Choosing a Major

Identify

• What activities do I enjoy during my spare time?
• What activities do I do well? What have I done in the past that makes me especially proud?
• What classes have I most enjoyed?
• Do I have the skills necessary to be successful in this field?
• What do I value? How does that affect my academic/career interests?
• What are my life circumstances and how might they affect my decision?
• What are my career goals? How do they fit with my values, interests and abilities?
• Why am I considering this career? Because it would be easy? Because it would ensure a high salary? Because it has inherent value?

Investigate

• Read about the careers you are considering and verify that they do/are what you thought. Research the outlook and salary projections for several careers.
• Conduct informational interviews with people working in your dream job(s) to learn about that profession. Ask to shadow them for a day or two.
• Volunteer in your field of interest to gain a better understanding of the duties and responsibilities of professionals in that field.
• Talk with alumni about their choices, visit professors and read professional literature.
• Visit Career Development to meet with a career counselor who can help you evaluate the information you have collected and guide you through the decision-making process.

   Find occupational information at:

  • CareerOneStop
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • O*Net Online
  • Inside Jobs

Implement

• Review majors available at ASU and create a list that matches your values, interests and abilities.
• Try taking introductory courses in the majors you are considering.
• Find out what courses are requirements for this major and determine your likelihood of being successful in them.
• Work part time in a field related to your potential major.
• Attend Career Development events, such as professional job fairs and teacher job fairs.
• Declare your major and meet with your academic advisor to develop your plan of study.