Step 3: Make Decisions


Career planning is a continuous process that evolves over a lifetime. 

Invest time NOW and connect with a career expert for assistance to make informed major and career decisions.
 

Try the Quick Career Decision Maker

   
Step 3: Make Decisions

While choosing a major/career can be difficult, the more effort you put into the decison making process, the more easily you will be able to trust that you are making an informed decision that you will be comfortable with.  Review the essential decision making steps below:

1. Define Situation:  What is your goal?  Example: "I want to determine my career goal."

2. Gather Facts:  Gather accurate data about careers/majors to inform your decision. 

  • There are numerous career paths within any given career field. For example, an accountant can work in a large accounting firm, have his/her own business, or be the only accountant in an industry completely different from the accounting field. 

  • While some majors relate directly to a specific career and the training, licensure, or certification required for the profession, most majors prepare you for a variety of career paths.  Discover the facts about careers in:

» What Can I Do With This Major? 
» MyPlan's What Can I Do With a Major In?

  • Work within your decision-making style as you conduct research.  Your style can be determined by how you make decisions (spontaneously or systematically), and where (internally or externally).  Gain insight into your style by completing:  

    » Discover Your Decision-Making Style.

3. Evalutate Options: List the pros and cons of each option. Keep in mind that no career can possibly meet all of your needs. You will want to do some prioritizing to select the career that meets your most important needs, or allows you the flexibility to fulfill your desires outside of the workplace.  Get help weighing options with the:

» Quick Career Decision Maker.

4. Make Decision:  Consult with career experts for guidance and support.

5. Take Action: Immediately take action to implement your decision.  Steps might include declaring a major, joining a related student organization, and investigating internship options.

6. Evaluate: Remember that decision-making involves some risk and you cannot know all the possible results of a decision.  Remember it is OK to change your mind.


Step 1
Self Discovery
Step 2
Explore Majors & Careers
Step 3
Make Decisions
Step 4
Prepare for Success
On the Job
Now What?
 
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