External Factors
- Lack of information
Because there is little career education prior to college, it is not unusual
for students to have too little information to make a comfortable major decision.
Your first step might be to make sure you have the resources you need (link
to Resources for Choosing a Major).
- Too much information
There is no doubt about it. The World Wide Web offers more information than
we can manage on any topic we can imagine. Many students find themselves quickly
overwhelmed. An important skill everyone needs to have is knowing how to skim
the web and quickly find good, accurate information on the web. There is no
need to dread the Web. UCS can help you learn how and get you started with
links specific to your needs.
- Majors and careers don't seem to relate
While there is an assumption that majors and careers are related, this is not
necessarily so. Majors are an institutional construction - part of the
requirements for a degree. Careers are types of work an individual might choose
to do - and are largely skill based. While you can find work that relates
to a specific major, you are not limited to work related to your major. The
majority of entry-level positions require a degree first, skills second, and
sometimes, but not always, a preferred major third.
Internal Factors
- Lack of self-confidence
If choosing your major seems an especially critical choice for you, you may
experience a lack in confidence about your ability to make a good decision
and thus put off making a decision at all. Lack of information can be related
to this factor and often obtaining additional information can help.
- Fear/Anxiety
A little anxiety can help you stay on your toes, but too much anxiety will
wear you down leaving you more susceptible to error and illness. Anxiety can
come from the fear you will make "bad" decisions can paralyze you.
Often by considering alternate ways to view the situation, fear and anxiety
can be relieved.
- Conflicting values
Sometimes your personal values are not compatible for the type of work you
are considering. A desired salary is not always possible in organizations that "help
people". Job security in the performing industry is difficult to find.
Being clear about your personal and work values and knowing what values different
work industries share are important pieces of information in choosing a major
or career.
- Conflict with significant others
There are people in your life that have more influence on you than others.
Parents and significant others may have definite ideas about your career choice
and your desire to please or your need for financial support may put undue
pressure on you to choose a path you don't really want. To escape this
pressure, some students will opt to not decide.
- Multipotentiality
Most Northwestern students have many interests and even more abilities. If
this sounds like you, you may find it difficult to choose a major or career
because you find yourself creating more options rather than narrowing them
down. For you, the usual criteria of interests, values and skills may not be
enough. You may have to come up with more unique criteria for eliminating options
so you can make a choice.
If you think any of the above factors are impeding your choices, UCS
career counselors can help you understand
them better and develop workable ways to come to good decisions about your
future. Call 847.491.3700 to make an appointment.
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