Know Yourself: Someone Determining a Major or Career Path

A good career decision can only be made when you become aware of your personal style, identify your interest and skill areas, and acknowledge your work values. Without these pieces of the puzzle, a career decision is not grounded or based on criteria which matters to you.

This typically takes place in your freshman or sophomore year, however many graduating seniors need some assistance in this area.

Some helpful resources might be:

1. Career Development The process of choosing a career path
2. Where in the World are MU Grads Where MU students get jobs, by major
3. "What can I do with a major in?" Used with permission by the University of Tennessee

Understanding Career Fields

What are occupations and career fields that provide the best blend of your unique style, interests, skills, and values? The goal in this step is to identify possible career options which match your criteria for job satisfaction and those which offer no fit. In this step, books and electronic resources can provide knowledge about career fields, so comparisons between occupation characteristics and personal characteristic can be made.

This typically takes place in your freshman or sophomore year, however many students who have already chosen a major may still be unclear as to what to do with it. Juniors and seniors can benefit from this step as well.

Some helpful resources might be:

1. Career Development
2. Occupational Research
3. Career Exploration handout (PDF)
4. Vault Career Library