If you feel like you don’t really know what you’re interested in or good at, you aren’t alone. Many people have this problem. To fix it, we suggest exploring possible interests by engaging in some or all of the following:
For example, do you love art and design? Maybe you designed flyers in high school or worked on your HS yearbook and you really liked it; why not take an intro design course?
“Getting involved” is one of the keys to your success!
The more experiences you have, the easier this decision is going to be. If you think you may like working with kids, apply to volunteer with an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters or a youth program at the YMCA, or maybe a local elementary school. Volunteer. Join a club or organization.
You don’t have to be sure of anything…just start trying stuff out!
Sometimes you can discover a major or career just by reflecting on your current interests or activities. For example, do you enjoy event planning for your sorority or fraternity? Are you good at it? Pay attention to the things you’re already engaged in and think about careers that utilize those skills and talents.
Career assessments can help you understand your interests, strengths, and personality in a deeper way. Understanding these qualities can often help students generate ideas about majors and careers. See our career assessments page.
However, career assessments are not a cure-all. No career assessment will tell you what you should do.
The most important thing about taking any career assessment is to answer the questions as you know you are, not as you think you should be. To get reliable and valid results, answering honestly and authentically is essential.
If you are unsure about a major or career path, we have a dedicated career advisor in our department that specifically works with students still exploring their options.
Ask yourself some of these key questions:
What do people who know me well tell me I’d be good at?
Do I have a preference for activities that relate to working with people, things or data?
Do I enjoy creative or artistic activities, if so, what?
Do I prefer to lead others, or do I prefer to follow?
What academic subjects do I seem to be the most drawn to and why?
Do I want a career where I’m working outdoors or indoors?
Do I want a job where I may have opportunities to travel abroad?
CRSV 210 is a major and career exploration class for undeclared students. If you need some structure to get going, this course will force strongly persuade you to basically do everything listed above. Learn more.
The more “direct experience” you can get the better. If you’re thinking about being a veterinarian, you need to spend time volunteering or working with animals, and you need to spend time with veterinarians; doing informational interviews and job shadowing are powerful ways to get “real world” experience.
