Choosing a Major

Choosing a major is a process requiring the gathering of information, weighing alternatives, and allowing unhurried time for both thinking concretely and daydreaming. This process includes self-discovery and, ultimately, increased career satisfaction. Below is a description of what this process often entails. This process may be a step-by-step progression or it may be fluid or cyclical. No two people are alike and everyone's process is unique.

The Process…

1. Self-Assessment/Discovery

Explore your values, interests, skills.

2. Identify Options through Research

Gather possible careers from self-assessment results.
- Counselors can assist with interpreting your results.
Explore careers: Seek out in-depth information such as job outlook, projected salary for your local area, educational requirements and programs.

3. Decision Making

Compare options side-by-side.
Identify pros and cons of each.
Identify if negative self-talk or self-defeating thoughts may be influencing your decision.
Discuss your options with those who know you well.
Remember to check options against what you learned in self-assessments.
Does it fulfill your passion in life as well as meet your practical needs?
Remember, it is your life goals and ultimately your decision!

4. Design Your Career Plan (short term/long term)

Explore career majors at Cuyamaca College
Explore majors at California UC and CSU colleges on-line
Use academic resources to link career choice with college major(s):

in California or Out of State.
Identify educational requirements with a counselor – set up an academic plan
Visit the Counseling Center and/or Transfer Center.

5. Experience Your Field

Try to get a job related to your intended field when possible – experience is important and will tell you if this field is right for you! The Career Center can help you identify opportunities.
See what a day in the life of a (fill in the blank) is like at Career Cruising.
Job Shadow: learn about the nitty gritty by job shadowing a professional in your career of interest.
Internships
Work Experience
Volunteer
Service Learning opportunities

6. Launch Your Career (job search, resume, interview preparation…)

Visit the Career Center if you need employment assistance or help communicating with potential employers.
Create resumes, cover letters, with Big Interview. Or, use one of our resume/cover letter templates.
Make an appointment with our Career Center specialists and counselors to review your resumes and help you in the entire major and career search process
Job search engines: look up how your future jobs are being advertised, and how to best prepare at:
- Handshake
- Indeed
- LinkedIn
- Glassdoor
- Monster
- Prepare for interviews by using Big Interview's interview question database and record yourself answering common questions! You can also research others’ interviewing experiences with specific companies.
You can also schedule a Mock Interview appointment at the Career Center to practice.

7. Meet with a Counselor and/or take an in-depth class to explore careers and majors

Make an appointment with a counselor to explore your career options and create a career and academic plan, or
Make an appointment with a Job Placement Case Manager to discuss your employment needs.
Take Counseling 120, College and Career Success (3 unit course that meets CSU GE and transfer to the UC) or Counseling 110, Career Decision Making (1 unit course that transfers to the CSU).

More Guides on Choosing a Major

Apply and Enroll	Academic Calendar	Catalog

Resources and Events	FinancialAid	Counseling