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Major & Career Exploration

Career & Professional Development works with students in all aspects of the career development process, from choosing a major to career changes.

On average, college students change their major twice. Don’t worry if you are not sure exactly what you want to major in, you have plenty of time and resources to help you find a major and career that is right for you.

Shenandoah University Career & Professional Development believes that career development is a lifelong process influenced by all aspects of life, with the result being a good quality of life and personal satisfaction.

Make An Appointment With Our Staff

MyPlan.com has many tools to assist you with your college career.  These tools range from assessments to help you choose a major or career, to information about financial aid, graduate schools, and discussion forums.

MyPlan Group License Code Request

I would like to explore potential majors and careers on MyPlan! Please send me the MyPlan group license code, so I can use the system for free.

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If You Are Unsure About Which Major And Careers Are A Good Fit For Your Strengths and Personality, Assessments Can Help!

VIA Character Strengths Test:

  1. Go to www.viacharacter.org
  2. Click on the “Take the Free Survey” yellow button
  3. Create a free account (make sure you are under the adult tab)
  4. Register and take the survey to get your results

TypeFinder Personality Test:

  1. Go to www.truity.com/test/type-finder-personality-test-new
  2. Mark your answers from inaccurate to accurate for how well each statement describes you
  3. Fill out all pages and view your results

Exploring Potential Career Paths Can Help You Determine Which Major Will Prepare You For That Career

What Can I Do With A Major In…?

  1. Go to www.myplan.com/majors/what-to-do-with-a-major.php
  2. Select the major that most closely matches your potential options
  3. View career options for each major in Tier 1 (highly related) and Tier 2 (somewhat related)
  4. Click on careers that interest you to find out more information about the job requirements, industries, salary, and related careers/majors

Virtual Work Experiences

  1. Go to www.theforage.com
  2. Sign up for a free account
  3. Explore careers through virtual simulations

O*NET Online:

  1. Go to www.onetonline.org
  2. Click “Browse” under the “Find Occupations” box
  3. Find occupations by searching for keywords or screening by career cluster, industry, job zone, bright outlook, green economy sector, job family, or STEM

IBISWorld

  1. Go to https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-trends/
  2. Learn about country-specific industry trends and forecasts.
  3. Use this information to help direct your career/major exploration!

Why should you have a 4-year Plan?

  • Gain skills
  • Explore majors
  • Become a well-rounded candidate for your career

What you can do each year:

  • Meet with Career & Professional Development
  • Get involved on campus
  • Develop your resume
  • Network with alumni, staff, faculty, and employers
  • Gain leadership roles in your organization or job
  • Attend Career & Professional Development events such as career fairs, etiquette dinners, or networking receptions
  • Get feedback on your professional materials

Self-Assessment and Exploration

One of the best ways to figure out if a career path is the right choice for you is to give it a try. Job shadowing can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days and allows students to meet with professionals in the field they’re considering, experience the work firsthand, and ask questions. The Career & Professional Development staff can help connect students with professionals to “try on” the job!

Student Job Shadow Request