This is a guide that I developed in 2007 for a presentation on Self Motivation that I gave - it gives useful suggestions for questions to ask yourself to help narrow in a major or career choice.

1. Exploring Majors and Careers: Key Questions to Ask Yourself
A list of questions compiled by the
McLaren College of Business Undergraduate Program Office
Your Goals and Dreams
• What is your dream? If you could do anything without regard to money or what it takes to make it
happen, what would you do?
• What did you want to be when you were 5 years old? 12 years old? Applying to college?
• What do you visualize yourself doing in the next 5-10 years after you leave USF?
• What would you like to achieve as a USF student? What led you to come here?
• How reasonable would it be for you to change majors right now? Do you believe you can successfully
graduate in the major you are in?
Your Interests
• What are your hobbies outside of the classroom? List everything that you enjoy. Include sports,
music, computers, games, collecting, travel, cooking, etc.
• Which courses have you enjoyed the most in high school and/or college? Why? (teacher, subject, etc.).
• Which courses have you enjoyed the least in high school and/or college? Why? (teachers, subject, etc.)
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2. • Which subjects would you like to learn more about?
• How did you play when you were a child? (i.e. did you play in the sandbox to be with friends, use your
imagination, build things?) How do those activities relate to your interests today?
• Do you enjoy: Fixing things Analyzing or Solving Problems Creative Activities
Helping Others Attending to Details Persuading or Managing Others
Your Strengths
• How would you describe yourself? How do others describe you?
• What career do your parents, partner, or close friends think you should pursue? Why?
• Think back to one or more instances in which you were complimented on your work. What skills or
talents were you using?
• Which activities or tasks come naturally for you which are difficult for others? What have you
always had a “knack” for?
• What special abilities or experiences do you have that might be helpful to a major or career? (public
speaking, music, etc.)
• List at least one or two peak accomplishments. These are achievements that you had plenty of drive to
complete and which gave you a strong sense of accomplishment. If you can’t think of any from college,
think back to high-school or beyond. Does looking at these accomplishments suggest a career must or
even a career?
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3. Your Values / Desired Work Environment(s)
• If you only had one year left to live, what would you do with it?
• Describe your worst possible job. What does this suggest you should avoid in your future major or
career?
• Now describe the inverse of that – your job from heaven? What does this suggest you should look for in
your future major or career?
• Which geographical area would you like to work in? Are you flexible on location or open to travel?
• Do you prefer working: alone in groups indoors outdoors
• Would you rather have work activities which: Change Frequently Are Routine / Predictable
• Would you rather work with: People Data Things
• Would you rather: Makes Lots of Money Make a Difference in Society / Others’ Lives
• Have you or someone you love faced an adversity that suggests a possible career which excites you? For
example, having had a mother pass away from brain cancer, Rhonda decides to put her love of science to
good use and become a brain surgeon.
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