Choosing Your Major

Decision-making for effective Career Development

HPU Career Services CenterFinding the Right Major Being uncertain is okayIts 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.Identify your Interests & SkillsAnswer the following questionsTips:Write everything on paperDont judge or censor yourself!

Find your likes and dislikesWhat 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?

Take stock of your abilitiesWhat 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?

Explore whats important to youKeep 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?

Research Potential Majors

Look for clues in your classesIf your schedule allows, explore your interests in your core classes. What do you enjoy in each subject area?Topics that challenge youClass projects you look forward toSubjects you like to spend time withIdeas that inspire youTasks that speak to your interests and abilitiesThe kind of work youll be proud to do

Research the major(s)So you know what youre getting into.List your top 5 majorsWhat 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.htmlNarrow your OptionsAs you narrow your choicesWatch 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!

Which major is best for you?Talk to your Academic AdvisorDo you qualify for the program?How long would it take for you to complete the degree?Ask Faculty and Department ChairsThey know their majors inside and outMeet with a Career Counselor to determine if your interests and abilities match the majorCareer Exploration and Development is a multi-year process -- Counselors can assist you throughout your studiesAsk yourself, Am I prepared to put in the necessary time to complete the coursework?

Keep in mindAfter 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.

Additional ResourcesHPU Academic Catalog: Read about courses you could takewww.hpu.edu/academic_catalog Student Life & First-Year Programs: Get involved and further explore your interestswww.hpu.edu/studentlife Connect with upperclassmen who chose the major: Ask what they like and dislike about their courses

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 theHPU Career Services CenterWe offer free career counseling, self-assessments, employer information sessions, and job fairs

Call or visit us to make an appointmentFH 502(808) 544-0230csc@hpu.eduwww.hpu.edu/csc

Thank you!

This presentation was adapted from Choosing Your Major, Discovering Your True Fit by Paperclip Communications, 2007