Checklist for Choosing a Major and 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.