| What do you want to be when you grow up? What | | | | you know about what they do. Do they like what |
| college do you want to go to? These are related | | | | they do? What is it that they like? Do they hate it? |
| questions, and if you still don't know the answer to | | | | What do they hate? How did they get started in |
| either question, don't worry - you're not alone. | | | | their career? What is their average day like? What |
| Everyone considering college has the same questions. | | | | does it take to be successful in their field? |
| You're not required to have your career mapped out | | | | Browse college course catalogs and degree programs. |
| to start your college search, but as you are filling out | | | | Treated properly, the college admissions process can |
| those college applications, you should definitely be | | | | help you narrow your career focus. As you are |
| thinking about your career path in order to make the | | | | completing applications, look at the available majors |
| most of your college years. Try these steps to get | | | | and see what sparks your interest. Note what |
| started. | | | | classes are required for different degree programs |
| Take An Honest Look in the Mirror. What kind of | | | | and get a feel for the knowledge and training you'll |
| personality do you have, and what type of work will | | | | need. You may also want to look at vocational |
| keep you happy and satisfied? | | | | colleges or vocational classes. |
| Look at your hobbies and interests. What do you like | | | | Pick your electives wisely. Electives are a great way |
| to do in your spare time? Do your hobbies provide | | | | to explore areas you may not have thought about |
| you with creative outlets, or do you prefer | | | | before starting college. Use your elective |
| competition? Maybe your hobbies allow for | | | | requirements to explore careers that may interest |
| opportunities to help others. Look for a career that | | | | you. Look for classes with "Intro" or "101" in the title. |
| can give you that same satisfaction. | | | | Give Yourself Some Flexibility. Don't feel pressured to |
| What do you do well? Is math your thing? Is writing | | | | decide today what you are going to do the rest of |
| your passion? Are there subjects in school that you | | | | your life. Take the time to make the right decision. |
| breeze through? A career that uses your natural | | | | Relax. Choosing a career is an important decision, but |
| abilities will be more fulfilling. | | | | it's probably not a permanent one. Statistics show |
| Take a personality assessment. You may need some | | | | the average American changes careers several times |
| help figuring out the type of work you're best suited | | | | over the course of their life. Find a career that feels |
| for. Talk to a career counselor or take a | | | | right for you now, but recognize as you grow and |
| self-assessment test. If you are still in high school, | | | | change, your career goals are likely to change as well. |
| ask your counselor if the school offers any | | | | Keep your options open. If you are like most |
| self-assessment tests. | | | | students, you'll change majors at least once before |
| Learn What's Out There. There are more career | | | | college graduation. Think about that when choosing |
| options out there than you can imagine. Learn about | | | | your college. Choose one with several degree |
| as many as possible to help pinpoint the one for you. | | | | programs that interest you in case you change your |
| Talk to friends and family. Ask anyone and everyone | | | | mind. |