The steps you take to choosing a good major can be interesting, revealing and a lot of fun! There are several resources available to help with the exploration process, whether it be at Fresno state or elsewhere. Use the steps below to help guide you in selecting a satisfying career path!

STEPS TO CHOOSING A GOOD MAJOR

• What Interests You?

  It is important to learn more about yourself and identify characteristics you hold important. In this way you are better able to identify the type of work and work environment that best suits you.

  • Check out a COMPASS workshop to get a hands-on approach to the steps involved in the exploration process and resources available.
  • Attend an Undeclared 101 workshop offered through the Career Services Office located in Joyal Administration, Room 256.
  • Check out career assessment web sites listed through Career Services at http://www.fresnostatecareers.com/students/online.htm

• What's the Career Really Like?

  Once you have identified possible careers, it's time to learn more about: Job descriptions; working conditions; the required training and/or education; projected demand for the occupations; expected salaries; opportunities for advancement; and related occupations. You can find this information through

  • The Career Services resource library, which has informational books related to specific majors as well as general fields of interest. Books addressing general fields of interest would include areas related to careers in the health professions, careers in the outdoors, careers for sports enthusiasts, and many others.
  • The Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.bis.gov/oco/home.htm
  • The Occupational Information Network, http://online.onetcenter.org

• Use Your Fresno State Catalog

By using the Catalog you will find information about majors you are considering and the types of careers that apply to the major. Take time to read the course descriptions for each major you are considering. Highlight each course that seems interesting or acceptable to study. By doing this and seeing which major(s) "lights up," you will gain a better understanding about the field of study and whether or not it would be of interest to you!

• Selection of G.E. Classes

You can select G.E. classes as part of your career exploration. Choose classes that interest you as well as those that can "double-count" for majors you are considering. Several majors require one or more classes that meet G.E. requirements.

• Talk with Professors and Department Advisors

Professors and advisors have a wealth of career information they can share with you, including opportunities they think you would find in a particular major. Be sure to obtain each department's advising sheet, or "flow chart," to help understand and map out requirements in the major.

• Volunteer, Get a Job, Obtain an Internship

In order to find out if you really like a particular career, it is important to actively participate in the experience. This is an excellent way to validate your career options as well as gain valuable work-related experience.

• Conduct Information Interviews

Talk with people employed in the area(s) that interest you. Meet with these professionals at their job sites. See if you can job-shadow someone in your field of interest. What better way to find out if the career you are considering is all you thought it would be!

• Join Clubs and Organizations

There are many student organizations at Fresno State that are major or career related. You can check out the list of campus organizations at http://studentaffairs.csufresno.edu/studentact/clubs-orgs/. Becoming involved in a group provides opportunities to share your interest with others, enhance and develop leadership skills and increase contacts with others in the field.

• Attend Job Information Fairs

Many career-related fairs are held on campus each year. These fairs provide opportunities to gain job/career information, practice your interviewing skills and obtain job placement information while developing a professional portfolio.

By utilizing some, most or all of these resources you will be well on your way to deciding on a career that will be satisfying, rewarding and enjoyable!