Exploratory | Undeclared Students

Is your major undeclared? Or do you have a major in mind and need to explore how it translates into a career? You are not alone in feeling undecided about this important decision; more than half of all college students aren't sure either! Our career advisors and career counselors are available to assist you. It is important to begin this decision-making process early. The FAU Career Center recommends students start the process during the first year at FAU.

Career Assessment and Career Counseling

We offer career assessment and career counseling to assist you with career planning and the job search process. If you are interested in clarifying your career goals, exploring career options or evaluating occupational settings, schedule an appointment to meet with a career counselor by calling 561-297-3533. Or meet with a career advisor during Same-Day Career Advising every Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Some of the assessments that we administer and interpret include the Strong Interest Inventory, Card Sorts and MyPlan. For more information about our career assessments, please click here.

Owl Nation Exploration (O.N.E) Program: The O.N.E. path to exploring majors & Careers

The O.N.E. program is a collaborative partnership between University Advising Services and the FAU Career Center. The goal of the program is to assist FAU students with their academic and career choices. Through Owl Nation Exploration (O.N.E) students will:
  • Explore personal interests, majors on campus, and professional options available after graduation.
  • Receive 1-on-1 attention from your academic and career advisor year-round.
  • Network with current students, faculty, staff, and members of the surrounding community.
  • Co-create a plan for achieving your dreams and goals.

For more information about the O.N.E. program, please click here.

What Can I Do With This Major ?

Do you have a major in mind and need to explore how it translates into a career? Click here to learn about FAU majors and their related major skills, sample work settings, career titles and additional resources for each major.

Complete Major KnOWLedge

Major KnOWLedge is an online resource developed by career counselors at the Career Center that helps FAU students identify personal interests and their relationships to FAU majors, as well as occupations. As an FAU student, you will have access to this wonderful resource 24/7. By completing the Major KnOWLedge program you will be one step closer to deciding on a major and/or career! To access Major KnOWLedge click here and additional resources for each major.

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to speak with professionals in career fields you are exploring. The purpose of an informational interview is to gain first-hand knowledge about a specific occupation. When you talk with individuals at their work places, you can ask a variety of questions. These can help you get a "feel" for the work environment, the tasks associated with the occupation, as well as its rewards and limitations. Login to your Handshake account to access the FAU Professional Mentor Program. Please view our Informational Interview Guide for more information on how to prepare and what questions to ask.

Explore Through Co-op/Internships

The Cooperative Education/Internship Program is a unique educational program in which students integrate classroom study with periods of paid, supervised work experience related to their academic majors. At Florida Atlantic University, a Co-op/Internship assignment is a structured experiential learning opportunity in which students apply concepts studied in the classroom to "real world" work situations. Co-op/Internship is offered on a semester basis, fall, spring, or summer (Term I), full-time, or part-time. A Co-op/Internship assignment can be multiple times with one employer or different employers. See Co-op/Internship Program Education Partnership Model.

Majors Fair

The Carnival of Majors Fair is an annual event that provides students an opportunity to explore the many academic areas of study offered at FAU, along with the chance to meet faculty and advisors representing these program areas. This is a great opportunity for students whether they are undecided, contemplating, or they simply want more information about their major. For the time and date of this event, go to Handshake.

Additional Suggestions

  • Visit the Career Resource Library (SU220) for information about various majors and related careers. Books such as College Majors and Careers, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Dictionary of Occupational Titles are very helpful.
  • Review the FAU catalog online! Learn about academic offerings at FAU.
  • Academic Departments - Visit the websites of academic advising in which you are considering a major.
  • Make an appointment with your academic advisor at University Advising Services.

Common Myths About the Career Development Process

Fact: Interest inventories are pretty good at measuring interests. However, the career decision-maker also needs to consider abilities, values, experiences, and any number of practical considerations (expenses, opportunities, training requirements, family issues, geographical location, etc.). An interest inventory may assist you in a thorough career decision-making process - but alone it is rarely sufficient.

Fact: Indecision is normal. Different people take different amounts of time to make career decisions. Indecision is only a problem when you choose to do nothing about it. If you are engaging in a number of “career exploratory activities” you are on the right track!

Fact: This is the myth perpetuated by those who think that a career decision-making is an event rather than a process. Making a decision prematurely, or based on inaccurate or insufficient information, is invariably a mistake. Even if it means changing your academic plans, give yourself the time necessary to make an intelligent and unrushed career plan.

Fact: There is no relationship between the time in life one makes a career decision, and one’s ultimate success and happiness in that career. Some know early, others know later in life. Many “successful” people switch careers numerous times before settling on the one that’s right for them. If there is one quality successful people seem to have, it is perseverance.

Fact: All a college degree assures you of is a college degree. However, a college degree combined with good career planning, experience, and preparation greatly increases your chance of obtaining a rewarding career.

Fact: The average adult doesn’t settle on a career until sometime in their 30’s. Your interest, values, abilities, and aspirations may be different at ages 20, 30, 40, and beyond. If so, you’ll change and modify your career accordingly. Changing careers is only a problem if you think it is a problem.

Fact: The approval of others is nice, but it is not essential to your career well-being. If others care about you, they’ll probably be delighted if your career brings you happiness and fulfillment. It’s unfortunate if others aren’t pleased with what you’re doing, but ultimately it's your decision.

Fact: You have other needs that can be fulfilled through vocational activities - social, familial, recreational, spiritual, political, cultural, and so forth. You will never find a career that will meet all your needs, but you can spend a lifetime unsuccessfully looking for one.