Explore Self

Major exploration is also about exploring yourself, your interests, strengths, and values. Knowing yourself on a deeper level can help you find majors that are strong fits for you! The tools below facilitate this exploration - we recommend engaging with these self-exploration resources as you begin major exploration.

Step One: Reflective Questions

To begin self-exploration, you can reflect on the following questions:

Questions for beginning stages of major exploration:

  • Which classes have you enjoyed so far? Which classes have you not enjoyed?
  • What are classes you always wanted to take, but have not taken yet?
  • What things/topics/values are most important in your life? 

Questions for beginning stages of major exploration, based on your classroom experiences:

  • Which kinds of majors may be aligned to your strengths? (i.e., abstract, project-based, quantitative, detail-oriented, big-picture, hands-on, real-world, theoretical, etc.)
  • Which class environments may work best for you as a learner?  (i.e., busy, quiet, calm, loud, large lecture hall, small seminar, collaborative, participation-based, etc.)

Questions for major exploration, based on skills and careers:

  • What possible careers are you considering?
  • Are you exploring majors based on your personal interests, possible career paths, or both?
  • What skills or knowledge do you want to gain from your major?
  • Have you considered an individualized major?

Questions for major exploration, based on academic constraints:

  • Do the majors you are exploring have specific pre-requisite courses? Have you made any progress in them so far?
  • Do the majors you are exploring require an application? Are you a competitive applicant? What do you need to do to become more competitive?
  • What is your expected graduation timeline? Can you complete your possible majors' requirements in that timeline? 

    Step Two: Goal Setting

    Personal goals for major exploration can help you stay focused -  make sure they are "SMART" Goals!

    SMART goals are "specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely"

    For example, goals for major exploration can include:

    1. I will engage in self-exploration to learn more about myself and majors/careers that are strong fits for me. I will self-explore through taking assessments, joining clubs on campus, and taking classes for major exploration this semester, so I will understand myself and major/career interests more by the end of this semester.
    2. By the end of the semester, I will narrow down my list of possible majors to 3-7 options. I will research these major options, know if they require applications, and understand my path towards graduation with these majors. 
    3. By the end of this year, I will identify possible career options by meeting with the Center for Career Development, gaining experiences to build my resume, and applying to internships.

    Step Three: Deeper Self-Exploration Tasks, Assessments and Experiential Learning

    Assessments

    Consider taking the assessments below to further explore your personality, values, and strengths!

    Personality:

    Your personality is a combination of attributes and qualities that form your distinctive character. Are you an introvert or extrovert? Imaginative? Bold and strong willed? Are you a leader? Are you practical? All these things make up your personality and can play a role in major/career exploration.

    Personality Assessment: 16 Personalities
    Based on the personality types developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs, which built on the work of Carl Jung. This personality test shows you what it means to be you.

    Personality Assessment: Focus 2
    Focus 2 is a collection of assessments, open to UConn Students through the Career for Career Readiness and Life Skills. In Focus 2, they offer a "Personality Assessment" that can help further explore your personality.

    Values:

    A person's values are your judgement for what's important in life, and often play a role in how you make decisions. Your values can be a product of your personality or informed by your beliefs, and identifying your values can help with your career/major exploration.

    Values Assessment: Guided Video and PDF
    This assessment facilitates self-exploration of your personal values. Download the PDF to complete as you play the Guided Video!

    Values Assessment: Focus 2
    Focus 2 is a collection of assessments, open to UConn Students through the Career for Career Readiness and Life Skills. In Focus 2, they offer a "Values Assessment" that can help further explore your values. 

    Consider joining Student Organizations on campus - many are related to majors, careers, and interests!

     

    Consider internship and job experiences to explore interests and build your resume!