Decision-making for effective Career Development HPU Career
Services Center Finding the Right Major Slide 2 Being uncertain is
okay Its all part of the process! No matter where you are in the
process of determining your major, this presentation will show you
resources that can help you narrow your options. Slide 3 Identify
Your Interests & Skills Step One Research Potential Majors Step
Two Narrow Your Options Step Three Slide 4 Step One Identify your
Interests & Skills Slide 5 Answer the following questions Tips:
Write everything on paper Dont judge or censor yourself! Slide 6
Find your likes and dislikes What are your hobbies? What activities
are you drawn to? What do you dislike? What are your favorite
subjects? What topics do you like to read and learn about? Slide 7
Take stock of your abilities What were your best subjects in high
school? What are your best subjects in college? What talents have
you used in your past jobs? What skills do you bring to
extracurricular activities? What abilities help you to do a good
job with community service projects? What skills would you like to
develop? Slide 8 Explore whats important to you Keep your interests
in mind as you explore your values: What classes have you felt most
worthwhile to you so far? Why did you place that value on them?
What are the key values you hope to have in the workplace?
Leadership? Wealth? Fame? Slide 9 Step Two Research Potential
Majors Slide 10 Look for clues in your classes If your schedule
allows, explore your interests in your core classes. What do you
enjoy in each subject area? Topics that challenge you Class
projects you look forward to Subjects you like to spend time with
Ideas that inspire you Tasks that speak to your interests and
abilities The kind of work youll be proud to do Slide 11 Research
the major(s) So you know what youre getting into. List your top 5
majors What are the requirements of the major? Do you need a
certain GPA? What are the prerequisite courses? What are some
possible career options of each major? Check out our Majors Cards
at www.hpu.edu/CareerServices/Students/resources.html
www.hpu.edu/CareerServices/Students/resources.html Slide 12 Step
Three Narrow your Options Slide 13 As you narrow your choices Watch
out for should advice, as in you really should go into nursing.
Dont let others be your only influence Its your decision! Gather
the facts, work through the thoughts and emotions and make your
decision. Trust yourself! Slide 14 Which major is best for you?
Talk to your Academic Advisor Do you qualify for the program? How
long would it take for you to complete the degree? Ask Faculty and
Department Chairs They know their majors inside and out Meet with a
Career Counselor to determine if your interests and abilities match
the major Career Exploration and Development is a multi-year
process -- Counselors can assist you throughout your studies Ask
yourself, Am I prepared to put in the necessary time to complete
the coursework? Slide 15 Keep in mind After choosing a major, you
can use this same process to refine your decisions within the
major. Career Development is a process of making informed decisions
throughout your studies. The skills you develop in research,
self-assessment, and decision-making will serve you well: Studies
show that the average professional changes careers six to ten
times. Slide 16 Additional Resources HPU Academic Catalog: Read
about courses you could take www.hpu.edu/academic_catalog Student
Life & First-Year Programs: Get involved and further explore
your interests www.hpu.edu/studentlife Connect with upperclassmen
who chose the major: Ask what they like and dislike about their
courses Slide 17 We hope this presentation was helpful to you! If
you have any questions about your degree plan, contact your
Academic Advisor. For assistance in exploring your career options,
or for further career development, meet with a Career Counselor at
the Slide 18 HPU Career Services Center We offer free career
counseling, self-assessments, employer information sessions, and
job fairs Call or visit us to make an appointment FH 502 (808)
544-0230 [email protected] www.hpu.edu/csc Thank you! This presentation
was adapted from Choosing Your Major, Discovering Your True Fit by
Paperclip Communications, 2007
