assess your strengths and interests
– Campbell Interest and Skill Survey
– Career Exploration Inventory
• College course catalogue
– Find out how potential majors relate to career options
• Information Resources:
– Your professors and your academic advisor
– College career center
– Specialized websites
– Family members and friends
11.
12. Quick Fact
• Did you know…
– Only 50% of college graduates report a close
connection between their majors and their
job.
– This means that getting a Bachelor’s degree
can prepare you for a variety of careers!
– You are not limited by your major!
13. Choosing a Major vs. Choosing a
Career
• Majors are meant to provide you with
options, as well as better understanding of
your interests, goals, and passions.
• The career you choose will give you the
opportunity to utilize your abilities and your
passions.
