Career and major exploration | FAQs

Q: What is career counseling?

MAACA, the Mid-Atlantic Career Counseling Association, made this statement in a conference announcement:

"The goal of career counseling is much more important than just making a career decision — it is to help [students] learn to take actions that will create more satisfying lives for themselves. It is not a one-time event. [Students] must learn how to overcome obstacles that block them from trying out new activities. They need not plan their entire future career — they need to engage in exploratory actions and 'get permission' to make mistakes. [Students] should be taught how to maximize — not minimize — the impact of unplanned events."

Q: I need help choosing a major. What should I do?

A: Start with choosing a major, and make a Career Services advising appointment.

Q: Is there a test to tell me what major or career I should choose?

A: There's help, but it's technically not a test (it's more fun than a test). There are no correct or incorrect answers in self-assessment.
See self-assessment to learn more.

Q: What is self-assessment?

A: It's a process to help you consider your interests, skills, values, and personality and how they fit and match with careers. It helps you determine career options that may mesh with your characteristics. This leads to researching career options and making a choice of major based on career planning.
See self-assessment to learn more.

Q: I like my major, but am not sure what I can do with it. What can I do?

A: Start with what can I do with my major? and you can also make a Career Services advising appointment.

Q: I like my major, but am interested in careers that aren't really related to my major. Can I get help sorting this out?

A: Absolutely. You've discovered that choosing a major and choosing a career are not the same thing. You may want to look at about careers and the job market. You can make a Career Services advising appointment. We'll discuss your situation and go from there.

Q: Is there a course to help me figure out my career plans?

A: Yes.
Career Services offers Exploring Careers, a 3-credit, P/F class.
Also, a number of academic departments and colleges offer courses (sometimes called professional development seminars) to help students prepare for careers. Check in your academic department or college.