Assess Yourself

When choosing a major, you may find it helpful to know your strengths, interests, and personal values. Knowing your aptitudes enables you to choose a major that will likely be a good fit. Below you will find some activities designed to help you reflect on what is important to you. If you are feeling unsure about this process, consider meeting with an Academic Advisor or a Career Counselor.

Activity: Write your own personal mission statement

Write down words that are important to you. Try to complete the statements “I am…” and “I value…” For example, you might select words like creative, empathetic, discovery, independence, or knowledge. You may also consider questions such as:

  • What motivates me?
  • What are my goals (personal, educational, or professional)?

Next, use the words to formulate a brief personal mission statement. An example might read: I strive for knowledge and independence through discovery and creativity.

Now that you have written your personal mission statement refer to it while you explore majors! ask yourself: how does this major align with my core values?

For a more guided self-assessment, check out this FREE resource:

  • My Next Move on O*Net helps you explore careers regardless of where you are in the major and career exploration process. If you have some career ideas in mind, My Next Move allows you to search a database of occupations and industries. If you are less sure, you can take a brief, guided interest profiler that will suggest careers and industries based on your interests.

Want some more help?

  • During your first and second years, take a variety of subjects to earn GUR and elective credits. Exploring new subjects will help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and new interests.
  • Ask your family, friends, and supervisors what characteristics and skills they see in you. How might these relate to a major or career?
  • Visit the Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center and meet with an advisor who can help guide you through the declaration process, look at timelines to graduation, and possible future quarter schedules.
  • Visit the Career Services Center and take a career-related assessment to connect your interests and personality preferences to potential majors and careers. Then meet with a Career Counselor to discuss your results.