“You must declare a major by the end of your sophomore year” were probably the most intimidating 12 words I have heard in my two and a half years here at Xavier. Although I originally entered my first semester freshman year as an Athletic Training major, that game plan was one that was not fully executed. I found that was not the major for me, and was absolutely lost once I found myself to be undeclared. I had no idea where to even start thinking of new career ideas- because finding and declaring a major is basically setting the path for the rest of your life right? Nope! Not at all.

Knowing Xavier as the Jesuit institution where we are men and women for others, I turned to the Career Development Office and met with a career counselor. This resource was one that not even Google could help me with. I met with my counselor many times and discussed everything- she really wanted to know not just what it is I might want to do, but who I am and how I could fit in many career positions that I had never thought of myself.

I was able to discover this by taking three different assessments: MyPlan, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and the Strong Interest Inventory. Between all three of these assessments, I was able to view how my personal interests and work styles mashed together with not only various professions, but also their work environments and values. After I completed these, along with discussions with my counselor, the fog on my career window was gradually starting to fade away.

So, before you freak out and think that college just isn’t for you, take a deep breath and as the saying goes, “keep calm.” Don’t let the titles of the majors and minors offered at Xavier scare you into thinking you are destined to one career path and that you have to discover it alone. There are so many people available who want to help you out! Talking it out with an adult who has experienced the same things as you really is the best way to see all solutions to your task at hand.With Fall 2014 course scheduling around the corner, it’s a great time to start this process, whether you are undecided or unsure about your current major.

For more help on selecting a major or visiting Career Development, please visit:

http://www.xavier.edu/career/students/Selecting-A-Major.cfm

http://www.xavier.edu/career/students/Career-Assessments.cfm

All for One and One for All,