Making career decisions can sometimes be overwhelming. Unfortunately, there is no “test” that will magically tell you what you should be when you grow up or what you’ll be good at. Career decision making requires a willingness on your part to undergo careful research and honest reflection before committing to a choice.

For centuries, Career Counselors have advocated a systematic approach to helping people find answers to their own career concerns. One approach to career decision-making, developed in 1992 by Dr. Gary W. Peterson, Dr. James P. Sampson, Jr., Dr. Robert Reardon, and Dr. Janet Lenz, is called the Cognitive Information Processing Pyramid. Portrayed by using a triangle, this diagram represents the steps one should take in choosing a major or making a career change. We have adapted the basic concept and added additional steps.

 

    Cognitive Information Processsing Pyramid

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Step 1: Knowing About Myself
Once you realize you need to make a career decision, the first step is to clarify what you know about yourself. In looking at your self-knowledge, consider these four elements:

Your interests – what you enjoy doing
Your skills / abilities – what you do well; your strengths
Your work values – what is most important to you; what motivates you to work
Your personality – inborn preferences

Resources that can help:

McDaniel Career Services offers a variety of resources that will help you clarify your self-knowledge.

DISCOVER
This self-guided, online career program helps users (1) identify their interests, skills/abilities, and values; (2) explore a database of occupations, college majors, schools and training institutions, financial aid/scholarships, and military options; and (3) create a personalized career plan.

Self-Directed Search
This self-scoring paper and pencil interest inventory provides a three-letter Holland Code through which you can explore majors and occupations. An appointment is required to take and receive the results.

Attend a Choosing a Major Workshop
Check the Calendar of Events for workshop times and days.

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Step 2: Knowing About My Options
Once you have clarified your self-knowledge, the next step is identifying and increasing your knowledge of potential occupations and majors that match your skills, interests, personality, and values. For each occupation you are considering, become familiar with the typical work tasks, education and training requirements, salaries, job outlook, and the skills and personal characteristics required for that occupation.

Resources that can help:
McDaniel Career Services offers a variety of resources that can help you explore your options:

DISCOVER

O*NET Online

Occupational Outlook Handbook

What Can I Do with My Major?

America’s Career InfoNet

Career Resource Library

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Step 3: Knowing How I Make Decisions
Once you have a clear understanding of your self-knowledge and your options, the next step is to make your major/career decision. Selecet 3 to 5 occupations and majors that best fit your values, interests and skills. Create a list of pros and cons for each. Select a first and second choice.

One thing you may want to consider is how you usually make important decisions. If you have been successfully able to make decisions in the past, then the method you used for making those decisions will apply to your career decision-making and you should stick with it.

Resources that can help:
McDaniel Career Services offers a variety of resources that can help you facilitate your decision-making:

Five Steps of Career Decision Making

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Step 4: Thinking About My Decision Making
Identifying and addressing any barriers to your career decision-making is essential to the entire decision-making process. It is difficult to think clearly and make decisions when you are bombarded with negative thoughts, which act as barriers, and interfere with your decision making. To identify and overcome your barriers, you must pay attention to your self-talk, become self-aware, and then control your self-talk. Once all barriers are removed, you can make a plan and carry out your decision.

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Step 5: Create and Carry Out My Plan
Take practical steps to implement your career decisions. If you do not have it already, get the education and training you need. Speak with your academic advisor or faculty about the appropriate curriculum. Begin the coursework. Identify opportunities that can get you the experience relevant to your career goal (e.g. internships, cooperative education, volunteering). Get involved in professional associations and/or campus student organizations. When you are ready to job hunt, prepare a quality resume and cover letter and prepare for interviews by practicing alone, with a friend or with a career counselor.

Resources that can help:
McDaniel Career Services offers a variety of resources that can help you create action plans:

Learning Skills Program - Motivation and Goal Setting Worksheet
Printable worksheet to help organize your thoughts when setting goals.

Personal Goal Setting
Brief articles aimed at providing insight on goal development.

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ARTICLES
Misperceptions About Choosing a Major