The document discusses selecting a college major and provides information to help with this decision-making process. It describes six personality types and gives examples of the types of tasks and activities that may appeal to students with each personality. The document also lists examples of activities and tasks that relate to different potential majors in the realistic, investigative, social, artistic, enterprising, and conventional fields. Finally, it provides tips for choosing a major, such as assessing strengths and interests, exploring college course catalogues, and utilizing available information resources.

1. Selecting a Field of Study

2. Selecting a Major
There’s so much to think about when
choosing a major. It’s a good idea to look
to the future and select a major that will
give you a variety of career options.

3. So Many Choices!
Personality Types
• Realistic
– Mechanically inclined, athletic, enjoys working with objects
• Investigative
– Enjoys problem solving
• Social
– Enjoys working with others: teaching, informing, etc.
• Artistic
– Unstructured tasks in a creative environment
• Enterprising
– Taking initiative and assuming leadership positions
• Conventional
– Orderly and precise: appreciates structure and accuracy

4. More about your choices
Realistic
– Building Things
– Working Outdoors
– Being Active
– Working with my hands
– Working on cars

5. More About your Choices
Investigative
– Investigating activities
– Using computers
– Working alone
– Working in a lab
– Solving math problems

6. More About your Choices
Social
– Working in groups
– Helping people with problems
– Participating in meetings
– Leading a group discussion
– Teaching or training others

7. More About your Choices
More About your Choices
Artistic
– Attending concerts, theater performances, art exhibits
– Reading fiction, plays, poetry
– Playing a musical instrument, singing, composing
– Writing stories, poetry, essays
– Acting, dancing, working behind the
– Scenes in the performing arts
– Sketching, drawing, painting, sculpting

8. More About your Choices
• Enterprising
– Making decisions
– Giving talks or speeches
– Organizing activities and events
– Selling things
– Leading a group

9. More About your Choices
Conventional
– Following procedures
– Keeping records and organize paperwork
– Working with numbers
– Creating databases of information
– Being responsible for details

10. Tips for Choosing a Major
• Relax
• Assess your strengths and interests
– Campbell Interest and Skill Survey
– Career Exploration Inventory
• College course catalogue
– Find out how potential majors relate to career options
• Information Resources:
– Your professors and your academic advisor
– College career center
– Specialized websites
– Family members and friends

12. Quick Fact
• Did you know…
– Only 50% of college graduates report a close
connection between their majors and their
job.
– This means that getting a Bachelor’s degree
can prepare you for a variety of careers!
– You are not limited by your major!

13. Choosing a Major vs. Choosing a
Career
• Majors are meant to provide you with
options, as well as better understanding of
your interests, goals, and passions.
• The career you choose will give you the
opportunity to utilize your abilities and your
passions.