This document provides guidance to undecided students on choosing a college major. It discusses that most students change majors, and that taking a variety of courses is important for exploring options. The document provides tips on considering lifestyle, abilities, and interests to help determine a suitable major. It also discusses common misconceptions about majors and careers. An interactive portion guides the reader through different personality types to help find a good major-career fit.

1. U NDECIDED M AJOR? You’re in luck! This interactive guide will point you in the right direction… Enter Here!

2. M A I N M E N U Background and Fun Statistics Tips to Get Started Things to Consider Lifestyles Abilities Interests What’s Your Type… What is a College Major Anyway? How do I Choose A Major? What are my Options? Tips on Getting Started When Should I Declare a Major? Even Famous People Choose the Wrong Major!

3. Feel like the only person who can’t decide on a major? Nationally, three out of four entering students express some uncertainty about their choice of major, while between one and two-thirds change majors. Recent studies suggest that it is typical for undergraduates to try out four or five majors before arriving at a decision. So if you haven't chosen a major or are uncomfortable with the one you have chosen, you're in good company. (University of Minnesota: CDC) Return to Main Menu Next Page

4. What Is a College Major? You're required to major in a specific academic subject (or professional field) to demonstrate sustained, high-level work in one field. Depending on the college, you might be able to major in two fields, have a major and a minor, or even create your own major. (www.collegeboard.com)

5. Major misconceptions! The best way to find out about majors is to take courses. I’ll just get my Gen. Eds. out of the way first. Picking a major and a career are the same thing Choosing one major means giving up all the others. The major I pick now will determine my lifelong career. (Courtesy Penn State University) NO TEST can tell you what to pick! Ultimately the decision is yours.

6. How Do I Choose? First and second-year students usually take more general courses while they try to decide on a major. After this initial "shopping" period, coursework becomes more focused and specific. Make sure that you have genuine interest though. You don't want to choose a major by process of elimination -- that could take a while. Take courses in areas that appeal to you, then try to focus on a subject that will interest and motivate you. You'll do better, and your motivation will continue through college and into a job. (www.collegeboard.com)

7. The Truth is… A common myth about an academic major is that it ties you to a specific career path. The reality is that a bachelor's degree can prepare you for many career paths. In fact, research indicates only about 50% of college graduates report a close relationship between their major and their job. (University of Minnesota: CDC) Return to Main Menu Next Page

8. What Are My Options? Some majors strongly correlate to career options, while others are less directly related. For example, a Nursing major will most likely become a Nurse. However, a Psychology major may become a teacher, case worker, detective or an insurance claims agent, to name a few! Degree options at JJC include: Transfer Degrees AA = Associate in Arts AS = Associate in Science Career and Technical Degrees and Certificates AAS = Associate in Applied Science CAC = Certificate of Achievement CCO = Certificate of Completion Return to Main Menu Next Page

9. I need some help getting started choosing a major. Do you have any tips to get me started? Examine what you value in work e.g. helping society, working under pressure, group affiliation, etc. Think about the courses you've done well in and enjoyed before. 3. Explore your options. Investigate the instructors and courses. Talk to students who have a major and ask them what they like/dislike about their subject or classes. 4. Explore internship opportunities to get a feel for the kinds of jobs you could get with different majors. CONTINUE TO NEXT SECTION

10. 5. Consult your academic advisor and/or JJC catalog to consider the prerequisite requirements for majors. Consider whether you would be willing to spend the necessary time and money. 6. Look at the different fields to which your major can be applied. 7. Think about the growth of the field that interests you. Is the field expanding? Are graduates with your major being hired right out of college, or do they need additional training? 8. Contemplate the earning potential and base salary of jobs that are related to certain majors. Think of the lifestyle you would like to maintain and how certain salaries may affect it. (University of Minnesota: CDC)

11. When Should I Declare a Major? At most colleges, you aren't required to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year. If you're in a two-year degree program, you'll probably select a major at the start because your course of studies is much shorter. Declaring a major does not commit you forever.

12. Let’s Start the Interactive Portion… What things should I consider when choosing a major? Click here if you need help! I don’t know where to start. [advance to next slide] Click here if you have it under control. [advance to slide #11] Return to Main Menu

13. Things to consider… Lifestyles [hyperlink LIFESTYLES to slide #9] Abilities [ hyperlink ABILITES to slide #10] Interests [hyperlink INTERESTS to slide #11] Return to Main Menu

14. LIFESTYLE Most lives can be divided into a triangle. Time and energy spent in activities on one side of the triangle affects the time and energy left over for the others. Think about your life. What are your obligations and responsibilities? Are you in a relationship? Do you live on or off campus? How much time do you spend with your family and friends? How much time do you spend working and studying? Different majors will have different impacts on your lifestyle balance. Think of the time and energy needed to succeed in a particular major. What effect would this have upon the shape of your lifestyle triangle? Please take some time to write down your personal observations regarding these questions. If you have to get away from your computer to do this, do so. In order for the response provided by this questionnaire further down this page to be helpful you will need to provide accurate information about lifestyle goals. (University of Minnesota: CDC) CLICK HERE to return to Things To Consider . [make this a hyperlink back to page 8] CLICK HERE to move on to What’s Your Type . [hyperlink to page 11]

15. ABILITIES Consider your academic performance and life experiences. What experiences? What are your strengths? Your college admission test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT) are a good source of information. The verbal scores relate to liberal arts electives, and the math scores relate to math and science electives. Check your transcripts. Review your previous experiences and write down both courses and activities where you enjoyed some success. (University of Minnesota: CDC) CLICK HERE to return to Things To Consider . [make this a hyperlink back to page 8] CLICK HERE to move on to What’s Your Type . [hyperlink to page 11]

16. INTERESTS Would you enjoy the subject matter, activities and people involved in a field? What you've enjoyed in life up to this point is a good indication of what you'll like in a major. Your academic record and personal experience give important clues about possible directions. Please take the time to write down courses and activities you are interested in and enjoy. Now compare this list with the one you compiled under the abilities section and notice the common areas. Make another list of these common areas and use it to help you fill out the questionnaire below. (University of Minnesota: CDC) CLICK HERE to return to Things To Consider . [make this a hyperlink back to page 7] CLICK HERE to move on to What’s Your Type . [hyperlink to page 12]

17. What’s Your Type? Are you… Realistic Social Investigative Enterprising Artistic Conventional To explore your type CLICK ON IT above to learn more. I have no idea what type I am! CLICK HERE Not the information I’m looking for. CLICK HERE Moving on… CLICK HERE

18. Good Choice! Explore your type… If you would like to learn more about your personality and how it can help determine your career path here are a few suggestions! SIGI Plus can assist currently enrolled students in determining your career path: http://www.jjc.edu/Careers/StudentsAlumni/SigiPlus.htm Career Key can help you determine your career personality type: http://www.careerkey.org/english/ Career Services at Joliet Junior College. A career counselor can help you understand aspects of your personality and how it relates to occupational choices as well as choosing a major. Call to make an appointment, (815) 280-2756 or stop by the Student Center, D-1010 (across from the Cyber Café). Return to What’s Your Type Return to Main Menu

19. A REALISTIC Future at Joliet Junior College Are You: Practical? Hands-on oriented? Persistent? Physically coordinated? Can You: Solve mechanical problems? Read a blueprint? Assemble pieces of equipment or machinery? Do You Like To: Build or fix things? Work with tools? Work outdoors? Be physically active? Figure out how things work? Learn by doing? CLICK HERE : For a list of Career/Vocational & Transfer Programs at JJC for the REALISTIC Oriented CLICK HERE : For a list of representative career opportunities for the REALISTIC Oriented

20. Programs at JJC for the REALISTIC Oriented Realistic Oriented Career/Vocational Programs at JJC Agriculture Automotive Computer Aided Design Construction Technology Culinary Arts Electrical/Electronics Automated Systems EMT/Paramedic Veterinary Medical Technology Fire Science Horticulture Industrial Maintenance Technology Precision Machine Technology Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heating Welding Massage Therapy What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC?

21. Programs at JJC for the REALISTIC Oriented Realistic Oriented Transfer Programs at JJC Animal Science Fish and Wildlife Forestry Horticulture Industrial Technology Plant and Soil Science

22. Representative Career Opportunities in the REALISTIC Area Auto Mechanic Aviation Mechanic Chef Construction laborer/superintendent Electrician/Electronics Technician Emergency Medical technician Farmer Fire Fighter Forest Ranger Groundskeeper Landscaper Paramedic Precision Machinist Radiology Technologist Welder CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and Organizations Related to the Realistic Area Automotive Service Association Association of Criminal Justice Students Architecture and Construction Epicurean Club Instrument Society of America Manufacturing Club Sports/Sports related clubs Student Agricultural Association Student Horticultural Association Click here to return to What’s Your Type

23. An INVESTIGATIVE Future at Joliet Junior College Are You: Analytical? Creative? Curious? Independent? Precise? Can You: Concentrate on a problem until a solution is reached? Follow scientific procedures? Solve problems in a methodical manner? Do You Like To: Observe and analyze? Solve complex problems? Study math/and or science? Work with laboratory equipment? Think problems through before taking action? CLICK HERE : For a list of Career/Vocational & Transfer Programs at JJC for the INVESTIGATIVE Type CLICK HERE : For a list of representative career opportunities for the INVESTIGATIVE Type

24. Programs at JJC for the INVESTIGATIVE Type Investigative Related Career/Vocational Programs at JJC Agriculture Computer Information Systems- Networking Electronics Engineering Technology Computer Information Systems- Programming Veterinary Medical Technology What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC?

25. Investigative Transfer Programs at JJC Agriculture Biology Chemistry Computer Science Dietetics Engineering Mathematics Meteorology Nursing Professional programs- dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine Programs at JJC for the INVESTIGATIVE Type

26. Actuary Biologist Chemist Computer Programmer Dentist Dietician Engineer Geologist Medical technologist Meteorologist Microbiologist Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner Pathologist Physician Psychiatrist Soil Scientist Statistician Systems Analyst Zoologist Representative Career Opportunities in the INVESTIGATIVE Area CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and Organizations Related to the Investigative Area Instrument Society of America Nursing Student Association Life Sciences Student Agricultural Association Student Horticultural Association Vet Tech Club

27. An ARTISTIC Future at Joliet Junior College Are You: Creative? Imaginative Innovative? Individualistic? Sensitive? Independent? Can You: Draw, paint, or write? Sing or play an instrument? Dance or act? Design or create interiors, fashions, recipes, landscapes, and floral arrangements? Do You Like To: Attend concerts, plays, art exhibits, museums? Read books, plays, poetry, or literature? Act, announce, dance, draw, design, direct, write or express yourself creatively in other ways? CLICK HERE : For a list of Career/Vocational & Transfer Programs at JJC for the ARTISTIC Type CLICK HERE : For a list of representative career opportunities for the ARTISTIC Type

28. Artistic Related Career/Vocational Programs at JJC Culinary Arts Fashion Merchandising Interior Design Floral Design Landscaping What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC? Programs at JJC for the ARTISTIC Type

29. Artistic Type Transfer Programs at JJC Advertising Architecture Art Communications English Foreign Languages Graphic Design Interior design Journalism Music Textiles, Apparel, and Merchandising Theatre Arts Programs at JJC for the ARTISTIC Type

30. Acting Advertising specialist Architect Artist--commercial or fine arts Cartographer Cartoonist Editor or editorial assistant Fashion buyer or designer Graphic artist Interior designer Journalist/reporter Landscape Architect Language interpreter/translator Librarian Medical Illustrator Merchandise display artist/window design Musician Photographer Teacher (art, drama, English, music, speech) Writer (commercial, novelist, script, technical) Representative Career Opportunities in the ARTISTIC Area CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and Organizations Related to the Investigative Area Alpha Mu Gamma (Language achievement) Art Alliance Blazer and Wordeater Delta Psi Omega (Drama/theatre honor society) Epicurean Club F.L.I.C. (Foreign Language Intercultural Club) Phi Rho Pi Jazz Band and Community Band J.C. Players JJC Chorale Madrigals Interior Design Club Role Playing Club Clay Club Architecture and Construction

31. A SOCIAL Future at Joliet Junior College Are You: Friendly/helpful? Idealistic? Generous? Humanistic? Idealistic? Responsible? Can You: Teach or train others? Express yourself clearly? Work cooperatively in teams? Lead a group discussion? Get along well with many different types of people? Do You: Help people with their problems? Learn or work in groups? Volunteer your services? Take action to accomplish a goal? CLICK HERE : For a list of Career/Vocational & Transfer Programs at JJC for the SOCIAL Type CLICK HERE : For a list of representative career opportunities for the SOCIAL Type

32. Socially Oriented Career/Vocational Programs at JJC Child Development Criminal Justice Fire Science Hotel/Restaurant Management Massage Therapy Nursing Assistant Law Enforcement Licensed Practical Nurse Registered Nurse Teacher Assistant Veterinary Medical Technology What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC? Programs at JJC for the SOCIAL Type

33. Socially Oriented Transfer Programs at JJC Counseling Criminal Justice Dietician/Nutritionist Elementary Education Physical Education Psychology Pre-Medicine, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy Recreation Social Work Secondary Education Special Education Programs at JJC for the SOCIAL Type

34. Athletic Trainer or Fitness Instructor Caseworker Child Care Provider Coach Counselor Detective Dietitian, Clinical Flight Attendant Hair Stylist Health Officer Human Resources Specialist Insurance Claims Agent Law Enforcement Officer Librarian Loan Officer Minister Nurse Occupational Therapist Passenger Service Representative Physician Physical Therapist Psychologist Real Estate Appraiser Recreation Leader Social Worker Speech Pathologist Teacher Travel Agent Representative Career Opportunities in the Social Area CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and Organizations Related to the Social Area All student clubs and organizations Athletic programs Ambassadors Club Student Government Student Representative on college committees Student Worker programs

35. A ENTERPRISING Future at Joliet Junior College Are You: Ambitious? Energetic? Optimistic? Persuasive? Self-confident? Sociable? Can You: Give a speech? Plan a project, program, or event? Sell a product or service? Promote an idea? Persuade others to your point of view? Do You Like To: Lead or direct others? Make decisions affecting others? Negotiate terms/conditions? Influence others? “ Brainstorm” ideas? Start your own business? CLICK HERE : For a list of Career/Vocational & Transfer Programs at JJC for the ENTERPRISING Type CLICK HERE : For a list of representative career opportunities for the ENTERPRISING Type

36. Enterprising Related Career/Vocational at JJC Culinary Arts Fashion Merchandising Hospitality Human Resources Marketing Management Real Estate Supervision Massage Therapy What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC? Programs at JJC for the ENTERPRISING Type

37. Enterprising Oriented Transfer Programs at JJC Business-accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, entrepreneurship Communications Criminal Justice Administration Health Care administration Mortuary Science Political science Pre-law preparation Urban Planning Programs at JJC for the ENTERPRISING Type

38. Advertising executive Banker Business agent City Planner Contractor Education and Training Manager Employee Relations Director Executive Recruiter Financial Planner Food Services Director Funeral Director Hotel/Motel Manager Human Resources Insurance agent/underwriter Labor Relations Specialist Lawyer Lobbyist Media Director/Specialist Politician President/CEO (any industry) Purchasing Agent Sales Manager Special Events Planner Stockbroker Travel Agent Wholesaler Representative Career Opportunities in the ENTERPRISING Area CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and Organizations Related to the Social Area Forensics Team Leadership role in any student club American Freedom Organization Student Alliance Student Trustee to the JJC Board of Trustees

39. A CONVENTIONAL Future at Joliet Junior College Are You: Accurate? Dependable? Efficient? Orderly and systematic? Organized? Persistent? Can You: Organize and keep accurate records? Use a computer system? Perform routine, detailed work? Process data? Do You Like To: Work with numbers? Pay attention to details? Study accounting, computer science, and office systems? Work in a job with clearly defined duties? CLICK HERE : For a list of Career/Vocational & Transfer Programs at JJC for the CONVENTIONAL Type CLICK HERE : For a list of representative career opportunities for the CONVENTIONAL Type

40. Conventional Related Career/Vocational at JJC Accounting CIS-Microcomputers for Business Desktop Publishing Legal Administrative Assistant Medical Administrative Assistant Retail Business Management Word/Information Processing What Are My Options in a Transfer Program at JJC? Programs at JJC for the CONVENTIONAL Type

41. Conventional Oriented Transfer Programs at JJC Accounting Business Administration Business Education CIS-Management Information Systems Health Administration Library Science Programs at JJC for the CONVENTIONAL Type

42. Accounting clerk Administrative Assistant Bank teller Business Education teacher Cashier Computer Operator Court Reporter Credit Analyst Desktop publishing equipment operator Editorial assistant Insurance clerk Library assistant Medical records clerk Paralegal Purchasing agent Real estate clerk Secretary/receptionist Representative Career Opportunities in the CONVENTIONAL Area CAMPUS ACTIVITIES and Organizations Related to the Social Area Any student club or organization Student work-study programs

43. Should I choose a major based on a career that is in demand? No! The job market, like everything else, is cyclical. A career that appears to be in demand or trendy now could be saturated by the time you graduate. There are many factors that help change market demand, such as large numbers of students entering the field or changing economic patterns. Be true to yourself. Choose a major that genuinely interests you.

44. Even Famous People Chose Majors That Are Not Related to Their Current Job! Return to Main Menu More Famous People… Engineering Herbie Hancock Russian Area Studies Bryant Gumbel Economics Danny Glover Fine Arts Patrick Ewing Economics John Elway Chemical Engineering, but left after 2 semesters to pursue modeling Cindy Crawford Business Administration Kevin Costner Physical Education Bill Cosby Film Francis Ford Coppola Anthropology & Theatre (double major) Glenn Close English Chevy Chase

45. … and here are a few more. Return to Main Menu English Stephen Spielberg American Studies Maria Shriver French Brooke Shields Designed his own major consisting of Physical Fitness, Communications and International Marketing Arnold Schwarzenegger Chemistry Janet Reno Journalism Brad Pitt Psychology Jane Pauley Philosophy Steve Martin English Stephen King Sociology Martin Luther King Started off as a Math major, and ended up with Geography Michael Jordan Economics Mick Jagger

46. Have You Considered Taking a Course to Help You Explore Your Career Options? GSD 110 (General Student Development: Career/Life Style Planning) What is this course about? It is a systematic approach to the process of career and life-style planning. The course provides students with an opportunity to explore their values, interests, skills and experiences as they relate to occupational and life-style choices. Students will research potential careers through traditional and on-line methods. Labor market information, decision making strategies and goal-setting are used to develop an individual career action plan. This class does transfer to other colleges and universities and does not have any prerequisites. Return to Main Menu

47. We hoped this helped! If you still require any advice on choosing your major, feel free to stop by the Student Services Center in D1010 on the Main Campus. We would be happy to talk with you! Career Services Tele. No. (815) 280-2756 http://www.jjc.edu/Careers Multicultural Transfer Center Tele. No. (815) 280-2537 http://www.jjc.edu/TransferCenter A list of academic advisors can be found in the Student Handbook.

48. RESOURCES A special thanks to the University of Minnesota’s Career Development Center for sharing valuable resources and information. Pascarella, E.T. and Terezini, P.T., How College Affects Students (Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA, 1991) Blank, B., Miller, P.J., and Fjoberg, G., Urban Middle-Class Lifestyles in Transition (Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 1983) Johansson, C.B., Finding an Interesting Course (Minnesota Statewide Testing Program, University of Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN, 1992) Holland, J.L., Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Careers (2nd Edition) (Prentice Hall; Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1992) Blank, B., Guide to Career Decision-Making (University of Northern Colorado; Greely, CO, 1987)