Three-Part Series

The Daily asked experts in academic and career advising to distill the most valuable advice for students as they approach the biggest decisions of their college careers.

TODAY

Picking a major

THURSDAY

Setting a post-graduation plan

FRIDAY

Getting into grad school

Some students struggle for years picking their majors, but the decision should boil down to two basic formulas: OU Career Services recommends students choose a career first, then choose the right major, or choose a major and find a career that fits the area of study.

Career Services Director Bette Scott said this is the simplest way to approach picking a major. But, if picking one major out of more than 150 seems like an impossible choice, OU offers resources to ease the stress and help students finally figure out what they want to be when they grow up.

Introduction junction

Students should explore a variety of majors early in their academic career, Scott said.

Whether it is the major they always wanted to pursue or something new that peaks their interest, looking into different majors allows students to understand what material will be taught and which careers one could pursue in that field.

Scott advises student to take advantage of elective classes and enrolling in multiple introductory courses. These classes, like Intro to African American Studies or Intro to Philosophy, give students a taste of what different programs entail.

To narrow down which introductory courses you want to enroll in, students should familiarize yourself with the OU’s course description catalog, she said.

A-major a-fair

With a booth for every department and college on campus, the annual Major and Minor Fair will provide any undecided student with a wealth of information to help make the major decision. This year’s event takes place 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m on Feb. 18 at The Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Molly Shi Boren Ballroom

Donald Asher will open the event with the presentation, “How to Choose a Major.” Asher is a job-search expert who specializes in career development and higher education, according to his Web site.

Returning to OU after previous campus visits, Asher will offer step-by-step instructions on how to choose a major. His presentation will be broad enough to help any students who are struggling to find the major that suits them, Scott said.

Career apt

Though relatively simplistic, career aptitude tests can generate results that can help students learn about themselves and think about careers they otherwise might not consider, Scott said. These programs process students’ interests and goals, then suggest a career path to fit. For students who don’t know where to begin the process, career aptitude tests may steer students in the right direction.

• University College in Wagner Hall offers two tests: Discover and Sigi. Students may take these tests any time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the college’s office hours.

• Goddard Health Center’s Counseling and Testing Department offers six self-interest tests. Career counselors also provide guidance for undecided students.

• Career Services in the Oklahoma Memorial Union also offers career aptitude tests called Focus and Keirsey. Both tests are administered online.