Choosing a Major

A “Major” Decision : 

A “Major” Decision Some Things to Consider When Choosing a Major Mark Isham, Faculty Counseling/International Student Services Diablo Valley College

Some Common Myths About Choosing Your Major: : 

Some Common Myths About Choosing Your Major: “My major determines what kind of job I can get after college.” “Once I choose a major, I’m locked into it until I graduate from college.” “Some majors are worthless.”

Addressing the myths:Your major determines your career : 

Addressing the myths:Your major determines your career Very few majors connect directly with specific careers. Employers are looking for employees with multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills (critical thinking, communication, “soft” skills, time and self management, etc.). Major requirements are only 30-50% of an undergraduate degree, anyway.

Addressing the myths:You cannot change your major : 

Addressing the myths:You cannot change your major Changing your major might be difficult, but it is not impossible. Advantages of deciding early: Clear goals, less time/money spent in self-exploration. Advantages of deciding later: Sample several different disciplines, more certainty and confidence, fewer doubts/regrets. Try to decide no later than beginning of sophomore year, or by the time you’ve earned 30 units.

Addressing the myths:Some majors are worthless : 

Addressing the myths:Some majors are worthless All majors have some things in common: Critical/creative thinking, communication, inquiry, social aspect, self-discovery. Truth: Some majors may lead to higher-paying jobs. Truth: Many employers do not care about your major. Follow your passion; you’ll find a way to make a living (“You cannot buy happiness”).

Things to consider about yourself when choosing a major: : 

Things to consider about yourself when choosing a major: Values: What do you believe in? What’s important to you? Interests: What do you like to do? To study? To know about? Personality: What kind of person are you? How do you relate to other people and the world around you? Skills: What are you able to do? What do you want to learn to do?

Things to consider about yourself:Values : 

Things to consider about yourself:Values The decisions we make are most strongly driven by our values (e.g. Presidential election) We choose our values, but we are strongly influenced by: Family, religion, philosophy, socio-political factors, personal experience, peers, significant others, cultural background, etc. Our values will change throughout our lifetime, i.e. the major you choose now might not be the major you would choose 10 years from now (“If I had it to do over again, I would _____”).

Things to consider about yourself:Interests : 

Things to consider about yourself:Interests Some interests come and go, while others stay with us throughout life. Our interests motivate us to learn, grow, and develop (e.g. learning to play piano, speak Italian, understand the electoral process). Interest is probably the main factor involved in choosing a major.

Things to consider about yourself:Personality : 

Things to consider about yourself:Personality Our personality is inborn; we do not choose it. However, we make choices in expressing our personality (e.g. aggressiveness: violence against others vs defense of the weak). Our personality influences how we relate to others, how we process information from our environment, etc. Understanding your personality will inform your choice of major (e.g. Extravert? Sociable? Choose major involving dealing with people).

Things to consider about yourself:Skills : 

Things to consider about yourself:Skills Identify what you are currently able to do (e.g. computer/foreign language proficiency, physical ability, mathematical talent). Identify what you would like to know how to do (e.g. manage a database, speak Arabic, mix audio/edit video). Look for majors that will give you opportunities to develop your skills and learn new ones.

Resources for Choosing a Major:DVC Classes : 

Resources for Choosing a Major:DVC Classes CARER-110 Career & Life Planning 3 units CARER-120 Career Assessment 3 units CARER-130 Career & Major Exploration 3 units All of the above are CSU-transferable. Other courses may be offered from time to time. Check the DVC Schedule of Classes each term.

Resources for Choosing a Major:Websites : 

Resources for Choosing a Major:Websites The Career Key [http://www.careerkey.org/english/] Also available in Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Free online assessment. Type Focus [http://www.typefocus.com] Based on the famous Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, one of the most popular personality assessments known. Free online assessment.

Resources for Choosing a Major:DVC Offices : 

Resources for Choosing a Major:DVC Offices Counseling Center: Counselors can discuss your values, interests, personality, skills, personal goals, and more to help you in the process of choosing a major. Career & Employment Services: Can help you explore one of the most common questions students have: “What can I do with a major in __________?”

Choosing a Major Activity:Holland’s Theory of Vocational Personalities and Environments : 

Choosing a Major Activity:Holland’s Theory of Vocational Personalities and Environments Holland proposed six basic personality types, with six types of environments that mirror those personalities. People tend to choose a work environment that fits well with their personality type. Understanding the type of work environment you prefer can help you in choosing a major.