Choosing a Major & Career

While some careers require a specific undergraduate major, many do not. Nursing and Accounting are examples of careers which require a specific undergraduate major. Meanwhile, a degree in Liberal Arts (for example, History, Humanities, Chicano/a Studies) might take you in several directions.

You can begin exploring the connection between majors and careers by attending a Choosing a Major/Choosing a Career workshop. Undeclared or undecided on your major? Sign up for Freshman Fridays at the Career Center. Find a general description of the majors, careers, and career options at What Can I Do with This Major?

With this information, you may be ready to declare your major or make a decision about your career, but if you are still uncertain or have questions, you may want to make an appointment with a career coach for guidance through the decision process.

Freshman Fridays

Every Spring semester, the Career Center hosts a special workshop series for Freshman and Sophomore students who are undecided, undeclared, or thinking of changing their majors.

In the 4-week Freshman Fridays program, students will have the opportunity to:

Discover majors & careers that are the best fit
Find out personal strengths and how to use them in college
Network with industry professions
Meet other CSUDH Freshman and Sophomore students

For Spring 2016, Freshman Fridays will take place on 4 consecutive Fridays in April: April 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 1pm - 3pm at the Career Center. Each Freshman Fridays participant will receive a Certificate of Completion and a personalized recommendation on his/her LinkedIn profile.

Any questions? Contact the Career Center for more information.

Self-Assessment

Identify important skills, interests and values.
Make an appointment with a career coach in the Career Center for career coaching and vocational assessments.
For a helpful online tool, use our Focus 2 program.
(Your access code is "gotoros".)

Researching Majors and Careers

Use O*Net Career Information Program
Learn about job requirements, employment trends, selection of appropriate major
Learn about Interviewing for Information[PDF]. [Get Adobe Acrobat Reader free here]
Attend job fairs, use the Career Center Online Career Resources
Obtain internship experience, either paid or unpaid

Analyzing your Results

Organize and evaluate all the information
Consider possible outcomes, consequences and probability
Identify the best alternatives
Conduct additional research if necessary
Develop a short list of possible careers/majors

Choosing Options

Select a primary and secondary career option based on what career is best suited for you at this time in your life
Discuss findings with career coach
Maintain an open mind to new and changing factors that may impact your career choices
Remember: What you decide today will probably not be your lifelong career; it's just the beginning