Major decisions...

Choosing a major and planning for your career is a very individual process. To help you in this process, consider participating in some of the activities listed below. Some may be more applicable than others, but all can help you clarify your options and make the right choice.

• Learn about yourself, your interests and abilities. Set up an appointment with Career Services to complete and discuss at least one of the following self-assessment inventories: Self-Directed Search to Kiersey Temperament Sorter.
• Complete the on-line FOCUS Career & Educational Planning System. It provides you with a complete picture of your interests, values, personality, skills, and leisure activities using self-assessment questionnaires, interest inventories, and personality testing. After you have assessed your personal attributes, the system searched its career and occupational information database to help you identify occupations and career paths that match your personal characteristics. You will need your SMU username and the password is "saintmary."
• Review the SMU catalog. The catalog shows what majors are offered and what the requirements are (if any) for acceptance into the majors. Visit with faculty in various departments to learn more about the majors.
• Register for the one-credit course Career Exploration (PD 101) offered the second eight weeks of each semester.
• Research occupations that interest you. Use the resource library in Career Services and the website to learn more about various occupations.
• Browse through the "What Can I Do With This Major" handout to find out what types of jobs are available for certain majors.
• Interview and/or job shadow professional working in occupations you are considering.
• Participate in a field exploration experience. This is a planned work experience, open to qualified sophomores, for academic credit. It allows student an opportunity to explore a field they are interested in. Stop by our office for more information about field exploration.