Choosing a major or career can be overwhelming and sometimes stressful. With all the occupations there are to choose from, how do you select one? Information is the key. The first step to finding a major is to learn as much about yourself as you can. It is important to take a look at your interests, values, skills and personality. After doing this self evaluation, you will need to determine which occupations can best utilize your strengths. The second step is to gather information about various careers and determine which ones would best suit you.
The Career Development Office in the Student Success Center has the resources to assist you in this process. Individual appointments are available to do career assessments and career counseling.
Please contact Kathy Heckman at 256-824-3551 to set up an appointment for career testing. The Career Counseling Office is located in Madison Hall Room 111B.
Career Assessment Tools
Strong Interest Inventory - The Strong Interest inventory, taken on-line, will measure your interests in a broad range of occupations, work activities, leisure activities and school subjects. By taking the Strong, you can obtain information that can help you identify careers that may relate to your areas of interest.
Career Occupational Preference Survey (COPS) - The COPs is a pencil and paper assessment consisting of a comprehensive battery of tests that includes an interest inventory, a set of abilities tests and a values inventory.
Focus - Focus is an on-line career and educational planning system. It can help you take stock of your career planning status, assess your career related interests, values, skills and preferences, discover and explore occupations.
Holland's Self Directed Search - The goal of this "You and Your Career" Booklet is to help you learn about yourself, your job choices and your career.
Sigi - Sigi software integrates self assessment with in depth and up-to-date career information that is easy to use and will provide a realistic view of the best educational and career options for your success. Based on your results, a counselor will guide you through the process of identifying careers that fit your interests.