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Steps for Choosing a Major

REFLECT
"Know thyself" is sound advice. Don't choose a major because someone you know did, or because someone else is telling you to. You're different in many ways.

Think about what you want to DO and then associate your likely professions with a major.

Make a list of the following:

• What jobs have I enjoyed in the past?
  
• What activities do I enjoy during my spare time?
  
• What did I used to enjoy but maybe haven't done for a long time?
  
• What do I do well?
  
• What classes do I enjoy the most?
  
• In what subjects have I had the greatest success?
  
• What do I value?
  
• What would I do if income was not a consideration? What would I do for free?
  

If you have difficulty doing this, the CAREER CENTER can help you clarify your values, skills and interests. They can then help you connect those chararcteristics to career areas.


RESEARCH
Most people evaluate their career after they are in it. Their #1 concern was to get a job for income. They either thought they knew what they would enjoy, or they didn’t give it much thought. Sometimes, after they’ve been in it for awhile, they realize it isn’t what they thought it would be.

You have a great advantage! You don’t yet have a career, so you can do your evaluating BEFORE you start!

Talk to people in fields that you think you would enjoy:

• What’s it like?
  
• What is the upside?
  
• What is the downside?
  
• What major would they recommend you consider for a career in this field?
  
• Spend a day with them. What does that tell you about their job?
  

Talk with professors knowledgeable in your possible field. What can they tell you that helps you understand more about it?

You'll find these free online references very helpful in evaluating careers:

O*NET Online
Occupational Outlook Handbook
What Can I Do With This Major

RESPOND
Don’t feel pressured to make a decision until you are ready.

Along the way, take basic required courses that will work for several different majors. Involve yourself in a variety of course experiences to “test the waters.”

Try taking courses in the majors you are considering. How do you like them?

Take time to supplement your formal education with real-life learning experiences. Extracurricular activities, internships, mission trips, summer and part-time jobs all play essential roles in developing your skills, as well as giving you exposure to careers and occupations.

Talk frequently with your academic advisor, with your professors and with the career counselor.   And, of course, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!

See the Career Center publication “Where Are They Now?” to see examples of the wide variety of occupations that TMC grads are engaged in, along with their college major.