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Take
the JVIS |
The
JVIS is an excellent resource for helping you choose a major
that best suits your interests. If you haven't taken the JVIS
yet, follow
this link.
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Look
at the section of your JVIS report labeled "Similarity
to College Students" |
This section provides information about how your career interest
scores compare with college students majoring in different areas.
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Look
at your top three "University Major Clusters" |
These
clusters represent broad areas of academic interest. A number
of "sample majors" have been generated that correspond
to each cluster. "Sample majors" are specific majors
that relate to these more general clusters. For example, Environmental
Resource Management is a "university major cluster"
which examines issues associated with the management and sustainability
of the environment. Within this cluster are "sample majors",
such as Wildlife Technology which specifically examines
the techniques of wildlife management.
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Examine
the "Sample Majors" |
Click
on the name of each sample major to find out more about it.
Do this for the sample majors in each of your 4 top clusters.
Now select the most interesting majors from across your top
4 clusters.
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Consider
majors that aren't listed |
These
will include the majors that you've been thinking about, and
ones that have been suggested to you by friends or family. Be
sure to gather some information on each of them either through
independent research, or by checking our "Descriptions
of Majors" page.
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Create
a "short list" of sample majors by elimination |
Review
the definitions of the majors you've selected and eliminate
the majors that are less desirable, until you've created a "short
list" of about 5 majors.
Thinking
about the type of career you'd like to pursue will not only
help you generate your short-list of majors, but will also
help you decide what majors you're NOT interested in. Keep
in mind that a number of different majors will be compatible
with your career interests; however, some majors are designed
to lead into a specific career or occupation (e.g. pre-med
or pre-law).
Visit
http://www.career.utk.edu/visitors/visitors.asp
to help you determine what options you can achieve with
your major.
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Research
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Collect
enough information on your short list of sample majors, until
you feel comfortable deciding on one.
- Consult
your university calendar and consider the following
- What
types of courses are associated with each of these majors?
- Do
the courses interest you?
- Do
you have the necessary ability to perform well in these
courses?
- Have
you taken similar courses before? Did you enjoy them?
- Find
out what other resources are offered by your local university
- Major
fairs: Some universities provide prospective students
with opportunities to learn more about different majors
and programs they offer by hosting "major fairs."
This is an excellent chance to talk with people from
the departments that offer the majors on your "short
list" discuss whether the required course work
is a good fit with your interests and abilities.
- Orientations
offered by different university departments: If you're
interested in pursuing a job as a geologist, find out
whether the geology department at your local university
provides orientations for prospective students.
- Visit
the departments you are considering: Ask for any information
packets that they might have for prospective majors.
Talk with current students who have selected the major
you are considering and perhaps sit in on a few classes
to help you determine what a particular major may entail.
- Remember
if you are unable to decide between two areas of interest
many schools offer students the opportunity to graduate
with a double major.
- Talk
with other people who are knowledgeable about your interests
and abilities.
- Counselors:
Your high school counselor is likely in a good position
to help you think about what majors might be best for
you given your interests and record of academic performance.
- Family
and friends: When it comes to choosing a major,
discussions with people who are close to you can help
to clarify your thinking. Talking through the pros and
cons of pursing different majors can provide new insights
and help to clarify the direction that's best for you.
- Volunteer
for an organization or corporation that is related to the
university major you think you may be interested in. For
example, if you are interested in science or premedicine
you could volunteer at your local hospital. Getting a "hands
on" feel may tell you if it is worth pursuing a degree
in that area. This will also give you the opportunity to
determine whether or not you'll enjoy your career after
your schooling is completed.
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