the career center major and career exploration guide · the career center major and career...

20
The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced workbook for students Career Center 661.722.6300 ext 6340 www.avc.edu/studentservices/career

Upload: trandan

Post on 27-Jun-2018

225 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

The

Car

eer

Cen

ter

Maj

or a

nd C

aree

r Ex

plor

atio

n Gui

de

A self-paced workbook for students

Career Center 661.722.6300 ext 6340 www.avc.edu/studentservices/career

Page 2: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Table of Contents

1Welcome

The Student Success InitiativeHow the Career Center Can Help

2Finding Your Path

Self-AssessmentIdeal Work EnvironmentResearch

3Undecided vs. Indecisive

4The “F” Word – FEAR

5Major Myths

6Put the You in Values

9What the Heck is RIASEC?

The Holland CodesRealisticInvestigativeArtisticSocialEnterprisingConventional

What is Your Holland Code?Occupations and AVC Majors by Holland Code

RealisticInvestigativeArtisticSocialEnterprisingConventional

14

15

16

17

Liberal Arts and Sciences

EUREKA

Online Personality Tests

Online Research

Majors and CareersCalifornia Universities

18 A Career Roadmap

Page 3: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Welcome! The mission of the Career Center is to serve community members and students upon entry into the college and throughout their college experience, by providing them with career assessment and resource materials to help them formulate their career and educational plans. I am excited that you have chosen to partner with AVC on your career path!

The Student Success Initiative In 2012, California Governor Jerry Brown signed The Student Success Act into law to improve educational outcomes for students in order to better prepare the workforce needed for California’s changing economy. As part of this initiative, California Community Colleges now require students to declare a major by the end of their third term. Students who remain “undeclared” by the end of their third term will begin losing important benefits such as priority enrollment and Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver.

How the Career Center Can Help A priority of the Career Center is to assist undecided/undeclared students in choosing their major so that they do not lose important benefits, but more importantly, to help students choose a major that feels right for them. Pursuing a major early on (especially one that is a good fit for the student) leads to academic success. These students earn good grades because they are more engaged in their studies, and research by the Institute for Higher Education Leadership and Policy has shown that “students who entered a program in their first year were twice as likely to complete a certificate, degree, or transfer as students who entered a program after their first year” (Advancing Student Success in the California Community Colleges, page 30).

I designed this guide with information and exercises selected to assist you with major and career exploration and to help you with your career planning and decision-making processes. My hope is that working through this guide will give you more insight into your interests, values, skills and personality type, along with some tools to research your various career options, so that you feel empowered to select a major and career path that feel like the best fit for you and your goals. Think of this guide as merely a starting point in your journey!

I am available for individual advising appointments and would love to be a part of your career planning process. To schedule your appointment, visit the Career Center Appointments page.

Erin Traynor, MACP Coordinator, Career Center Antelope Valley College

This guide is based on the “Undecided/Undeclared Career Workbook” used in Glendale Community College’s Career Center. A huge “Thank you!” to Denise Leong-Brattain and her career counseling crew for sharing and inspiring new ideas.

Page 1 of 18

Page 4: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Finding Your Path Most of us experience confusion about making decisions on choosing a major and career path. This is a normal part of personal change and growth.

So, how do you figure out what major and career would be best for you? The answer to this question has three parts…

Self-Assessment Thinking about what you have accomplished and enjoyed in your life so far will clue you in on what you will like and do well in at college. Think about the different aspects of your life that make you the kind of student and person that you are today:

• What types of activities do I enjoy doing?• What have been some of my favorite classes? Why?• What are some accomplishments that make me feel proud?• What are some things that I am good at?• What jobs have I liked and disliked? Why?

Ideal Work Environment Think about the type of environment that you would prefer to work in:

• What kind of setting do I see myself working in?• What types of people would I want to interact with at work?• What daily tasks would I enjoy doing at work?• Would I prefer working with data, ideas, things, or people?• What level of responsibility would I want to have?

Research Use online assessments to continue learning more about yourself and the careers that may fit your interests, skills, values and personality type. Use the online resources near the end of this guide to research the careers that are a good fit for you and which majors lead to those careers.

Doing research will better equip you to choose a major that you will enjoy and that will help you reach your career goals. Conducting an informational interview with someone who works in the field will help you gather realistic information about a specific career. Doing internships and volunteer work will not only give you hands-on experience that will help you decide if that might be the career for you, but it will also help you build your resume. The more work you put into this process, the more you will gain from it!

Page 2 of 18

Page 5: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Undecided vs. Indecisive

What is the difference?

Undecided /un·de·cid·ed/ adjective: Not having made a choice or decision.

Indecisive /in·de·ci·sive/adjective: Unable or reluctant to make decisions generally or come to a resolution about something in particular.

Undecided refers to a specific decision, while indecisive is the characteristic of being unable to decide in general.

Would you say that you are “undecided” or “indecisive” when it comes to choosing a major? Why?

What do you think have been some of your obstacles to choosing a major?

What are some factors that you are considering that seem to make it difficult for you to decide on a major?

What messages have you received from the people around you (family, friends, coworkers, teachers, etc.) about choosing a major or career path?

In what other areas of your life do you have difficulty making decisions? What are some similarities or recurring themes that you notice?

Page 3 of 18

Page 6: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

The “F” Word – FEAR It is very common for us to have certain worries and concerns about our major and career decisions. Identifying your fears can help you clarify potential obstacles in choosing a major and finding a career that you can love.

List the top three fears you experience in choosing a major or career path:

Fear #1:

Fear #2:

Fear #3:

What are some ways you can challenge and begin to overcome each of these three fears?

I can challenge Fear #1 by:

I can challenge Fear #2 by:

I can challenge Fear #3 by:

Page 4 of 18

Page 7: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Major Myths It is time for a reality check. Let’s explore some of the common myths about choosing a major/career path…

MYTH: Most students entering college know what they are going to major in.

REALITY: Anywhere from 50-80% of students entering college have yet to choose a major.

MYTH: A career assessment or advisor can tell you what major or career is perfect for you.

REALITY: The only expert on what is best for you is YOU! Career assessment results can be useful in gathering information about you and relating it to career types, and meeting with a career advisor can help you to put information in order so you can verify or challenge your ideas. But, these are only tools; the decision is yours.

MYTH: Once you declare a major you are stuck with it.

REALITY: Up to 70% of college students will change their major at least once. On average, students change their major at least three times before graduating.

MYTH: Declaring a major is a lifetime commitment to a specific career.

REALITY: Most majors lead to a wide variety of opportunities rather than one specific career. The average worker will change careers five times during a work life, and nearly one-third of workers report never working in a field related to their major.

MYTH: You should choose a major based on careers that are in demand/show rapid growth.

REALITY: Job markets can change quickly and dramatically. A career that is in demand now may not be in five years. Job markets also depend on location. The chances of finding a job related to your major go up a few points if you are in a big city versus a small city/town.

MYTH: You should major in something that guarantees a stable career and financial security.

REALITY: Choose a major that you have a genuine interest in. Research shows you will earn good grades, and will be more likely to complete your education and graduate in a timely manner. Business is the most popular undergraduate degree in the U.S., but a recent study revealed these graduates care the least about their jobs and are not even the most financially secure. If you make a lot of money but feel miserable at work every day, do you consider that being successful?

Page 5 of 18

Page 8: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Put the You in Values Values indicate what we consider most important in our lives. They are reflected in what we do with our time. They motivate our behavior.

On a scale from 1-10, with 1 being “Not Important” and 10 being “Very Important,” rate each of these work values:

WORK VALUE RATING

Help Society – Doing something to contribute to the betterment of the world I live in.

Help Others – Being involved in helping other people in a direct way, either individually or in small groups.

Public Contact – Having a lot of direct day-to-day contact with different people.

Work with Others – Having a close working relationship with a group; working as a team toward common goals.

Affiliation – Being recognized as a member of a particular organization.

Friendships – Developing close personal relationships with people as a result of my work.

Competition – Engaging in activities that pit my abilities against others where there is a clear winner and loser outcome.

Make Decisions – Having the power to decide a course of action, policy, etc.

Work Under Pressure – Working in a situation where there are a lot of deadlines I have to meet and/or the quality of my work is judged critically by supervisors, coworkers, customers and/or others.

Power and Authority – Controlling the work activities and/or the career destiny of others.

Influence People – Being in a position to change attitudes or opinions and persuade other people.

Work Alone – Doing projects alone, without a lot of contact with other people.

Page 6 of 18

Page 9: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

WORK VALUE RATING

Knowledge – Engaging myself in the pursuit of knowledge, truth and understanding.

Intellectual Status – Being regarded as a person of high intellectual prowess or as one who is seen as an “expert” in the field.

Artistic Creativity – Engaging in creative work where I use my artistic talents.

Aesthetics – Being involved in studying or appreciating the beauty of things, ideas, people, etc.

Supervision – Having a job in which I am directly responsible for the work done by others.

Change and Variety – Having work responsibilities that frequently change in content and setting.

Precision Work – Working in a situation where there is very little tolerance for error.

Stability – Having a work routine and job duties that are largely predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.

Security – Being assured of keeping my job and a reasonable financial reward.

Fast Pace – Working in circumstances where there is a high pace of activity and work must be done rapidly.

Recognition – Being recognized for the quality of my work in some visible or public way.

Excitement – Experiencing a high degree of excitement during the course of my work.

Adventure – Having work duties which involve frequent risk-taking.

Profit/Gain – Having a strong likelihood of accumulating large amounts of money or other material gain.

Independence – Being able to determine the nature of my work without significant direction from others; not have to do what others tell me.

Moral Fulfillment – Feeling that my work is contributing significantly to a set of moral standards that I feel are very important.

Page 7 of 18

Page 10: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

WORK VALUE RATING

Location – Finding an area to live in which is conducive to my lifestyle and affords me the opportunity to do the things I enjoy most.

Physical Challenge – Having a job that makes physical demands which I would find challenging and rewarding.

Time Freedom – Having responsibilities that I can work at according to my own time schedule without specific required working hours.

Which are your top ten highest rated work values?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Which of these top ten would you rate as your top three?

1. 2. 3.

Think of these top three work values as your “deal breakers”—the things you value most highly and what you would probably need in a career in order to feel satisfied with what you do.

Consider the careers you have had in mind. Do you think they would fulfill many of your top ten values? What about your three deal breakers?

Page 8 of 18

Page 11: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

What the Heck is RIASEC? Dr. John L. Holland was an American Psychologist and Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University. He created the best known and most widely researched theory used by most professionals in the career counseling field—Holland Occupational Themes.

According to Holland’s theory, most people can be categorized into six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. “RIASEC” is the acronym derived from the first letter of each of these six types.

We all share some of the characteristics from each of these six personality types, but some traits are more dominant than others. Our three most dominant personality types make up what is called our “Holland Code.”

There are also six basic types of work environments that match these six types of personalities. People prefer to be in environments where they can use the skills and abilities and express the values and attitudes that characterize their personality type. And, people are more likely to be successful and feel satisfied in their career when they choose to work in an environment that matches their personality type. Therefore, taking an assessment to discover your Holland Code can be tremendously helpful in exploring career paths where the work environment would be a good match for you.

The Holland Codes Take some time to read through the descriptions for each of the six personality types. While you read through each type, think about which types describe you and which types are not like you.

Realistic = the “Doers” Occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Are you? Practical; straightforward/frank; mechanically inclined; stable; concrete; reserved; self-controlled; independent; ambitious; systematic

Can you? Fix electrical things; solve electrical problems; pitch a tent; play a sport; read a blueprint; plant a garden; operate tools and machinery

Do you like to? Tinker with machines/vehicles; work outdoors; be physically active; use your hands; build things; tend/train animals; work on electronic equipment

Page 9 of 18

Page 12: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Investigative = the “Thinkers” Occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Are you? Inquisitive; analytical; scientific; observant/precise; scholarly; cautious; intellectually self-confident; independent; logical; complex; curious

Can you? Think abstractly; solve math problems; understand scientific theories; do complex calculations; use a microscope or computer; interpret formulas

Do you like to? Explore a variety of ideas; work independently; perform lab experiments; deal with abstractions; do research; be challenged

Artistic = the “Creators” Occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Are you? Creative; imaginative; innovative; unconventional; emotional; independent; expressive; original; introspective; impulsive; sensitive; courageous; complicated; idealistic; nonconforming

Can you? Sketch; draw; paint; play a musical instrument; write stories, poetry, music; sing; act; dance; design fashions or interiors

Do you like to? Attend concerts; theatre; art exhibits; read fiction, plays, poetry; work on crafts; take photographs; express yourself creatively; deal with ambiguous ideas

Social = the “Helpers” Occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Are you? Friendly; helpful; idealistic; insightful; outgoing; understanding; cooperative; generous; responsible; forgiving; patient; kind

Can you? Teach/train others; express yourself clearly; lead a group discussion; mediate disputes; plan and supervise an activity; cooperate well with others

Do you like to? Work in groups; help people with problems; do volunteer work; work with young people; serve others

Enterprising = the “Persuaders” Occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Page 10 of 18

Page 13: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Are you? Self-confident; assertive; persuasive; energetic; adventurous; popular; ambitious; agreeable; talkative; extroverted; spontaneous; optimistic

Can you? Initiate projects; convince people to do things your way; sell things; give talks or speeches; organize activities; lead a group; persuade others

Do you like to? Make decisions; be elected to office; start your own business; campaign politically; meet important people; have authority, power, or status

Conventional = the “Organizers” Occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Are you? Well-organized; accurate; numerically inclined; methodical; conscientious; efficient; conforming; practical; thrifty; systematic; structured; polite; ambitious; obedient; persistent

Can you? Work well within a system; do a lot of paper work in a short time; keep accurate records; use a computer terminal; write effective business letters

Do you like to? Follow clearly defined procedures; use data processing equipment; work with numbers; type or take shorthand; be responsible for details; collect or organize things

What is Your Holland Code? Now that you have read through the descriptions of the six personality types, it is time to see what your Holland Code is.

What are the first letters of the three personality types that you think best describe you? For instance, if you feel like you are highly “Artistic,” somewhat “Social” and a little bit “Investigative,” your code would be ASI:

Now, take the O*Net Interest Profiler. What are the first letters of your three highest scoring categories?

If these Holland Codes are different, why do you think there is a mismatch between what you chose and the results of the O*Net Interest Profiler?

Page 11 of 18

Page 14: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Occupations and AVC Majors by Holland Code The occupations and majors listed below represent only a few examples and are meant to stimulate ideas. Some occupations may have several majors that would be a great choice for that career path.

Realistic Example Occupations AVC Majors Animal Control Workers

Administration of JusticeAthletic Trainers KinesiologyAutomotive Specialty Technicians Automotive Technology

Avionics Technicians Aeronautical and Aviation TechnologyElectricians Electrical TechnologyFirefighters Fire TechnologyMechanical Engineering Technologists Engineering

Radiologic Technicians Radiological TechnologyRefrigeration Mechanics and Installers Air Conditioning and RefrigerationSound Engineering Technicians

Music - Commercial

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters Welding

Investigative

Example Occupations AVC Majors Actuaries

MathematicsCivil Engineers EngineeringComputer Systems Analysts Computer Applications, Computer Networking and

Computer Information ScienceEconomists

EconomicsEnvironmental Restoration Planners Biological SciencesGeographic Information Systems Technicians

Geography

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists PsychologyRobotics Technicians Electronics Technology

Soil and Plant Scientists Agriculture/Park and Landscape ManagementWater Resource Specialists Geology

Artistic

Example Occupations Architectural DraftersArt DirectorsFashion Designers

Film and Video EditorsInterior DesignersLandscape ArchitectsMusic Composers and DirectorsReporters and CorrespondentsTechnical Writers

AVC Majors Drafting/Computer Aided Design Art Clothing and Textiles – Fashion Design Digital Media Interior Design Agriculture/Park and Landscape Management Music Communication Studies English Digital Media Video Game Designers

Page 12 of 18

Page 15: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Social Example Occupations Clergy

Dietetic TechniciansElementary School TeachersHealthcare Social WorkersInterpreters and TranslatorsMedical AssistantsMental Health Counselors

Probation OfficersRegistered NursesRespiratory Therapists

AVC Majors Philosophy Family and Consumer Science Early Childhood Education Sociology Deaf Studies Medical Assisting Psychology Administration of Justice Registered Nursing Respiratory Care

Enterprising Example Occupations AVC Majors Energy Brokers

MarketingFinancial Managers, Branch or Department Business AdministrationFood Service ManagersHuman Resources SpecialistsLawyersLegislators

Office ManagersPersonal Financial AdvisorsProducersPublic Relations Specialists

Conventional

Example Occupations AccountantsArchivistsAuditorsCity and Regional Planning AidesFinancial AnalystsImmigration and Customs Inspectors

Information Security Analysts

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Family and Consumer Science Management Administration of Justice Political Science Office Technology Accounting Film and Television Communication Studies

AVC Majors Accounting History Accounting Economics Business Administration Administration of Justice Computer Applications, Computer Networking and Computer Information Science Office Technology

Proofreaders and Copy Markers EnglishTitle Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers Real Estate

Page 13 of 18

Page 16: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Liberal Arts and Sciences Did you know that one-third of all Fortune 500 CEOs have liberal arts degrees? In study after study, employers report that critical thinking, problem-solving, and oral and written communication skills are the essential abilities they seek when hiring a new employee – skills that are strongly developed through a liberal arts education.

So, if you thought that earning a degree in liberal arts would be the wrong direction for career success and fulfillment, here are a few online articles that may change your mind:

Myth: A Liberal Arts Education Is Becoming Irrelevant (2012 American Council on Education Why Getting a Liberal Arts College Education Is Not a Mistake (2014 Forbes Magazine There Is Value in Liberal Arts Education, Employers Say (2014 U.S. News & World Report The Value of a Liberal Arts Education in Today's Global Marketplace (2013) Huffington Post

AVC offers three different options of an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences designed for students who want to explore different subjects before deciding on a specific major. If you are planning to transfer, this degree may not meet all of the lower division requirements for transfer into a particular major; however, through careful educational planning with a counselor, this degree would offer a solid foundation in the transfer process.

Option I – Math and Sciences: This area of study allows students to take courses that will prepare them for possible majors within the many fields of Science, including the Allied Health field, Nursing preparation, Health Sciences, and related fields. Courses in mathematics emphasize mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills. Courses in the sciences examine the physical universe—its life forms and its natural phenomena —allowing students to learn about the methodologies of science as an investigative tool and to understand the influence scientific knowledge has on society.

Option II – Social/Behavioral Sciences: This area of study allows students to take courses that will prepare them for possible majors within the fields of Psychology, History, Sociology, Political Science, and related disciplines. Courses in the social and behavioral sciences explore a variety of theories, perspectives, and experiences as to how people have behaved and continue to behave in response to particular times, places, events, and societies. The courses are designed to stimulate critical thinking and encourage students to evaluate how societies and social sub groups operate in the world.

Option III – Arts and Humanities: This area of study allows students to take courses that will prepare them for possible majors within a variety of liberal arts disciplines. Courses in arts and humanities promote critical thinking and emphasize the cultural, humanistic, and artistic expression of people throughout the world, past and present. Students will learn to evaluate and interpret how people have developed aesthetically to the world around them.

Page 14 of 18

Page 17: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Go to Eureka to create your account.

Under “Students/Clients,” enter Antelope Valley College’s Site ID Code: YXDNKTB

My Eureka Username is:

My Eureka Password is:

Click on the “My Path” tab, and begin with “Step 1: Who Am I? “

Take the “Inner Heroes,” “True Colors,” and “MicroSkills” assessments and record your results here. Scroll down the results page of each assessment to view examples of the education themes and occupations for each of your results. Double click on each occupation for detailed information.

My “Top Hero” type is:

The occupations listed for my top hero type that interest me most are:

My “True Color” is:

The occupations listed for my true color that interest me most are:

My “5 Very Satisfying Skills” are:

The occupations listed for my 5 very satisfying skills that interest me most are:

Click on the “Education” tab and then “View Majors/Training Programs” to select those occupations and read more about that major, and can use the menu on the left to find schools with that major/training.

Page 15 of 18

Page 18: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Online Personality Tests Clear identities help us navigate the world, guide our own behaviors, and make predictions about what we will and will not like. Personality tests may give us information we feel is useful or we deem more accurate than knowledge obtained through introspection in forming views about ourselves.

Taking a number of different personality tests may help you discover things about yourself that you were not aware of, or, help validate our view of ourselves and how we interact with the world around us.

Go to Truity and take The TypeFinder® Research Edition to assess your personality type. This assessment is based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and will measure your preferences/tendencies on these four dimensions of personality:

• Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)• Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)• Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)• Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)

After completing the assessment, your result will be displayed as one of the sixteen four-letter personality types. Read over the information about your type, along with what careers would be a good match for your type.

My four-letter personality type is:

The suggested careers based on my personality type that interest me most are:

Truity offers a number of other free and paid personality and career assessments that can help you discover more about yourself and what career fields may be a good match for you. You may create an account if you would like to save and access your assessment results at any time.

You may wish to take Truity's Holland Code Career Test to compare the results with the Holland Code you chose for yourself and the Holland Code from the results on your O*Net Interest Profiler.

Page 16 of 18

Page 19: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

Online Research Here is just a small sample of the online resources available to you to research majors and careers and the colleges and universities in California. You may also wish to visit the Career/Transfer Center and look through the library of books on careers and to review college catalogs.

Majors and Careers Go to the AVC online catalog to review the list of degrees and certificates available and to read the program and course descriptions to see what programs and courses interest you.

Go to California CareerZone® and complete the "Make Money Choices" exercise to see what salary you will need to earn to live the lifestyle you want to lead.

Go to Jobs Made Real to watch video interviews with professionals in different career fields to give you a glimpse into each career. The site also includes information about starting salaries and educational requirements for each career.

Go to Looksharp to find internship and entry-level job opportunities.

Go to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, an online resource from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics that has tons of information about thousands of careers.

Go to O*NET OnLine to browse occupations by job outlook, interests, values, tools and technology, or to search for occupations using keywords.

Go to QuintCareers for a fantastic “Informational Interviewing Tutorial.”

Go to Salary Surfer to review comparative information about the earnings of recent graduates who received an award in a specific program area at California community colleges, including AVC.

Go to What Can I Do With This Major? to find out about the different careers you can pursue with a specific major.

California Universities Go to CSUMentor to explore the California State University campuses, find out which campuses offer the majors you are interested in, and how to apply to transfer.

Go to the University of California’s website for information on major preparation, to find out which campuses offer the majors you are interested in, and how to apply to transfer.

Go to ASSIST to check how course credits earned at one public California college or university can be applied when transferred to another. ASSIST is the official repository of articulation for California’s public colleges and universities and provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about student transfer in California.

Page 17 of 18

Page 20: The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide · The Career Center Major and Career Exploration Guide A self-paced ... academic success. ... You should major in something that

A Career Roadmap Here are some suggested activities to help you with your major and career exploration process during your time here at AVC.

Become familiar with and take advantage of all of the student services that are here to support you

Complete the exercises in this guide and take the online career and personality assessments to help you discover and validate your personality style, interests, values and skills

Schedule an appointment with the Career Center to meet with the Career Center Coordinator to review your assessment results and get additional assistance with exploring majors or career paths

Declare a major with Admissions & Records

Schedule an appointment at the Counseling Center to meet with a counselor to develop your Student Educational Plan (SEP) based on your chosen major

Take a Human Development course or two to expand your self-awareness and develop skills

Participate in Student Development activities to get to know other students, staff, and faculty who may help you along your path

Participate in student workshops and attend Job/Career/Transfer fairs

Talk to instructors who have expertise related to your to learn more about career opportunities

Arrange informational interviews and job shadowing to learn more about career realities

Visit the Job Placement Center for help with resume writing and interview skills and to look for internship or employment opportunities that may provide valuable experience related to your career interests

Visit the Transfer Center to gather transfer information from college catalogs, college websites, and to meet with visiting college representatives

Schedule an appointment at the Transfer Center desk to meet with a Transfer Center counselor to understand what is needed to transfer to the another college/university and continue your educational journey

Page 18 of 18