Kuder online tool helps students make decision about majors
<p>Some students go to college knowing exactly what they want to do in life. Others aren’t so sure. Picking a major can be a stress-inducing matter where assistance seems hard to find. Even after choosing a major, students may discover that the field they chose isn’t the right one for them.</p><separator></separator><p>Discovering how students’ specific interests can relate to a major and career track can be as simple as utilizing the Kuder online assessment inventory that is free to anyone with an Arizona State University ID.</p><separator></separator><p>Students who are searching for the right major can take advantage of tools provided by ASU’s University College (<a href="http://uc.asu.edu/">http://uc.asu.edu</a>) that serves the university’s exploratory majors. The Kuder Career Planning System provides information about possible career choices and possibilities to explore after students answer questions about interests, skills and priorities.</p><separator></separator><p>After assessing interests and how those apply to specific careers, students can take the next steps to career success through University College workshops that show how they can customize Kuder information to specific majors at ASU. They can then talk to an advisor for the major, check out ASU’s new eAdvisor tool to find out what the major’s course requirements are, and discuss the chosen field with a senior in the program. ASU’s Career Services can provide networking opportunities as well as direction when it comes to composing essentials such as resumes and learning job skills.</p><separator></separator><p>The importance of choosing a career that matches interests is illustrated in a study in which 1,500 business school graduates were asked if they followed money or their passion when choosing employment. Eighty-three percent said money and 17 percent mentioned passion. Twenty years later, of the 101 people who were millionaires, 99% were from the group who said they followed their interests, not the money (Albion, M. (2000). Making a life, making a living. New York: Warner Books).</p><separator></separator><p>For additional information, go to <a href="http://www.asu.edu/majorexploration">www.asu.edu/majorexploration</a> or email <a href="mailto:majorexploration@asu.edu">majorexploration@asu.edu</a>. Or, call (602) 496-0589.</p>