Discover
Objectives
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about yourself, it’s time to discover how your interests translate to majors available at ASU. This process includes gathering information about majors and careers from various ASU resources, such as ASU Alumni, Career Services, departmental advisors, and others. Using several resources will help you to be well informed about the options you are considering.
Do not prematurely close on only one option. Have backup plans and make sure you look at a range of ASU majors that fit your interests and abilities. Below are specific recommendations regarding people and places you should visit as you work on discovering which major is right for you.
Research majors of interest and learn about related career options using the Degree Search tool.
Research career information. Most of us are familiar with a limited number of occupations. It’s important to take the time to research occupations to find out what they’re really like. There are a few ways you can do this:
- Use print and internet resources, such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook. This brilliant resource describes occupations including duties, requirements, job outlook, salary, and much more. Visit Career Services for additional resources or to meet with a career advisor.
- Information Interview—By talking with individuals in the work force you can gain a better idea of how your skills and experience fit into specific industries and career fields, experience the work environment, target your future job searches, market your skills more effectively to employers, and build your confidence in approaching others.
- Career One Stop provides terriffic information about careers and offers videos of a broad range of occupations. Additional online resources can be found in the links section of this page.
Visit college/department Web sites. Go to college and/or department advisors, faculty, and Web sites. Each school, college, and department will have information about their degree programs. Web sites will have some of the current information, but for questions and a more personalized approach, turn to the faculty and advisors.
Take Exploratory classes. One of the best ways to explore the various degree options available at ASU is through UNI 150 or UNI 250. These one-credit, 5-week courses move students through the educational and career-planning process.
Talk to fellow students. Talk to other students at ASU about their major choice. You are bound to know someone in the degree programs you are investigating. See what they have to say, but remember that everyone holds his/her own opinion based on different criteria.
Look into graduate school. Sometimes you are not able to study exactly what you want as an undergraduate student. If you might be interested in graduate school, look into what those programs require for entry.
Resources/Links
ASU Degree Programs Search—Includes undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, online degrees, and minor/certificate options.
ASU Alumni Career Profiles
College Board Major and Career Profiles
Occupational Outlook Handbook Online
What can I do with a major in . . . ?
Next Steps
You now have a better understanding of what each major or career requires, and should narrow your focus to a few good options. You are ready to move into the decision making phase: DECIDE.
Call (602) 496-0589 or email majorexploration@asu.edu with questions or to make an appointment.