Checklist for Choosing a Major
Deciding on a Career
Following is a list of activities to be completed each year, in order to make a well-informed decision about your major/career and prepare for that career. Check off each activity as you complete it.
Freshman Status
- ___ Read the University Catalog and become familiar with graduation requirements and majors offered.
- ___ Enroll in the "First Year Experience Seminar" (UNIV 101).
- ___ Begin thinking about interests, values, abilities, skills and goals. Consider how those relate to each other and how they fit into potential careers. Make an appointment with a career counselor in the Career Center.
- ___ Use the Career Center's computerized career-guidance program: DISCOVER will help you to begin gathering information about potential careers.
- ___ Participate in major-related workshops offered by academic departments and the Center for Academic Support. See academic departments or the Center for Advising and Academic Enhancement for specific listings.
- ___ Join a campus club or organization.
- ___ Begin narrowing your major choices and make a tentative decision. You can always change your mind!
- ___ Attend the annual Career/Job Fair sponsored by the Career Center. You should plan to attend every year.
Sophmore Status
- ___ Talk with faculty members in your academic department(s) of interest and professions in your field(s) of interest.
- ___ Join clubs and organizations and participate in extracurricular activities to develop interpersonal, organization, leadership, and communication skills.
- ___ Meet with a Career Counselor in the Career Center and visit the Center's Resource Room.
- ___ Make a decision about your major. Remember, you still have the freedom to change!
Junior Status
- ___ By now, you should have made a firm decision about your major. The following activities are directly related to your major/career choice.
- ___ Participate in work- or volunteer-related experiences.
- ___ Join professional associations and read pertinent journals to keep current in your field of interest.
- ___ Complete an internship!
- ___ Begin researching possible career and/or graduate school opportunities by talking with your advisor, professors, or a career counselor in the Career Center.
- ___ Begin networking with professionals.
- ___ Identify specific jobs within your career field and research them.
- ___ Contact the Career Center for resume writing, interviewing and job-search assistance.
Senior Status
- ___ Complete an internship!
- ___ Continue contact with the Career Center to finalize your resume and practice your interviewing skills.
- ___ Meet with a career counselor for job counseling before you enter the field.
- ___ Talk to professions for contacts in the field of your career.
- ___ Meet with the Career Center to discuss the transition from college to work and related issues.
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This web page was last updated September 2005