Choosing a Major

• I don't know what I want to major in.
• I am not happy with my major.

If you fit into one of the above categories, read on. You will learn how to make the right choice when choosing or changing your major.

Steps to Take
Step 1: Meet with a Career Counselor
The first important step is to meet with a career counselor to learn the process of chooing a satisfying major

• You can also attend a Choosing a Major Workshop

Step 2: Learn More About Yourself
Choosing a major begins with taking a look at who you are, your skills, interests, personality and values. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What am I interested in?
• What am I good at?
• What do I enjoy doing?
• What subjects do I excel in?
• What subjects cause me difficulty?

If you are having difficulty with these questions or are unclear about your skills, interests and values, make an appointment with a Career Counselor.

They may suggest an interest inventory such as Focus, an on-line career planning tool, to help you learn more about yourself.

Step 3: Gather Information About Different Majors
The more information you gather about your academic options, the more likely you are to make a better decision. Pick at least three majors about which you would like to learn more, then:

• Make an appointment with a University Career Services advisor to assist in organizing the information you have gathered about yourself
• Attend the Majors Fair
• Talk to your professors
• Talk to your academic dean's office or the University Freshman Center
• Read about the different majors and course offerings
• Read about educational requirements of careers that interest you in the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Review "What Can I Do With a Major in?"
• Use the COACH (Count on Alumni for Career Help) Program through CareerLink. When you meet with your COACH, you will be asking them questions about their career and asking for advice about yours. Learn more about this process of informational interviewing.
• Read career related books in the University Career Services Library

Step 4: Make Your Decision
What's right for me?

You should begin by comparing your academic interests to what you learned about yourself through the self-assessment process.

It is important to recognize challenges you may face when evaluating your options. The University Career Services can assist you in working through these issues.

Remember, each and every major can lead to many different career paths. Major in something you enjoy to make the most of your college experience.

Step 5: Next Steps
How do I put my plan into action?

Utilize the resources St. John's offers to make the most out of your college experience.

• Meet with your academic dean or the University Freshman Center to choose or change your major
• Try to keep your grade point average high
• Become involved with student organizations on the Queens, Staten Island or Manhattan campuses
• Build contacts with faculty and administrators
• Access our COACH (Count on Alumni for Career Help) Program through CareerLink. When you meet with your COACH, you will be asking them questions about their career and asking for advice about yours. Learn more about this process of informational interviewing.
• Participate in all University Career Services events
• Seek paid or academic internships, part-time jobs or volunteer experience in your major through CareerLink or other job search sources