Career Decision Making Process
| As with any important decision, it is best to
take control (decisions are within your power) and follow a decision making process. | |
| Step 1: | Identify the goal or objective. Selecting a Major or Career |
| Step 2: | Determine your options/alternatives. Major: Will you consider only majors at Muhlenberg? Only majors in a particular field (science, liberal arts, business)? Only majors without certain requirements? Career: Will you consider only careers directly affiliated with your major? Only careers with particular earning potential? Only careers that require no education beyond Muhlenberg? **This step requires you to do self assessment. You need to identify your interests, skills, and values. The Self Assessment Guide provided and Focus will help you do this. |
| Step 3: | Research. Explore. Gather information. Major: What courses are required for the major? Which do you want to take? Which are you unwilling to take? Which are exciting for you and which are intimidating? **Talk to upper-class students in that program. Talk to professors. Talk to alumni. Use the catalog to make lists or highlight courses of interest. Go to the Registrar's Office to determine exactly what you would need to do from today to graduate with that major. Career: What do people in that career field do? What is a logical career path? What skills and education do I need to enter this field? How many opportunities are there and where? Am I willing to live the lifestyle that goes with this career? **Critically important to establish a clear understanding of the field. Start by researching in the Career Resource Library. Conduct Information Interviews (refer to the Networking handout) with alumni and others. Do an internship or spend a day on the job with someone in the field. |
| Step 4: | Evaluate the pros and cons of making this choice. Major: If I choose this major, will I enjoy the classes? Can I work well with the professors? Can I do well in the subjects required? Will I be happy with this choice? Does this major meet my needs based on my interests, values and skills? Career: If I choose this career, am I likely to find a job? Am I willing to locate in the area where opportunities are plentiful? Can I live on the salary I will be offered or am I willing to make sacrifices to take the offer (get a roommate, buy a cheaper car, etc.)? Am I willing to learn the skills needed? Will this career be consistent with my values, interests and skills? |
| Step 5: | Make an Action Plan. Write the steps and a timetable that you need to accomplish to meet the goal. Make sure the steps are feasible given other commitments (current classes, campus activities, jobs, etc.) |
| If at a future date you decide to change your mind, begin the process again using this experience as added information to consider when you do Steps 2, 3 and 4. | |
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The Career Center, Muhlenberg College
Questions? E-mail us at careers@muhlenberg.edu