- 65% of college students change their major at least once, often finding one better aligned with their interests and values. - When choosing a major and career, it is important to consider your interests and strengths rather than trends alone. Taking general education courses and career exploration classes can help with this process. - The Holland Occupational Themes activity helps students understand their interests and how they relate to potential college majors and careers by sorting themes like Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, etc. Meeting with an advisor can then help create an academic plan.

1. EDUCATION &
CAREER
PLANNING

2. Did you know that 65% of all college
students change their major at least
once while in college?
Why?
They find a new or different major
which supports their interests, values,
passion, or personality.

3. CAREER PLANNING: MYTHS AND FACTS
AGREE OR DISAGREE?
1. Whatever my career choice is, that is the
subject that I should major in.
2. I need to choose a career that is practical—
something that will “pay the bills.”
3. I should base my career decision on current
trends and demands in the job market—that way
I’ll always be employed.
4. Career self-assessment means finding out
what I’m good at.
5. I won’t really know if I enjoy a career until I
graduate and start working in the field…and I
hope I don’t make a mistake!

4. What can you do to find a major
if you don’t know what to study?
• Start by taking a few of the 35 General
Education credits which are a part of an
Associate of Arts (or Bachelors) degree.
• Take courses of interest to you.
• Take a college course to help you find a
direction: CPD102AB Career Exploration

5. • 35 credits (11-12 classes) in Writing, Math, Social
Science, Humanities, and Laboratory Science
• Guarantees admission to ASU, NAU, U of A
 AGEC-A liberal arts & undecided majors
 AGEC-B business-related majors
 AGEC-S science,engineering,math,technology
What is AGEC?
Arizona General Education Curriculum
MUST HAVE:
GRADE OF “C” or HIGHER
IN ALL COURSES
REMINDER:
60-64 CREDITS REQUIRED
for ASSOCIATE DEGREES

6. Transfer to ASU, U of A, & NAU
60-64 Credits toward Bachelor’s Degree
•Associate in Arts
•Associate in Business
•Associate in Science
•Associate in Elementary Ed
•Associate in Arts/Fine Arts
•Associate in Transfer Partnership
Certificate for Transfer
AGEC
Degrees & Certificates
•Associate in Applied Science
•Certificate of Completion
(See Advisor about transferability)
Learn Job Skills
Occupational Programs
Explore
• Associate in General Studies
(Not designed to transfer)

7. Can’t take a Career Exploration class?
PVCC Counseling Division offers
INDIVIDUALIZED CAREER COUNSELING
Career testing. Fees range from $15 to $25 per test. Match your
interests, personality, strengths, and work values with careers that fit
you.
Free step-by-step counseling for career self-assessment,
occupational research, educational planning, & decision-making.

8. THE PARTY
Holland Occupational Themes

9. Walk around the room, read each
poster, decide which theme best
represents YOU and stand by that
poster. Write that theme name
on the goldenrod sheet.
Discuss: Why did you pick this
theme? What careers in this
theme would appeal to you?

10. Move to your second favorite
theme and write it on the paper.
Discuss: Why did you choose this
theme? What careers in this theme
would appeal to you?
Share what both your themes are.
Brainstorm jobs/careers that might
incorporate both of your themes.

11. How do the Occupational Themes
relate to college majors?
On the yellow sheet, put a * next to
your top theme (RIASEC). Circle
any majors that might be of
interest to you.
Do the same for your 2nd
theme.
Any majors that might fit both
themes?

12. How do the Occupational Themes
relate to General Education
classes and electives?
On the green sheet, put a * next to
your top theme (RIASEC). Circle
any subject categories in that
theme that might be of interest to
you.

13. Look again at the AA Blue
Checksheet w/ AGEC
requirements in the box.
*35 credits required for all transfer
Associate’s degrees and Bachelor’s degrees
at ASU, NAU, & UA
What classes from the green sheet might
fit into AGEC requirements?
(The Pink Sheet lets you
know for sure what counts for what!)

14. CREATE YOUR
ACADEMIC PLAN
with a PVCC Counselor or Advisor.
Make an appointment today!
Counseling: 602 787-6540
Advising: 602 787-7060

15. Make an appointment at the KSC Information Center
PREPARE for your appointment:
 Bring the handout packet you received today
 Write down questions
Meet with your Counselor or Advisor to complete the
Tentative Educational/Career Plan worksheet (lavender handout)
for at least 2 semesters, longer if you know your major.
Turn in the Tentative Educational/Career Plan to your instructor
for full points. Keep this plan for future reference!
Your Counseling/Advising Session

16. REGISTRATION BEGINS: