Advising Exploring & Undecided Students
Provide guidance, support, and resources to students who are undertaking a major exploration process. Reassure them it's okay (better than okay!) to be exploring. Encourage their curiosity and assist them in developing a flexible academic plan that will maximize their options while they explore.
Guide advisees through an intentional and timely plan to identify a path using the process and resources below:
ASSESS YOUR INTERESTS, PERSONALITY, SKILLS/ABILITIES AND VALUES
- Make lists. Sometimes it is helpful to start by putting ideas on paper. List:
- Activities that you enjoy and interests you choose to pursue
- Classes you enjoyed - and why you enjoyed them
- Things that are important to you – that you value and/or motivate you
- Things that you are good at
- Majors/programs that you think you may enjoy
- Majors/programs that you know you don’t want to pursue
- Consider taking self or career assessments to inform your self-awareness as you make these lists
- Consider your lists. Based on the information that you’ve written about yourself, begin researching interest areas, majors, and programs by:
- Consulting your advisor
- Meeting with faculty in departments of interest
- Taking exploratory classes (that also meet GEM or elective requirements)
- Reading the catalog sections on majors/departments of interest
- Visit Career Services
- Initiate informational interviews with professionals in your field(s) of interest
- Complete an internship.
- As you consider careers opportunities, ask yourself questions including:
- What are the tasks performed by this occupation?
- Will I be happy doing this kind of work?
- What education does this career require?
- How much money will this career pay? Is this important?
- What is the future of this career?
- What are the normal work hours?
- Does this job require travel?
- What is the path of advancement?
Advising Exploring Students - Resources
NACADA Undecided and Exploratory Student Resources
Undecided and Exploratory Students Advising Community (NACADA).