Explore majors and careers
Chart your course
All students select a major when they apply to ASU. It’s common to explore other majors even after making their initial selection. Many students change their major at least once, and sometimes several times. Explore now to get a head start on planning for your future and what you can do to make it happen!
Selecting a major and a career path can be overwhelming. There are so many career possibilities. In addition to the thousands of job titles that currently exist, completely new job titles, new career fields and new technologies will be created each year. How do you manage all of that? Do research to find a field – or two or three – that excite you. Take notes and keep a list of the things that appear interesting and exciting. Also pay attention to the things that sound boring and distasteful.
Do a self-assessment
- Find a major, degree program and career that fits you with me3®, an online interactive major and career quiz. Easily explore majors and careers that fit your interests and passions. Then chart an academic pathway to find a degree program that leads to a career so you can design the future you want.
- My Next Move can help answer questions about what type of work you may enjoy. Find your career direction in a few words!
Many people skip this step and end up jumping from one job to another, never finding career satisfaction. Approach career planning logically and systematically. Identify interests, skills, abilities, preferences and values. Students are more successful academically when interests are aligned to careers.
Pull it all together
View the first year checklist.
As you compile a list of potential jobs and career fields, consider how they fit with your abilities, skills, interests and values. Identify and plan to meet people who are doing the kinds of work you think you would like to do. Remember that your professors are very knowledgeable about these topics. Plan to visit them during their office hours.
Make it a goal to get a summer job, a part-time position or an internship working alongside professionals whose work is of interest to you.
You will most likely have more than one career and many jobs between college and retirement. Think of your professional life as a journey. It may have several forks in the road where you will make new choices. The road will probably have some turns and spots of rough terrain. The decision that you make now is only the first step!
