STEP 1: CAREER ASSESSMENTS

Several online tools are available that help you explore your interests, comprehend your personality, and discover a major or career path that aligns with your individual traits. Some of the options are given below.

You can use the following tools to assess your interests:

1. MYMAJORS

2. HOLLAND CODE QUIZ

3. O*NET CAREER EXPLORATION TOOLS

The following tools can be used to evaluate personality:

1. Big Five Personality Tests

2. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

3. Jung Personality Test

STEP 2: INTROSPECTIVE RESEARCH

Have an honest conversation with yourself, and evaluate if you have what it takes to succeed on the selected career path. For example, an engineering degree sounds good, but if you struggle with high school mathematics or haven’t taken the required courses such as Physics, is it even possible to dream of being a successful engineer? Ask yourself these questions timely and do not be shy in accepting your weaknesses, as it will only push you to do better in your areas of strengths.

STEP 3: EXTERNAL RESEARCH

Now that you have gained some clarity on the direction you wish to pursue, it is now time to get practical exposure. Talk to professionals in the field, and learn about the requirements as well as the opportunities from them. Get some experience – find out internship / part-time job opportunities that will give you hands-on experience in the professional word. This is an ABSOLUTE MUST before you finalize your major. It will be a true eye-opener for you and will help you be sure of the decision that you take.

Important decisions such as the selection of a college major and your career path must be taken in a systematic and informed manner. Use the guide above to thee point to be able to make a well-informed decision.

EDUPLAN'S MAGIC FORMULA

Selecting a college major is an important decision – one that is going to shape your college experience and your career ahead, so it demands thoughtful consideration. There is a wide array of choices, which makes the process both exciting and overwhelming.

While there is no shortcut to success, a planned approach is bound to help you make better decisions for yourself. When thinking about your major and your career, make sure you do not ignore the MAGIC formula:

CURIOSITY + PASSION + TALENT + COMMITMENT TO HARD WORK = CAREER SUCCESS!

CURIOSITY: Assess whether you are passionate about a particular field

PASSION: Evaluate your strengths to decide if you have the talent for the field

TALENT: Are there enough opportunities to work and excel in your area of interest? Passion and interest alone cannot determine your major. Your career is going to be your lifeline in the years to come. Are there enough well-paying jobs in the field?

COMMITMENT TO HARD WORK: Some fields are more demanding than others! Some require field work while others require long hours of study. Be sure you understand the requirements and have the commitment necessary to succeed.